Copyright: Copyright ® 1993, 1994 Micro House International.
Citation: From The Micro House Technical Library on CD-ROM.  Copyright ® 1993, 1994 Micro House International.


Index
    Help Contents v100.004.003

About the Library

Troubleshooting

New Since the Manual was Printed

Key word Search Tips

Drivers & Software

The Toolbar

Using the Key

Common Key Problems

Description of Main Board I/O Options

Information Request Forms

If you are new to Windows Help then note the following:

Click on green text to bring up information on that subject.

Click on items in pictures (such as the Micro House logo above) to also bring up information.


    New since the manual was printed

The following information did not make it into your product manual before it was printed, or is worth mentioning again.  Please read these sections carefully before using the library.

Low Memory Edition

There are now low memory and standard memory editions of the library.  The standard memory edition is the default version installed.  The low memory edition does not use bitmaps and other graphics, but does get the job done using far less system memory.  Try this edition if your system has less than 4MB or runs slowly while using the library.

Change the memory edition by modifying the MH.INI file that is in your Windows directory with a text editor (such as notepad) and edit the line:

BITMAPS=1 (one) for the standard edition (default).

BITMAPS=0  (zero) for the low memory edition.

Wild Card Searches

You can now enter the wild card character * when in criteria searches.  For example, entering in S* for the MAKE in a hard drive criteria search would pull up all companies that start with the letter S.

Getting Help On A Section

Help on the section that youre in will pop-up by pressing the F1 key.

Automatic Button Help

A new help feature has been added to the buttons.  Move the cursor to a button and leave it there for 1 or more seconds.  A message will pop-up describing that button.  To change the time that it takes for the messages to appear edit the following entry in the MH.INI file:

ButtonHelpTime= (1000 for each second, 0 disables).

New MH.INI Font Entries

Two new font setting entries have been added to the MH.INI file.

UseWindowsFonts=True/False

The library will use Arial and Times for document display and printing if set to True.  Text may not format properly in this mode.  The default is false which will use the fonts that are included with the library.

HitListPreview=FontName

The text used to display the hitlist print preview and the hitlist printed output is specified with this parameter.

New Exit Buttons

The exit button has been changed in all of the windows (except for the main window).  Instead of one button there are now two so that you have the option of going back one window at a time or all the way back to the main library window.  See Exit Buttons for more information.

New [image] Button Options

Some diagrams contain information for more than one model.  This is because the models have the same exact jumper settings.  If this is the case, but the models have different specifications, then after clicking on [image] on the Toolbar you will be shown the specs for the first model.  To get to the next and previous models use the controls at the right of the information window (above the about button).

Virtual Memory Helps

The library is very memory intensive.  To ensure the best results your system should have the Windows virtual memory feature enabled.  To check to see if your system is taking advantage of this, open the Control Panel, click on 386 Enhanced, and then click on Virtual Memory.  To change the settings click on Change.

Jumperless Controllers

There are several controller cards (both network and hard drive) that contain no user configurable jumper settings.  Micro House does not diagram these controllers and so choosing one of these from the Hit List will not bring up a picture.  You will, however, be presented with the item's complete specifications (as if you had chosen [image]).

Missing Hard Drive Jumper Settings

Several library users have noticed that there are no documents for a number of the hard drives.  The reason for this is that we have listings for drives going back to 1984 and are unable to obtain jumper settings on these older drives.  You can click on the [image] button on the hit list window to display the complete parameters on these drives, but double clicking on the drive entry will not bring up the diagram.  If you have jumper settings on any of these missing drives please fax them to us (303-443-3323), we would greatly appreciate it!

HP4 Printer Problems

Some customers experience problems when printing to HP4 printers or printers that emulate them.  These problems usually disappear when the latest drivers are used.  Recent drivers for the HP LJ4 are are included on the CD in the \DRIVERS\HP directory.

IDE Identify Notes

The IDE Identify feature only works with IDE type hard drives and only if 32-bit disk access is disabled.  If your hard drive is not an IDE, or 32-bit disk access is enabled, then don't use this feature!  Your Windows system will become unstable and you will have to re-boot your computer.

In rare situations the IDE Drive Inquiry may cause a network fault.  To avoid this problem, when the Library is installed to a network, the .INI will default to hiding the IDE Drive Inquiry feature.  You may enable the feature on networks by altering the .INI, but you do so at a slight risk of temporary system lock-up.

