NEC VXi - Manuals

Contents v Updating the BIOS ...........................................................................................................3-27 Obtaining the BIOS Update.......................................................................................3-27Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette ...........

vi Contents 5 Using the System Drives and Bays 24X CD-ROM Drive ..........................................................................................................5-2 CD Loading .................................................................................................................5-...

Contents vii 8 Using External Devices Monitor ...............................................................................................................................8-2Parallel Devices ..............................................................................................................

viii Contents B Specifications System Components .......................................................................................................... B-2Interrupt Controllers .......................................................................................................... B-8Memory Ma...

Using This Guide ix Using This Guide The NEC Versa ® VXi User’s Guide gives you the information you need to maximize the use of your NEC Versa notebook computer. Read this guide to familiarize yourselfwith the NEC Versa and its features. For specific information see ! Chapter 1, “Introducing the NEC...

x Using This Guide ! Appendix C, “Frequently Asked Questions,” (FAQs) for a look at questions thatusers commonly ask and the answers to those questions. Text Conventions To make this guide as easy as possible to use, text is set up as follows. ! Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following meani...

1 Introducing the NEC Versa ! Before You Begin ! About Your NEC Versa VXi Notebook ! Around the Front of the System ! Around the Back of the System ! Around the Left Side of the System ! Around the Right Side of the System ! Around the Bottom of the System ! About the Port Replicator

1-2 Introducing the NEC Versa Before You Begin Prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use your computerin the manner described in Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment. After completing the steps in...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-3 About Your NEC Versa VXi Notebook The NEC Versa VXi notebook computer offers you a portable system filled withexciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include a powerfulIntel ® Celeron™ or Pentium ® III microprocessor that works together with t...

1-4 Introducing the NEC Versa Around the Front of the System The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the front of thesystem. The following sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) panel. LCD Panel The NEC Versa VXi comes with a col...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-5 — Power LED — lets you know that power to the system is turned on. This LED ispositioned so that you see the power state whether the LCD panel is opened orclosed. – Lights green when the system is powered on using the AC adapter,battery, or auto adapter. – Lights green ...

1-6 Introducing the NEC Versa ! CD Control Buttons — controls the CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, or CDread/write drive (stop, reverse, play/pause, and fast forward). Available on somesystems. ! Personal Code Buttons — sets a personal code for security. Available on somesystems. ! Status LEDs — keeps y...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-7 Status Icons The NEC Versa VXi system uses status lights marked with icons to communicatesystem status. See the following figure and list for each icon’s meaning. Status LED icons A – Hard Drive Access D – Scroll Lock B – Diskette Drive Access E – Num Lock C – Caps Lock...

1-8 Introducing the NEC Versa Keyboard Panel and Base Unit The NEC Versa VXi keyboard panel and base unit contain the following features. Thekeyboard panel and base unit features are described after the figure. Keyboard panel A – Keyboard B – NEC VersaGlide Base unit A – Speakers D – Audio Ports B –...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-9 ! Keyboard — standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models shipped outside of the U.S.are equipped with country-specific keyboard layouts.) The keyboard is equippedwith many features. These include: — Function keys — Windows keys — Cursor control keys — Typewriter keys — Numeric ...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-11 The keypad lets you type numbers and mathematical operands (+, –) as you wouldon a calculator. The keypad is ideal for entering long lists of numbers. When you press Num Lock again, the keys revert to their normal functions as typewriter keys. ! Typewriter keys — Typew...

1-12 Introducing the NEC Versa Around the Back of the System You’ll find system ports for connecting your NEC Versa VXi to optional devices (likea printer or external monitor) on the back of your NEC Versa VXi. The ports aredescribed after the figure. Back system features A – PS/2 Port E – VGA Port ...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-13 ! Modem/LAN Port — NEC includes a 56K fax/data modem or mini-PCI LAN. Itkeeps you connected to the outside world! Around the Left Side of the System The left side of your NEC Versa VXi provides the features shown in the followingfigure. The left side features are descr...

1-14 Introducing the NEC Versa Around the Right Side of the System The right side of the NEC Versa VXi offers the features shown in the following figure.The right side features are described after the figure. Right side features A – Battery Bay C – PC Card Slots B – Fan D – TV Out ! Battery Bay — De...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-15 Around the Bottom of the System The bottom of the NEC Versa VXi offers the following features. The features aredescribed after the figure. Bottom of the system A – Battery Bay C – Memory Module Bay Cover B – Battery Release Latch D – Tilt Foot ! Battery Bay — Equipped ...

