Zenith "Machine.EXE" Setup Program

[Hal9000]

Hey All,
I will be getting a Zenith 286 Desktop to play with fairly soon. It appears to have incorrect HDD settings and wont boot. I was wondering if anyone had the Zenith Machine.exe setup program? From what I have read, I need this utility to set up the HDD. Thanks. You can PM me if you wish as well.

 

[Chuckster_in_Jax]

The Z200 series of computers came with MFM hard drives. If the one you are acquiring still has an MFM drive, you could save yourself a lot of grief by installing a 16bit ISA IDE card(BIOS bootable) and drive. It's easy to find those.

If you don't have them already, download these zip files:

Zenith Diagnostics disks and manuals for the Z-241/Z-248 computers
Zenith version of MSDOS ver 3.30 (3.5")

https://www.mediafire.com/folder/ny16c19oxly7b/Z200_Files

 

[Chuckster_in_Jax]

I almost forgot that after Zenith was acquired by Groupe Bull, they put out another 286 class machine. It is smaller than the original 286 and most likely completely different inside.

Which one are you getting?

Original

Groupe Bull model (from Caluser200 on this forum)

 

[Hal9000]

Thanks for the files Chuckster . I'm getting the ZU-425S Model# ZWX-248-52. 286 CPU. Mine has the more modern Bull Logo.

 

[Caluser2000]

Mines a very small form factor. Here's the thread about my system http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcf...ZCV-251-EC/page4&highlight=zenith+z286lp+plus I was under the impression this style case was used from around '88 onwards with different internals with the Heath 286s from the similar time period having a bigger case design with the same internals as the Zenith boxes from what I can gather.

All I do to access the bios info to change hdd settings is hit ESC on start up and at the ROM prompt type setup. ? at the ROM prompt will give you a listing of options to do

 

[Hal9000]

Here is the ZU-425S. Needs some cleaning up.... (Sticker adhesive remover) but appears to be in decent condition . I am not absolutely sure if the 5.25 FDD is 360K only. But I have a Mitsubishi 1.2M I can slap in. I might also change out the MFM drive for an IDE. I am curious if the MFM drive has errors or problems. Many of these models were bought my the Air Force and DOD way back when. I am curious what old programs I'll find..if it wasn't wiped..LOL

 

[Caluser2000]

The sticker on the drive indicates 360k

Nice looking system.

 

[Hal9000]

Ahhh Yes....LD (Low Density) shoulda caught that.. . After trial and error, the Zenith Diagnostic 360K diskettes have been successfully created! Kudos and Thanks to Dave Dunfield for such an awesome, high quality utility! Thanks Chuckster for providing the download link!

 

[Caluser2000]

Looking at this advert. it looks like the smaller form factor was introduced late '89 as the 286 LP. Old logo on that as well. It looks like the 2300 series may have fitted the same case https://th99.bl4ckb0x.de/m/U-Z/33869.htm The keyboard may have plugged into the back whereas mine has a din plug left front of the machine.

The board layout for your system is here https://th99.bl4ckb0x.de/m/U-Z/34128.htm

I haven't found one for my z286 LP Plus yet. Differs from the LP having max ram of 8megs and the small 286 daughter board can be swapped out for a 386SX one. Apparently a Heath branded 286, the Heath HS-5100, had the same mobo I believe in a taller box with the same 386SX option. It's seems quick for a 286/12 too. Certainly on par with my old 286/16 clone in many respects.

Hal9000 have you tried Ctl-Alt-Ins to access the rom monitor?

Just reading though the manuals Chuckster_in_Jax provided. The some of info will be useful to me as well to refer to. Cheers for that.