Information Request Forms

A new section of this help file is the Information Request Forms section which provides forms to be filled out and submitted for equipment that does not appear in the Library.

Accessing Drivers

Drivers and setup software are now included for many more cards. Each version of the CD will have additional driver sets, and any updated versions.  To determine if a component has drivers on the CD, look in the Hit List for a [image] symbol next to the component make & model.  If a component has the symbol, select the component, and select the [image] button.  You will get the Drivers & Software selection window which allows you to determine whether to extract single files or the entire diskette.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


InfoRequest
Information Request Form

If you cannot find information for specific hardware on the Library, you may request the information from Micro House Department of Research.  Print out the appropriate form, fill it in, and submit it by faxing the sheet to (303) 443-3323, calling (with all the information in front of you) (303) 443-3389, or mailing the form to:

Attn: Research

Micro House International, Inc.

4900 Pearl East Circle Suite 101

Boulder Colorado 80301

We will use our resources to try to obtain the information for you and include it on the next version of the Library.  We often have data on hand that we received after the last release, so we may already have your information on hand.

If you have information that is not in the Library, please submit it to us so that we can make it available to you and other customers on the next release.

Hard Drive Information Request Form

HD Controller Card Information Request Form

Main Board Information Request Form

Network Interface Card Information Request Form

Various Cards Information Request Form


HDRequest
Hard Drive Information Request Form

Your Name:

Your Company:

Your Voice Number:

Your Fax Number:

Information Requested:           ___Jumpers   ___ Specifications  ___ Other. . .

Make:

Model:

Usually the correct Make & Model is sufficient for us to get information on Hard Drives.  If you are not able to supply the correct Make & Model, you should fill out as much of the following as possible to aid in trying to determine the Make & Model of the drive.

Any even remotely helpful information including name and/or number of companies who may OEM, be the parent companie of, or themselves manufacture the hardware in question:

Interface:

Capacity:

Physical Dimensions:

From what machine:

Labeling of the Jumpers:

Other markings on the drive:

If you feel that it would help, draw a rough diagram of the drive showing location & labeling of jumpers, interface, & power:


CCRequest
HD Controller Information Request Form

Your Name:

Your Company:

Your Voice Number:

Your Fax Number:

Information Requested:           ___Jumpers   ___ Specifications  ___ Other. . .

Make:

Model:

Usually the correct Make & Model is sufficient for us to get information on Controller Cards.  If you are not able to supply the correct Make & Model, you should fill out as much of the following as possible to aid in trying to determine the Make & Model of the card.

Any even remotely helpful information including name and/or number of companies who may OEM, be the parent companie of, or themselves manufacture the hardware in question:

Interface: ___ST506-412  ___ESDI  ___SCSI  ___IDE  ___Other. . .

Bus:  ___XT  ___ISA  ___EISA  ___VESA  ___Other. . .

I/O Support (indicate all that apply):

___Floppy  ___Hard  ___Drive(s)  ___Serial  ___Parallel  ___Other(s). . .

If you feel that it would help, draw a rough diagram of the controller showing location & labeling of jumpers, interface, & other components:


MBRequest
Main Board Information Request Form

Your Name:

Your Company:

Your Voice Number:

Your Fax Number:

Information Requested:           ___Jumpers   ___ Specifications  ___ Other. . .

Make:

Model:

Any even remotely helpful information including name and/or number of companies who may OEM, be the parent companie of, or themselves manufacture the hardware in question:


NCRequest
Network Card Information Request Form

Your Name:

Your Company:

Your Voice Number:

Your Fax Number:

Information Requested:           ___Jumpers   ___ Specifications  ___ Other. . .

Make:

Model:

Any even remotely helpful information including name and/or number of companies who may OEM, be the parent companie of, or themselves manufacture the hardware in question:


IORequest
Various Card Information Request Form

Your Name:

Your Company:

Your Voice Number:

Your Fax Number:

Information Requested:           ___Jumpers   ___ Specifications  ___ Other. . .

Make:

Model:

The Make & Model may not be sufficient for us to get information on Other IO Cards.  You should provide as much information as possible to have the best chance at acquiring the desired information on the card.