1-16 Introducing the NEC Versa About the Port Replicator The NEC Port Replicator is an accessory that duplicates some of the ports found on theback of your NEC Versa VXi system. It also has a LAN port for a network connectionand a Kensington lock. The lock secures the NEC Versa VXi to the Port Repli...

2 Getting Started ! NEC VersaGlide ! Power Sources ! System Care

2-2 Getting Started NEC VersaGlide The NEC VersaGlide is an easy way to control the cursor with your finger. Lightlyglide your finger across the NEC VersaGlide and the cursor follows. To use theVersaGlide, you can ! Single tap to the touchpad, equivalent to a single click of the primary mousebutton....

Getting Started 2-3 Note If you install another mouse driver over the shipping default, the double-tap capability may be lost. Making VersaGlide Adjustments The NEC VersaGlide offers a number of options that let you customize how itfunctions. To access these options, locate the Control Panel and dou...

2-4 Getting Started Using the AC Adapter Use the AC adapter and power cable that came with your NEC Versa VXi to run yourcomputer on alternating current (AC) power, or to recharge the battery pack. Use theAC adapter whenever a wall outlet is nearby. When connected, the AC adapter charges the battery...

Getting Started 2-5 2. Plug one end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter and the other end into a120- or 240-volt wall outlet. Connecting the AC adapter Do not cover or place objects on the AC adapter. Doing so can cause the adapter to overheat. Powering the System On and Off To power on, locat...

2-6 Getting Started 4. Check the box to enable Hibernate support. 5. Click OK and close Control Panel. Using the Battery The NEC Versa VXi system comes with a rechargeable Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH)or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. Battery packs are easy to install and remove. Note Although the batt...

Getting Started 2-7 3. Remove the battery as follows: ! Locate the battery release latch. ! Slide the battery release latch towards the back of the system and hold firmly. ! Continue to hold the battery release latch as you slide the battery out of thesystem. Removing the battery A – Battery Release...

2-8 Getting Started 4. Insert the new battery as follows: ! Locate the alignment groove on the edge of the battery. ! Locate the alignment groove inside the battery bay. ! Align the grooves on the battery with the grooves in the bay. ! Slide the battery into the bay until securely locked into place....

Getting Started 2-9 Handling the Battery Review the following before handling the system battery. Use the NiMH or Li-Ion batteries only in the NEC Versa VXi computer for which they are designed. Mixing other NEC Versa VXi batteries, othermanufacturer’s batteries, or using a combination of very old a...

2-10 Getting Started Conserving Battery Power In the Windows 2000 environment, the default setting for a critical low battery state isStandby. Standby does not power down your system to conserve battery power. NECC recommends that you change the Windows 2000 Standby default setting for acritical low...

Getting Started 2-11 For maximum battery performance, fully discharge the battery before recharging it. Todo so, unplug the AC adapter, turn off power management features (through BIOSSetup and Windows power management), and turn on the system. Once the battery isfully discharged, plug in the AC ada...

2-12 Getting Started ! During charging, keep the environmental temperature between 41°F and 95°F (5°Cto 35°C). ! Read the instructions that came with the battery charger before charging the battery. Disposing of the Battery Before disposing of the battery, put adhesive tape on the terminals. Dependi...

Getting Started 2-13 System Care The NEC Versa VXi is a durable, dependable system built for extensive use and travel.Follow these guidelines to maintain the condition, performance and safety of yourcomputer. Please read these safety instructions carefully and keep this user’s guide forreference. Im...

2-14 Getting Started ! Keep liquids and food away from the system. ! Turn computer power off before cleaning it. ! If the AC adapter becomes extremely hot, unplug the adapter and let it cool. ! The electrical outlet and any extension cords should be rated to support the totalcurrent load of all conn...

Getting Started 2-15 Storage Requirements Store the computer and AC adapter in an environment that meets the followingconditions: If the temperature of the NEC Versa suddenly rises or falls (for example, when you move the system from a cold place to a warm place), vaporcondenses inside the system. T...

