What is the motherboard version of my FutureMate™ 9700XL?

The third letter of the manufacturer's serial number, which starts with the letters D0, is the motherboard version number.
 For example, if your manufacturer's serial number is D0EL4....., your motherboard version number is E.
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What's new in the latest BIOS Update?

The newest BIOS versions for FutureMate™ 9700XL is version 1.26.

9700XL Version:1.26 Date:March 18, 1999
This version has been released to fix the following problems:
Can not detect HDD.
9700XL Version:1.24 Date:January 30, 1999
This version has been released to fix the following problems:
Resume hangup if you set a bios password
9700XL Version:1.21 Date:December 3, 1998
This version has been released to fix the following problems:
Note:After you update the BIOS to version 1.21, please also download and update 9700XL cardbus patch files.
Windows 95/98 cannot warm boot if Norton Antivirus is installed.
9700XL Version:1.19 Date:July 26, 1998
This version has been released to fix the following problems:
System cannot resume after entering Standby/Suspend-to-RAM mode in Windows 98 with UDMA HDD.
Serial Mouse does not respond after resuming from Suspend Mode.
Management does not respond to external serial mouse activity.
Suspend-to-disk progress screen.
"No Function" problem on Auto Save-to-disk after 1 hour in BIOS setup.
9700XL Version:1.16 Date:June 23, 1998
This version has been released to fix the following problems:
OS/2 install issue.
Support OS/2 PCMCIA
Mode floppy issue
Fix Norton Anti Virus 4.0 lockup problem under Win95 warm boot.
internal Modem warm boot fail.
video timeout 1min to 45sec.
9700XL Version:1.11 Date:April 27, 1998
This version has been released to fix the following problems:
Mouse behaves erratically when waking up from suspend using touchpad or connecting or removing the AC adapter or battery.
Suspend to Disk due to low battery, connecting the AC adapter will cause system lock-up.
hang up during resume from suspend if password is set.
the option to select Automatic S2D if Power Management is disabled.
9700XL Version:1.10T3J Date:January 23, 1998
This version has been released to fix the following problems:
Added IntelŪ mobile PentiumŪ processor ID String.
Added touchpad setting in BIOS Setup Menu.
Solves problem of erratic mouse behavior after resuming by touchpad from standby mode.
Saves Panel Data.
Low battery beeps twice only.
fails after resuming from suspend-to-RAM.
IRQ 3 is now available to Modem and Audio.
ASK-IR and Best Battery Life items are removed.
FDD fails after resuming from suspend-to-RAM.
Ultra DMA Support. (Originally 1.09)
After resuming from Suspend-to-RAM, plug-in or removing AC adapter, then reboot the system, and the system will hang up during POST.
The system hangs up after POST.
9700XL Version:1.09 Date:January 7, 1998
Note : This version has been found to cause boot up problems after BIOS update during POST. An updated version 1.10T3J solves this problem.
This version has been released to fix the following problems:
Support CRT PnP function
When resuming from Suspend to RAM, the battery meter shows 0.
Modify default setting of CMOS COM B from IRDA to normal.
Ask-IR form from setup menu.
Auto switch to LCD when setup is set to CRT only and no CRT is connected.
keyboard BIOS version
boot menu from "removable device" to "FDD"
power management from "Battery only" to "Best battery life"
display of battery value under Win 95 when 2 battery is used
problem of modem detected under control panel, even if the internal modem is disabled.
Fix audio fail problem when Suspend to Disk.
9700XL Version:1.04T1 Date:December 3, 1997
This version has been released to fix the following problems:
The time slowed down under Windows NT after resume from disk
PCMCIA Cards could not be recognized under Windows NT.
Added UK and Swedish support for the missing "\" key.
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How do I update the BIOS on the FutureMate™9700XL Series?

Note: Please be certain that the BIOS you are updating matches the system model and CPU type. Otherwise, you will not be able to boot the system.
To update the BIOS on the FutureMate™ 9700XL to the newest version, follow this procedure :
Boot from a DOS diskette without Himem or any memory manager loaded. Or press F8, then choose Safe Mode Command Prompt.
From the directory containing the BIOS update files, type "Phlash biosname.xxx".
Do not interrupt the program until the system reboots automatically. Then, enter CMOS setup.
Load default setup.
For Windows 95, make sure to enable Plug and Play OS support.
Save and Reboot.
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What is the BIOS version on my FutureMate™ 9700XL?

The system bios version appears on the upper left corner of the POST (Power Up Self Test) screen in the following form:
System Bios v x.xx Date xx-xx-xx
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Where can I find the jumper settings for the FutureMate™ 9700XL?

U81: Located left of the CPU socket

Note: The IntelŪ mobile PentiumŪ processor with MMX™ technology requires a different power board than the one used for IntelŪ PentiumŪ processors with MMX™ technology. Be sure to use the correct power board for the type of CPU you are using.
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Does my FutureMate™ 9700XL support IntelŪ Mobile PentiumŪ processor with MMX™ technology 266MHz?