Any even remotely helpful information including name and/or number of companies who may OEM, be the parent companie of, or themselves manufacture the hardware in question:

If you feel that it would help, draw a rough diagram of the controller showing location & labeling of jumpers, interface, & other components:


Troubleshooting

Following are some hints and solutions for many problems commonly experienced when attempting to use the Technical Library.

   If you get any application errors, Window errors, or any other messages while running the library, try to replicate the error, that is, identify the sequence of steps that will reliably cause the error.  Remember that for any Windows error, most programs will continue to get errors until you restart the machine.

  HP Laserjet 4 printing problems?  Install the latest drivers for the HP Laserjet 4.  They are available on the CD in the DRIVERS/HP directory.  Any updates are also available from our BBS at (303) 443-9957.  The file name is L4WIN3.ZIP.

  Font display problems?  Ensure that True Type Fonts are enabled in your Control Panel/Fonts section.  Also, ensure that no MHFonts are installed when the Library is not running.

  Non-English versions of Windows will look for the language specific version of BWCC.DLL for example BWCCESP.DLL the Spanish version of BWCC.DLL.  Micro House does not currently have versions of BWCC.DLL other than English.  If you do not have your languages version of BWCC.DLL, you should copy BWCC.DLL (which is provided with the software) to the filename of the version for which your version of Windows is looking.

  If the Installation program hangs while searching for the CD, reboot the machine and try to do a directory of the CD from DOS.

  If you have problems getting the software to detect the key, refer to the Common Key Problems section of this help file.


About Micro House International
  About Micro House International / Micro House Europe

Micro House International

4900 Pearl East Circle #101

Boulder, CO 80301

Sales (only)	800-926-8299

Support	303-443-3389

Corporate Office	303-443-3388

BBS	303-443-9957

FAX	303-443-3323

FAX-on-Request	303-440-6408

Micro House Europe

P.O. Box 101

5730 AC Mierlo, Holland

Sales	+31 (0) 4927-60900

Support	+31 (0) 4927-60900

BBS	+31 (0) 4927-61072

FAX	+31 (0) 4927-64040


About the library

The Micro House Technical Library (the library) contains four of Micro House's highly acclaimed publications on one CD-ROM.  All of these publications are also available in printed form.

The Encyclopedia of Main Boards

Diagrams and documentation covering well over a thousand different main boards with jumper settings, memory configurations, cache configurations, miscellaneous jumper configurations, connection, and component locations.  The printed version has been discontinued.

The Encyclopedia of Hard Drives

Diagrams and documentation for hundreds of hard drives and controller cards covering jumper settings, performance specifications, and component locations.  Also included are complete parameters (CMOS) and specifications on over 2,000 hard drives including capacity (formatted megabytes), physical (and logical where appropriate) number of heads, cylinders, sectors per track, seek times, form factor (size), height, interface type, encoding, landing zone (parking cylinder), write precompensation cylinder, reduced write current cylinder, and MTBF.  The printed version is a three volume three ring bound set that is updated quarterly and on our BBS.

The Network Interface Technical Guide

Diagrams and documentation covering hundreds of network interface cards with jumper settings and specifications.  The printed version is a 1300+ page single reference volume.

The Encyclopedia of I/O Cards

Diagrams and documentation covering hundreds of I/O cards such as video, serial, parallel, modem, and other such PC Cards.

Also by Micro House:

Professional Hard Drive Setup Software

The 60 Second IDE Installation Software.

Click on a logo to find out more about that item.

Call Micro House for more information on these and other Micro House products.


Using the Key

The hardware key is not required for merely running the installation software INSTALL.EXE and SETUP.EXE, but it must be present for  the library to be run.

For stand-alone versions, the key must be installed on a printer port (port 1,2 or 3) on the computer system where the library will be run.  (For network versions of the library, see the Networks and the Key section.)  A printer may be attached to the other side of the key.  The key must not be attached to an external SCSI port!

If the computer is close to a wall or other obstacle, you can attach an extension cable to the port, then attach the key to the cable.  Use a straight-through DB-25 male-to-DB-25 female cable.

Also see these sections. . .

When the Key is Not Required

Networks and the Key

Common Key Problems


When the Key is Not Required

  If you have purchased only The Network Interface Technical Guide stand-alone version and no other books in your library then a key is not included or required.

  The INSTALL and SETUP programs do not require the key to be installed.

Note that all stand-alone versions can not be accessed across a network, even if there is only one workstation accessing it.  You must purchase a single-user network version if this is desired.