3 Using the BIOS Setup Utility ! Introducing BIOS Setup ! Entering BIOS Setup ! Checking/Setting System Parameters ! Managing System Power ! Updating the BIOS ! Identifying the Switch Settings

3-2 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Introducing BIOS Setup Your NEC Versa VXi computer comes with a hardware program called BIOS Setupthat allows you to view and set system parameters. BIOS Setup also allows you to setpassword features that protect your system from unauthorized use. Use BIOS Setup to: ...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-3 BIOS Setup Main Menu After you press F2 , the system displays the BIOS Setup Main Menu screen, similar to the following. BIOS Setup Main Menu Use the up and down arrow keys (located on the lower right corner of the keyboard) totoggle through the BIOS Setup menu items...

3-4 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Looking at Screens BIOS setup screens have three areas as shown next. Advanced CMOS Setup ! Parameters — The left side of the screen. This area lists parameters and theircurrent settings. ! Available Options and Help — The right side of the screen. This area lists al...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-5 Using Keys The following table lists the BIOS Setup keys and their functions. BIOS Setup Key Functions Key Function ↑ ↓ Moves the cursor between the displayed parameters. PgUp/PgDn Toggles through the current parameter settings. Tab For some parameter settings, moves...

3-6 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Resetting System Parameters To reset all parameters to the default settings, select Auto Configuration with Defaultsfrom the BIOS Setup Main Menu, press the arrow keys to select Yes and press Enter . Standard CMOS Setup Use the Standard CMOS Setup screen to view the ...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-7 ! Internal Drives — Assigns devices to the internal drives in your system. ! Boot Sector Virus Protection — Write protects the boot sector of the hard disk driveto avoid infection by some virus types. Advanced CMOS Setup Use the Advanced CMOS Setup to set the followi...

3-8 Using the BIOS Setup Utility System Security Setup Use the System Security Setup to establish system passwords. System Security Setup Parameter Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) Assign SupervisorPassword Press Enter Assign User Password Press Enter Boot Password Required 1 No Yes Resume Passw...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-9 Password Protection Your NEC Versa supports a password for system security on several levels. Keep inmind that you must set the supervisor password before the BIOS Setup utility allowsyou to set a user password. Once you set a supervisor password, you must enter it b...

3-10 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords To establish password protection for your system’s hard disk drive you must establish amaster password, establish a user password, and enable the established passwords forthe internal HDD. Follow these steps to establish HDD pa...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-11 If you set the master and user password on a hard drive, the passwords can never be removed. They can be changed. If the master password isforgotten and the drive is installed in another system, you cannot access the data on thehard drive. If the hard drive is insta...

3-12 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Use the Power Management Setup to balance high performance and energyconservation. Power Management Setup Parameter DefaultSetting Alternate Setting(s) System Switch Power Button Sleep Button Power Managementunder AC Off On Power Savings Level Longest Life High Perf...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-13 ! System Switch — Sets the Power button as a power switch or a sleep button. ! Power Management Under AC — Specifies whether to enable power managementfeatures when AC power is in use. When AC power is connected to your NECVersa system, power management is usually d...

3-14 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Custom Timeout Options Option Definition CPU Speed Control Sets CPU performance at one of four levels. Hard Disk Timeout Sets the time delay before your hard disk powersdown. Video Timeout Sets whether to timeout the video or not. Peripheral Timeout Sets whether to ...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-15 Boot Device Setup Boot Device Setup allows you to define the following functions. Boot Device Setup Parameter Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) Quick Boot Enabled Disabled Silent Boot Enabled Disabled, Black Boot Display Device Simul. Mode CRT only, LCD only Boot...

3-16 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Peripheral Setup The Peripheral Setup menu displays the connection locations between the system andthe Input/Output (I/O) ports and lets you specify different port assignments as needed. Peripheral Setup Parameter Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) USB Controller ...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-17 Other BIOS Setup Options BIOS Setup offers other options, including the following: ! Change Language Setting — Controls the BIOS setup language display. English,French, and Japanese are the available options. ! Refresh Battery — Launches the Refresh Battery utility....

3-18 Using the BIOS Setup Utility The Power Management Properties features are broken down as follows: ! Power Schemes ! Alarms ! Power Meter ! Advanced ! Hibernate Windows 98 Power Schemes Use the Power Schemes options to define the appropriate Power scheme for yoursystem, and to set timeouts for s...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-19 ! Power Schemes — Defines the most appropriate power scheme for your computer. ! System standby — Selects the system standby timeout period for your system whenrunning under AC or DC power. ! Turn off monitor — Selects the time delay before your LCD panel turns off....