Only FutureMate™ 9700XL with motherboard version H or later will support IntelŪ Mobile PentiumŪ processor with MMX™ technology at 266 MHz, running at 2.0V. There will not be any systems accepted for upgrade or replacement for the sole purpose of supporting this CPU.
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What are the possible system memory configuration for the 9700XL?

What types of memory chips can I use in the 9700XL?

The following have been tested successfully on the 9700XL.
EDO & SDRAM Memory 144Pin 3.3V
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Can I use one EDO module and one SDRAM module simultaneously in the same system?

You cannot mix an EDO module with an SDRAM module for use on the FutureMate FM9700XL
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Under which operating systems can I use the DVD-ROM / MPEG module?

In order to play DVD movies in conjunction with the MPEG decoder module, you will need to have either Windows 98 or Windows 95 installed on your system. You will not be able to watch movies under Windows NT, IBM OS/2 Warp, or any of the other operating systems, but the DVD-ROM drive should be functional as a CD-ROM storage device under all operating systems.
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Which PCMCIA slot should I use for the MPEG DVD-To-Go PCMCIA Card?

You will need to insert the MPEG DVD-To-Go PCMCIA card in the bottom PCMCIA slot, because it is the only slot which supports zoomed video.
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Why can't I start Windows 95B successfully with a Cardbus card inserted?

If you boot up Windows 95B with a Cardbus installed, you will see the error message "Windows Protection Error" Please insert the Cardbus card into the PCMCIA slot after Windows 95 B has booted successfully.
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Why can't I use 2 PCMCIA cards simultaneously?

Please update the system BIOS to 1.10T3J or later (you can download it from 9700XL download page), then follow these steps to reconfigure your system.

Note: The procedure listed here is one possible configuration. Under some circumstances, you may also configure the modem or ethernet card to share IRQs 10 or 11 with either one of the Cardbus slots, assuming that you are not using a Cardbus card. 
This will allow the infrared port to remain enabled.

During bootup, press F2 to enter System Configuration Utility.
Go to Advanced / I/O Device Configuration, Disable Serial Port B, and Save and Exit.
Start Windows 95.
Go to Start / Settings / Control Panel / System / Device Manager.
Click on the plus sign next to "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" to expand the branch.
Click on Yamaha OPL3-SAx Sound System, then click on Properties / Resources.
Uncheck the box labeled "Use Automatic Settings".
Change the Interrupt Request to 3.
If you have already configured the PCMCIA modem card, please remove it from Control Panel / Modem, then reinsert it. 
The PCMCIA modem card will be reconfigured to COM 2.
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What are the recommended configuration settings under Windows NT 4.0?

The following are the recommended settings for Windows NT 4.0.

PCMCIA Ethernet Card : I/O 320, IRQ 9
PCMCIA Modem Card or Internal Modem: COM 3, I/O 03E8, IRQ 5
Ports A and B are set to enable (not auto) in the BIOS. and Play OS is disabled in the BIOS.
Serial Port settings: COM 1, I/O 03F8, IRQ 4. COM 2, I/O 2F8, IRQ 3.
Audio Configuration: Set to enable (not auto). I/O 0220, 0330, IRQ 10.
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How do I enable the dial tone on a PCMCIA Modem in Windows 95?

To enable the dial tone from a PCMCIA Modem card, you will need to download and install the TI-PCMCIA patch.
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Do I need a driver to use the Zip Drive under Windows 95?

You do not need any additional drivers to use the Zip Drive under Windows 95. However, if you wish to install some useful Zip drive utilities, they are available on the Zip Drive Utility CD-ROM or from the Iomega Web Site.
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How do I install the 2nd hard disk drive?

To install a secondary hard drive on the 9700XL, you will need to set the hard drive to be a Slave drive. Refer to the hard drive documentation. After you install the drive into the casing, simply insert the hard drive + casing into the floppy drive bay, and turn on the system. The hard drive will automatically be detected by the BIOS. You may want to disable the floppy drive in the BIOS to prevent the system from looking for the floppy drive, or to connect the floppy drive externally via the parallel port cable provided with the system.
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Can I connect the floppy drive externally to the parallel port on the port replicator?

No, the parallel port on the port replicator does not support the external floppy drive.
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How do I configure the ChipsTV video capture program?

You should be concerned with the configuration of the ChipsTV program only if you downloaded the file from our web site.

After the program has been installed, Look for a file called "ctmmhw.ini" in the C:\Windows directory.
Open the file with a text editor such as notepad.
Under the section heading [I2CChips], look for a setting called DECODER. For the FutureMate™ 9700XL, change the value for this setting to SAA7111.
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Can I use the ChipsTV program for Windows NT 4.0?

The ChipsTV demo program does not work in Windows NT 4.0. There are no plans of releasing a Windows NT 4.0 version of ChipsTV.
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How do I use video capture programs (ChipsTV or Margi) under Windows 98?