Networks and the Key

Locate your network in the NETWORK column and then load the specified program.  Only load the .EXE program onto one workstation (the one with the key attached), not all.  If you have purchased a stand-alone (non-network) version then none of these programs need to be loaded.  If you have problems getting the software to detect the key, please see the Common Key Problems section.

NETWORK	PROGRAM

Novell NetWare 2.15, 2.2, or 4.x	NSRVDI35.EXE

Novell NetWare 3.1x	NSRVNI35.NLM (See note 1)

Microsoft LanManager	NSRVDN35.EXE

Microsoft Windows for Workgroups	NSRVDN35.EXE (See note 2)

Banyan Vines	NSRVDN35.EXE

All other NETBIOS networks	NSRVDN35.EXE

Note 1: The NSRVNI35.NLM is loaded onto the NetWare 3.1x file server.  You may alternatively load NSRVDI35.EXE on a workstation that is running NetWare 3.1x instead of loading the NLM onto the file server.  You may do this if you do not wish to install the key on the server, but then resources on the workstation are dedicated to the key and that station must be active whenever anyone else wishes to use the library.

Note 2: Windows for Workgroups requires the following statement in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file of the computer with the key before loading NSRVDN35.EXE: NET START NETBEUI

Note 3: Further details can be found in the DOC files that are in the \KEY subdirectory on the CD.


Common Key Problems

  Is the key attached to a parallel printer port?

Make absolutely sure that it is not attached to some other type of 25-pin port that looks similar.

  Are you using a multi-I/O card that supports IDE drives?

Some cards (especially those with a Winbond chip on them) generate too much noise.  The key should be installed on a parallel-port-only card.  (It may be possible to dissipate the noise by attaching 6 feet of cable to the printer port and attaching the key to the cable.)

  Are there any other devices connected to the parallel port?

If so, try accessing the key without the devices present to determine if it is they that are causing the conflict.  Attaching a SCSI device or Lap-Link to the key may damage the key.

  Connect a printer to the key and try printing to the printer from another program to see if the port is active and the card is functioning.  Try detecting the key with the printer disconnected and with it connected, with the printer turned on and with the printer turned off.

  Are you using a Microchannel computer?  Make sure that parallel port DMA is disabled.

  You need at least 4MB of memory available, the more available, the smoother and more quickly the program will run.

  Make sure you are running Windows in Enhanced mode (Help, About Program Manager).  The library will only run in Enhanced mode.

  Because the key uses the IBM printer adapter as the design model for its hardware interface, it is compatible with the wide range of hardware adhering to the IBM standard for parallel interfaces.  However, not all computers or other hardware properly implement this standard.  For example, some computer printer ports do not provide pull-up resistors to power the key.  This is especially true with some laptop computers.  In such a case, a printer plugged in and on will draw enough current for the key to be activated.  Because the problems experienced with these systems are caused by use of a non-standard IBM parallel port, they can usually be crrected by replacing the parallel port with a truly IBM-compatible parallel port, or by adding a second printer adapter card exclusively for the card.

  If all else fails; Disable as much software as you can that still allows your machine to function.  You may wish to boot from floppy to avoid having to alter your configuration files.  Remove any nonessential hardware, especially anything that has  to do with the parallel port and the card on which it is implemented.  Ideally remove any cards that have parallel ports on them and install the key onto a card that is parallel port only.  The key should be able to be detected in this simplest of scenarios.

NETWORK SPECIFIC PROBLEMS

Is your key installed at this workstation?  If not, you are encouraged to do so to confirm that the key is able to be located locally.  When you have installed the key on this machine, run FINDKEY which is in the KEY directory on the CD.  When FINDKEY is able to detect the key, you know the key is functioning and there was a conflict with other hardware or software.

  Are you trying to detect the key from a workstation with the key on a different machine?

a) If you are using Novell, ensure that the NETX is at least version 3.26 (NETX /?) and IPX is 3.1 (or IPX/ODI version 1.2) or greater.  There is a utility in the \KEY directory on the CD called IXSTAT3 that returns information about your workstation that will also show you what shell versions you are running.  If they are not the correct versions you can get the correct versions from DOSUP9.EXE and WINUP9.EXE which are in the \DRIVERS\NETWARE directory on the CD.

b) If you are using Windows for WorkGroups and not Novell;

At the server run NET START FULL then NSRVDN35.EXE,

At the clients run NET START.