3-20 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Windows 98 Advanced The Advanced window allows you to select behaviors for the taskbar icon, standbypassword, LCD panel, when closed, and the Power button. Advanced Parameter Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) Always show icon ontaskbar checked unchecked Prompt fo...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-21 Windows 2000 Power Options Properties In Windows 2000, most ACPI power management settings are controlled throughWindows Power Options Properties, not through the BIOS Setup utility. To accessWindows 2000 Power Options Properties, go to Start, Settings, Control Pane...

3-22 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Power Schemes Parameter Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) System Standby(Plugged In) After 20 Minutes 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 45 minutes; 1, 2, 3, 4,5 hours; Never System Standby(Running on batteries) After 5 Minutes 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 45 minut...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-23 ! Critical battery alarm — Allows you to define a critical battery alarm percentage,notification, and system action. ! Run a program — Allows you to run a specific program when an alarm occurs. Windows 2000 Power Meter The Power Meter screen displays the remaining b...

3-24 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Windows 2000 Hibernate Use the Hibernate window to enable hibernate support, see the amount of free diskspace, and the amount of disk space required to hibernate. When your systemhibernates it performs a save-to-disk or save-to-file (STF). Your current workingenviro...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-25 Windows 98/2000 Power Management Behavior LCD Timeout Standby (STR) Hibernate (STF) DefaultSetting 2 Minutes, DC power 15 Minutes, AC power 5 Minutes, DC power 20 minutes, AC power 30 minutes after Standby. 1,2 ManuallyInvoke Close LCD panel. Go to Start, Shutdown,S...

3-26 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Recognizing the Windows NT Power Management States It is important to recognize your system’s behavior when in each of these powermanagement states. The following table describes the system behavior for each powermanagement state. Windows NT Power Management Behavio...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-27 Updating the BIOS The BIOS is code transmitted onto your system’s Flash ROM. As indicated in thischapter, you use the BIOS Setup utility to configure your system’s software andhardware features. Use the BIOS Update Diskette, for your specific model, only, toupdate y...

3-28 Using the BIOS Setup Utility 5. Scan the BIOS Update Diskette for computer viruses. The diskette is ready for use. Performing the BIOS Update Follow these steps to perform the BIOS update. 1. Make sure that the computer is operating under AC power and that the power isoff. Insert the BIOS Updat...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-29 Identifying the Switch Settings A six-position dip switch is located on the bottom of the system. The switch isaccessible by removing the access panel beneath the CD-ROM drive. The followinglist identifies each switch setting and its function. ! Switch 1, Password o...

4 Using the Operating System and Utilities ! Windows Introduction ! NEC Utilities ! SpeedStep Applet ! SoftDVD Player ! NEC CD-RW CD ! Application and Driver CD ! Personal Code Setting Utility ! NEC Info Center ! Partition Magic ! Product Recovery CD

4-2 Using the Operating System and Utilities Windows Introduction Your NEC Versa comes pre-installed with either the Windows 2000, Windows 98Second Edition (SE), or Windows NT operating system. These Microsoft ® operating systems provide a means of running applications, navigating through your files...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-3 Note Before choosing and registering for an online service, you must connect an optional modem to your system and to a working phone line. The phone line must beanalog. If you are unsure what type of line you have, call your local phone company. If you ar...

4-4 Using the Operating System and Utilities ! Setup MSN Internet Access — Provides a setup program that allows you to sign-upfor the Microsoft Network. If you already have an account, use this interface tosign-on to the Microsoft Network. ! Network Neighborhood — Appears when your computer is conne...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-5 Taskbar Icons With Windows 98, a number of icons appear on the taskbar. Use the cursor to hoverover the icon and display its function, right click the icon to display its menu options,or double click the icon to launch it. The following icons normally app...

4-6 Using the Operating System and Utilities Windows NT Windows NT allows you to run applications created specially for Windows NT andWindows 95. You can also run applications created for other versions of Windows,MS-DOS ® . Windows NT gives you a variety of features offered by Microsoft, including ...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-7 The NEC Customize utility screen consists of the following. ! A window at the top half of the screen lists the available options. ! The window below the options list displays a description of each option when theoption is highlighted. ! The Launch button ...