In order for you to be able to install and use the ChipsTV or Margi video capture programs under Windows 98, you will have to install the Video Driver for Windows 95.
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Why can't I enter Suspend to RAM mode by pressing Fn+F10?

Please go to Control Panel and double click "Power" and select "Advanced", remove the checkmark on Wakeup the computer when the phone ring option.
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What are the functions of the Hot Keys?

What kind of PCI cards can I install in the full docking station for FutureMate™ 9700XL?

Here are the cards that have been tested with the 9700XL Docking Station:

3COM Fast Etherlink 10/100Mb Bus Master PCI Ethernet Adapter (3C595)
3COM Fast Etherlink XL 10/100 Mb TX Ethernet Adapter (3C905-TX)
82557-Based 10/100 Ethernet PCI Adapter
Link PCI Ethernet DEC chip 21041 Based Adapter Rev: B2 (DE-530)
AHA-2940U/AHA-2940UW PCI SCSI Controller Rev. C
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Does my FutureMate™ 9700XL support Hot Docking Station?

Only FutureMate™ 9700XL with motherboard versions H or above will support the Hot Docking Station. 
Please go here to see how to identify the motherboard version number. There will not be any systems accepted for 
upgrade or replacement for the sole purpose of supporting the hot docking station.
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Why can't I turn off the system during POST, memory count, or when the system hangs up?

If you want to turn off the computer at any time other than shutting down Windows 95, you must press and hold the power switch for five seconds.
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Why can't I boot up the computer after I update the BIOS?

If you updated the system BIOS to version 1.09, and have problems booting the system, follow these steps:

Disconnect the AC adapter.
Remove the battery.the two tabs upwards, and push the palmrest towards you to open it.
up the keyboard, and remove the CMOS battery. all power sources removed, press the power switch a few times to discharge any remaining power.-install the CMOS battery and system battery, and reconnect the AC adapter should be able to boot the system now prevent this problem from occurring, please update the system BIOS to version 1.10t3j or later.
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Should I install the Cardbus patch for the TI Cardbus chipset?

If you installed Windows 95B on your FutureMate™ 9700XL, follow these instructions for updating the TI Cardbus patch.
 This patch should fix certain lock-up problems in Windows 95B/C and Internet Explorer 4.0.
Note: This patch only applies to Windows 95 OSR 2.x. If you have Windows 98 or Windows NT, you should NOT install this patch.
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After resuming from standby mode, why do I get the error message "MSGSRV32 caused a general protection fault in module user.exe"?

This is caused by an older version of the Logitech Trackpad Driver (ver.2.1). Please download and update the Logitech 
Trackpad driver to version 2.3. The same driver can be found on the utility CD version 1.1.
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Do I have a modem that can be updated to the new ITU v.90 standard?

Currently v.90 upgrade is available only for the FutureMate™ 9700XL internal modem. This is not the same as the PCMCIA modem card, which can be inserted into the PCMCIA slot. The internal modem is identified by a small slot which opens on the left hand side of the palm rest. If this describes your modem connection, then you can download and perform the v.90 upgrade. However, if you have the PCMICA variety, then wait until v.90 upgrades for those modems are released.
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How do I update my internal modem to the new ITU v.90 standard?

To backup the original K56Flex Firmware and Updating V.90 firmware to MODEM, Please do the following steps:

Execute V90wiz.exe installation wizard program. It will guide you step by step to upgrade your modem.
The updating Wizard will help you upgrade your modem to ITU V.90. It will check the status of your modem and backup the current firmware. If you have any problem, you could reload the backup to your modem.
The installing Wizard will now obtain information from your modem. Before continuing this program, please make sure your modem is connected to the computer. At the same time make sure the modem is not in use by any other program (such as fax or Web browser).
The installing Wizard will detect the location of your modem. If it does not find the modem, please make sure again the modem is connected to the computer and MODEM setup is Enabled of CMOS setup.
The Wizard now starts to update your firmware. Please click "Next" to continue
Update Wizard is backing up modem firmware.
Wizard is backup the Original firmware from modem into the disk file: C:\V90\OrigBkup.S37.
backup complete. The file name is OrigBkup.S37. Do not delete this file until you are satisfied with your modem's operation after the firmware update. Please click "OK" to continue
Choose "V.90 [ITU standard] Firmware" then Click "Next" to Continue.
The Wizard now state to update your firmware to V.90. Please click "Next" to continue
Update your modem to V.90 will disable the ability to make K56Flex connection. If your ISP does not supply
 ITU V.90, you will find connection speed and Internet access speed become slower. If you are sure to update to V.90, please click "Yes" to continue.
This note show you that the following operation can not be halted. When the computer ask : Are you sure you want to continue? Please click "OK", if you want to upgrade.
The program is now upgrading the Data of your modem of Flash ROM.
The update process is complete. Please click "Finish" to end of the Update Wizard. Please Reboot your NoteBook Computer.
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