For server and clients;

Load Windows For Workgroups,

go to Network Setup,

click on Drivers,

click on Setup,

select Real Mode and Enhanced Mode NDIS Drivers,

select OK.

Allow Windows For Workgroups to modify the configuration files and restart Windows.

c) If you are using Windows For Workgroups 3.11 and Novell concurrently;

Load WFW and enter Network Setup,

click on Drivers,

highlight the IPX/SPX compatible transport driver,

select Remove from the menu on the right.

Allow WFW to update your configuration files and reload Windows.

d) Networks will often grab control of printer ports so they can redirect printing to the shared printer.  This can cause the key to be not detected.  Try accessing the key without loading the network to see if the network is causing the problem. Another solution is to use a parallel port card dedicated to the key.  If you are using PowerLAN, you must use the /LOCAL switch with UNSPOOLER.

e) Are you using a product called "Map Assist" to attach the CD drive to the net?  That program does not always work with our product.

f) If you are using Novell Lite 1.0, you must load IPXODI without the /A

Common Key Problems with Solutions

Problem

The NetWare 3.1x file server console display locks-up after installing the key NLM.

Solution

The NLM may appear to be stuck or locked-up after it is loaded.  Try pressing ALT-ESC to switch back to the console screen.  The key NLM will continue to run.  If you want to unload it type UNLOAD NSRVNI35  Occasionally loading the NLM will crash the entire network.  Most often this is cause by a conflict with another NLM.  Try loading the key NLM first.  If the problem persists, load the key NLM first and the others one at a time to determine which one is causing the conflict.  If you cannot get the NLM to load properly, you probably ought to load the TSR from a workstation where the key is attached.  Another possibility is that a BIOS is conflicting with the NLM.  Specifically, a network card with its I/O address set to 0300 will cause the NLM to crash the network when trying to load.

Problem

I want to hook-up a pocket LAN adapter to the key.

Solution

Pocket LAN adapters will not work with the key.

Problem

I have a device hooked to the printer port that will not allow the key to be installed.

Solution

You will need to install another parallel port for the key.  The PC can have up to 3 such ports.  Call Micro House if you can not find a source for a second or third parallel port card.

Problem

I need to use my printer on the same port as the key.

Solution

The printer can be plugged in to the end of the key.

Problem

I have another software package that uses a key.

Solution

The key for the library should be compatible with your existing key.  Plug in your existing key and then plug the library key in to it.  You can then plug a printer to the library key.

If either of the software packages fails to work then the keys are not compatible.  You will have to remove your existing key and plug in only the library key while using the library, or use a different parallel port address.

Problem

My computer is too close to the wall and I do not have room to plug in the key.

Solution

You can plug in a straight through serial cable (the type used with modems) to the printer port and then plug the key in to the other end.


The Toolbar

The toolbar is available when viewing a document.

Click on a tool to find out about that tool.

Moving the tool bar to the top or bottom edge of the display window will change the toolbar to optimize desktop space:

Likewise, moving the toolbar to the left or right edge will change the toolbar (not shown here due to the length of this toolbar).  The functions of all tools remain the same in all cases.

Note: Not all tools are available in all types of documents.  If a tool is unavailable it will be "grayed out" and disabled.


Tools: Left Arrow
Tools: Up Arrow

Brings up the previous document in the Hit List.


Tools: Right Arrow
Tools: Down Arrow

Brings up the next document in the Hit List.


Tools: Print

Prints the current document.


Tools: Picture

Brings the document's picture window to the top.  If there are more than one picture for the current document then the next picture is shown each time the button is clicked.


Tools: Search

Brings up the Search Dialog.  This allows text search through the current document only.


Tools: Top of List

Brings up the document at the top of the Hit List.


Tools: Bottom of List

Brings up the document at the bottom of the Hit List.


Tools: Magnify Section

Allows the magnification (enlargement) of a selected picture area (has no effect on text windows).  Choose the magnify tool, click and hold down the left mouse button, drag the mouse to the desired size, and then release the mouse button*.  The selected section will then be magnified.

* If you click and hold down the right mouse button, before releasing the left button, the box can be moved to another area of the picture.


Tools: Demagnify

Demagnifies the current picture window to full size (has no effect on text windows).  This is the quickest way to "best fit" the picture to the current window size.


Tools: Detailed Information

Displays detailed information about the component you are viewing.

Some diagrams contain information for more than one model.  This is because the models have the same exact jumper settings.  If this is the case, but the models have different specifications, then after clicking on [image] on the Toolbar you will be shown the specs for the first model.  To get to the next and previous models use the controls at the right of the information window (above the about button).


Tools: Exit

Exits the display window and returns back to the Hit List


Tools: Zoom Whole

Scrolling the bar towards the large dot zooms the current window (text or picture) larger, scrolling towards the small dot zooms the window smaller.


Tools: Text

Brings the document's text window to the top.


Hit List

The hit list displays all documents found in the search.

Fonts too hard to read in the hit list?  Increase the number next to the List= and Text= entries in the MH.INI file.

See Hit List Detail for additional information.


Search Dialog
Tools Search Dialog

This dialog is displayed after selecting Search from the toolbar.  Only the document that you are currently viewing will be searched.

Click on a section find out about that section.


Tools Text Search: Find Next
Tools Search Dialog: Find Next

This button starts the search at the top of the current document the first time it is pressed, each subsequent press searches for the next occurrence.  A search string must be specified before choosing this option.


Tools Search Dialog: Find Previous

This button searches up from the current position.  A search string must be specified before choosing this option.


Tools Search Dialog: Cancel
Tools Search Dialog: Done

Stops searching and returns to the document.


Tools Search Dialog: Whole Word

When this option is selected only whole words will be found.  For example if you were searching for only the word drives and did not want the word drive then you would turn Whole Word on.


Tools Search Dialog: Search String

Enter one or more words to search for separated by a space.


Tools Search Dialog: Case Sensitive

Turns on or off case sensitivity.  For example, with case sensitivity off Drive Select and drive select would be considered the same.


Tools Search Dialog: First

Finds the first occurrence of the string.


Tools Search Dialog: Last

Finds the last occurrence of the string.


Dialog Menu

Clicking on this box allows you to close and move the dialog.  In most cases a Cancel button is included in the dialog that will also close it.


Key Word Search
Keyword Search Tips

Click on a section find out about that section.

  The more words you specify the longer the search times.

  Try reducing the number of words to search for if no matches can be found.

  Choose only the book(s) that you need information from.  The fewer books selected, the quicker the search.

Important Note About Other Searches

Several other searches are available that locate jumper setting documents by a set of parameters.  Only documents that meet all search parameters will be retrieved.  For example, if you choose SCSI and IDE in a controller card search the card must have support for both SCSI and IDE.  It will not find all SCSI and all IDE cards.


Keyword Search: String

Enter up to 10 words to search for separated by spaces.  Only documents containing every specified word will be displayed.  Try reducing the number of words if your search is not fulfilled.


Keyword Search: Search

 Choosing this button starts the search.


Keyword Search: Clear

Choosing this button clears the key word search list.


Keyword Search: About

Choosing this button displays the About information box.


Exit Buttons

 Goes back one window,

 Goes home (back to the main library window).


Keyword Search: Books

Choose the books you would like to search.  The fewer books selected, the quicker the search.  Only select the books that you need to search.

Note:  Only books that you have purchased are selectable.


Keyword Search: Options

You can choose to search all sections of the library or only the sections that you need information from.  The less you select the quicker the search.

Jumper Setting Documents

Searches only the documents containing jumper settings.

Reference Documents

Searches only the documents that contain reference information such as the glossaries, indexes, explanatory chapters, etc.

Case Sensitive

Turns on or off case sensitivity.  With case sensitivity off Drive Select and drive select are considered the same.


Keyword Search: Case Sensitive

Turns on or off case sensitivity.  With case sensitivity off, Drive Select and drive select are considered the same.


Main Board I/O Options
Description of Main Board I/O Options

Many of the main board I/O options (I/O Opt) are abbreviated and difficult to understand.  The following is an explanation of those abbreviations.

REPRESENTS	CODE

Cache Expansion External	CAC

Cassette Internal Port	CAS

CD-ROM controller	CDR

CPU Expansion External	CPU

Diagnostics Port	DIA

Earphone Port	EAR

Expansion Bus	EXP

External CPU expansion	CPU

External Memory Slot	MEM

External NPU connection	NPU

Fax capabilities	FAX

Floppy Internal	FLP

Game Port	GME

IDE Interface	IDE

Keyboard Connector	KBD

Local Area Network	LAN

Local Bus	LCL

Local Video	LCLVI

Microphone Port	MIC

Modem Interface	MOD

Mouse Port	MSE

Network interface	LAN

None	NONE

NPU Expansion External	NPU

Parallel Port	PAR

Pointer Device	PDV

SCSI Interface	SCSI

Serial Port	SER

Sound capabilities	SND

ST506 Interface	ST506

VESA Adapter Slot	VESA1

Video Display Interface	VID


Encyclopedia of Hard Drives

Listed along the left are 10 buttons for the selection of specific chapters.  These chapters provide detailed information on hard drives and related subjects.

If you are searching for hard drive jumper settings or parameters click on the hard drive icon in the upper right-hand corner.

If you are searching for hard drive controller card jumper settings click on the controller card icon.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Encyclopedia of Main Boards

Listed along the left are 16 buttons for the selection of specific chapters in the reference volume.  These chapters provide detailed information on main boards and related subjects.

If you are searching for main board jumper settings click on the main board icon in the upper right-hand corner.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Network Interface Technical Guide

Listed along the left are 10 buttons for the selection of specific chapters.  These chapters provide detailed information on network interface cards and related subjects.

If you are searching for network card jumper settings then click on the network card icon in the upper right-hand corner .

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Hit List
The Hit List

The Hit List contains all of the items that matched your search request.  To view an item's jumper settings double click on it.  To view brief information on the item (such as specifications) click on it once and then click on the [image] button on the bottom of the window.  Select the [image] button to bring up the Drivers & Software selection window (only available on some items).

The hit list can be sorted.  This is done by left clicking on one of the button labels at the top of the hit list.  For example, to sort by MODEL you would click on the MODEL label button at the top of the hit list.  You can also sort in reverse, simply right click on one of the label buttons.

See Hit List for more information.  See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Hard Drive Controller Detail
Hard Drive Controller Card Detail

This window displays detailed information about hard drive controller cards.  If this window pops-up when youre trying to locate jumper settings for a particular card then the card either has no jumper settings (such as Micro Channel or EISA) or the Micro House Research Team has not yet documented it.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Hard Drive Detail

This window displays detailed information about a hard drive.  Click on the IDE button to view information on IDE drives installed in the current system.  Click on the BIOS button to view the current system's BIOS drive type table.

If this window pops-up when youre trying to locate jumper settings for a particular drive then the Micro House Research Team has not yet documented it

Please note:  If you are installing an IDE type hard drive use the Logical Specifications given not the Physical Specifications.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Main Board Detail

This window displays detailed information about main boards.  Most of the entries in this window are self-explanatory.  See the section titled Description of Main Board I/O Options for an explanation of these.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Network Card Detail
Network Interface Card Detail

This window displays detailed information about network cards.  If this window pops-up when youre trying to locate NIC jumper settings for a particular card then the card either has no jumper settings (such as Micro Channel or EISA) or the Micro House Research Team has not yet documented it.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


IO Card Info Screen

This screen displays descriptive information about the card.  It will be displayed if a card is loaded for which there is not a diagram (usually because it is jumperless), or by selecting the Info icon from any of various places.

You can use the buttons on this screen to Print the Info, Copy it to Clipboard, or go Back or Home.


Main Selection Window

Click on the book of your choice or select one of the icons on the right.

The KEY WORD icon performs a key word search.

The COMPANIES icon displays the company locator.

The ABOUT icon displays the about box.

The EXIT icon exits the program.

Buttons can be selected using the keyboard by holding down ALT + the underlined character in the button.  For example, ABOUT would be selected by typing ALT-A.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Hard Drive Controller Selection
 Hard Drive Controller Card Selection

Specifically for hard drive controller card specification searches, this feature allows the selection of several controller card criteria.

Enter in all of your selections and then click on the search icon to start the search.  If you want to bring up every controller card in the library then don't make any selections and simply click on the SEARCH icon.

You can use the CLEAR icon to erase all search selections so that you can start with a clean slate.

The ABOUT icon displays the about box.

See Exit Buttons for an explanation of those.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Hard Drive Criteria Search

The Hard Drive Criteria Search screen is used to define the criteria of the drives that will be included in the Hitlist .  If you select Search without defining any parameters, each parameter will be left at its default value which is * which represents any.  Under these conditions, all drives documented in the Library will be included in the Hitlist .

Some example criteria searches that may be useful include INTERFACE = IDE* and >500MB which would list all IDE drives larger than 500MB in capacity.  Another useful search may be MANUFACTURER = MAXTOR and INTERFACE = IDE which would list all IDE drives manufactured by Maxtor.  If you enter some criteria, and then wish to clear all criteria so that they are all at their default of *, you can select the Clear button.

At the bottom of the window is a button to query the current systems BIOS for its drive table.  Next to it is a button to perform a drive inquiry on the drive installed in the system.  This button may cause a network error in certain isolated situations, so the default for a network installation is disabled.  At your risk, you may enable this feature on networks by modifying the MH.INI

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Key Word Search

Up to ten key words can be entered into the any text search.  All areas of the CD-ROM are searched for the requested key words.  A list of all matching documents are then displayed.

Enter in up to 10 words separated by spaces and then click on the SEARCH icon to start the search.  If you want to bring up all documents in the library then don't enter in any words and simply click on the search icon.

You can use the CLEAR icon to erase all key word selections so that you can start with a clean slate.

The ABOUT icon displays the about box.

See Exit Buttons for an explanation of those.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Main Board Selection

Specifically for main board specification searches, this feature allows the selection of several main board criteria.

Enter in all of your selections and then click on the SEARCH icon to start the search.  If you want to bring up every main board in the library then don't make any selections and simply click on the search icon.

See the section titled Description of Main Board I/O Options for an explanation of the I/O Opt section.

You can use the CLEAR icon to erase all search selections so that you can start with a clean slate.

The ABOUT icon displays the about box.

See Exit Buttons for an explanation of those.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Network Card Selection
Network Interface Card Selection

Specifically for network interface card specification searches, this feature allows the selection of several network card criteria.

Enter in all of your selections and then click on the SEARCH icon to start the search.  If you want to bring up every network controller card in the library then don't make any selections and simply click on the search icon.

You can use the CLEAR icon to erase all search selections so that you can start with a clean slate.

The ABOUT icon displays the about box.

See Exit Buttons for an explanation of those.

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


Various IO Card Criteria Search Entry Screen

This is screen is for the entry of criteria of cards to be included in the Hitlist .  If none of the criteria are specied other than * which represents any, then all cards will be included on the Hitlist .  Otherwise, only cards that match the criteria specified will be included.  Select the Search button to execute the search.

Besides the Search button there are also Clear, About, Done, and Home.


Drivers & Software

Select the [image] button from the Hit List to bring up the Drivers & Software selection window.  This button will not be available if the item does not have drivers associated with it.  A quick way to tell if an item has drivers is to look along the left most column in the hit list.  If a small diskette icon is present then the item does have drivers.

By clicking on the Create Exact Diskette Image button an image of the diskettes, as they are shipped by the manufacturer, will be created.  This is sometimes necessary because the parent programs on these diskettes will look for files in certain locations on the diskette.  You must have one or more blank formatted floppies ready, this feature will not format the diskettes for you.

The software in this section has been supplied by the manufacturers and therefore are not covered by the Micro House License Agreement and Limits of Liability.  The use of this software is covered by each individual manufacturers license agreement.  Use at your own risk!

See the Help Contents (Index) for the complete help menu.


DrivePro(tm)

DrivePro is the professional hard drive installation and maintenance utility for all drive types.

  Includes all of EZ-Drives features.

  Full featured diagnostic/performance check routines.

  Use IDE, MFM, SCSI, and ESDI drives together.

  Technical specifications on over 2,200 hard drives.

  Identifies drives without opening the computer.

  DOS format any size drive in under 30 seconds.

  Retrieves lost CMOS parameters.

  Full-featured sector editor.

  Plus many other advanced features.

See it in action!  The DrivePro demo is located in the \DEMOS directory on your library CD.  Run DPDEMO.


EZ-Drive(tm)
EZ-Drive is the automatic IDE hard drive installation and enhancement utility.

  One step installation and setup in under 60 seconds.

  Allows up to four IDE hard drives in the same system.

  Breaks the capacity barrier of 528Mbytes.

  Maximum Overdrive feature improves drive performance.

  Green PC Sleep Mode powers down drives when not in use.

  On-line jumper settings for common IDE drives.

  Extensive context sensitive help.