4-8 Using the Operating System and Utilities 4. Enter MS-DOS. At the c: prompt, type cd \necutils\hdprep and press Enter to change to the \necutils\hdprep directory. 5. Type HDPREPEZ and press Enter . The utility automatically prepares your NEC Versa for the newly installed memory. 6. Power off your...

4-10 Using the Operating System and Utilities Installing Easy CD Creator Easy CD Creator is an application that allows you to create data and audio CDs. Followthese steps to install Easy CD Creator. 1. In Windows 98, double click on My Computer. In Windows 2000 and Windows NT, insert the NEC CD-RW C...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-11 5. The Choose Destination Location dialog box appears. Click Next. 6. The Select Program Folder dialog box appears. Click Next. 7. DirectCD is installed. When installation completes, the Adaptec Master screenappears. Click Exit. 8. Click Finish to restar...

4-12 Using the Operating System and Utilities 3. Select Application and Driver CD. 4. Click Install to launch the CD. The Application and Driver CD dialog box appears. Note If the NEC Customize icon is not available, double click My Computer on the desktop and then click the CD icon. The Application...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-13 Installing the Personal Code Setting Utility Use the following steps to install the Personal Code Setting utility. 1. Double click the Personal Code Setting utility icon on the desktop. The Personal Code Setting Utility Setup screen appears. 2. Click Nex...

4-14 Using the Operating System and Utilities NEC Info Center The Application and Driver CD contains the NEC Info Center, a fully navigationalonline document that provides information for the traveling professional and an onlineversion of this printed user’s guide. Installing the NEC Info Center To ...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-15 Your NEC Versa ships with an internal hard disk drive consisting of a single FAT 32partition, drive C:. Use Partition Magic if you want to create multiple partitions andconvert your hard disk drive to FAT 16 partitions. For systems running the Windows NT...

4-16 Using the Operating System and Utilities Product Recovery CD Options The Product Recovery CD utility provides you with a number of choices. Move thecursor over each selection on the NEC Product Recovery utility screen to display adescription of the selection in the window on the right side of t...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-17 The Full Disk Drive restore option deletes all files on the hard drive and replaces them with the original factory installed files. Only use the Full Disk Drive restore option if the preinstalled software is unusable. Use the Product Recovery utility to ...

4-18 Using the Operating System and Utilities 8. Press Enter , click Reboot, or press Alt-R to reboot your system. A series of hardware detection screens display, the system reboots and theWindows Setup screen appears. Follow the on-screen instructions to set upWindows. You are required to reenter y...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-19 Choose your restore option carefully to prevent losing data and applications installed on your system. If the hard disk is configured with multiple or extended partitions you may have toreinstall some software to restore configuration settings and shared...

5 Using the System Drives and Bays ! 24X CD-ROM Drive ! DVD-ROM Drive ! CD Read/Write Drive ! Memory Modules

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-3 CD Loading To insert a CD into the CD-ROM drive, follow these steps. 1. Press the Release button. The CD tray emerges a short way out of the drive door. 2. Gently pull the tray out until you can easily position a disc in the tray. 3. Put your CD, printed side up,...

5-4 Using the System Drives and Bays 3. Select the Device Manager tab. 4. Locate and open the CD-ROM folder. 5. Highlight the appropriate CD-ROM line. 6. Press the properties button at the bottom of the window and select the Settings tab. 7. Proceed as follows: ! To enable Auto Play, click to add a ...

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-5 2. Turn the system over and locate the screw on the memory bay. Memory bay cover and screw A – Memory Bay Cover B – Screw 3. Remove the screw and lift off the memory bay cover. 4. Locate the alignment notch on the module.

5-6 Using the System Drives and Bays 5. Locate the memory module slot. Memory module slot A – Memory Module Slot

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-7 6. Align the notch with the notch in the slot connector and install the module asfollows: ! Hold the SO-DIMM at a 60-degree angle and align the SO-DIMM connectorwith the slot in the system. Push the connector into the slot. ! Press down on the edge of the SO-DIMM...

6 Communicating with Your NEC Versa ! Mini-PCI Modem ! Mini-PCI LAN ! Mini-PCI Modem/LAN ! PC Cards ! Internet Connections ! IR Port

6-2 Communicating with Your NEC Versa Mini-PCI Modem The NEC Versa VXi comes equipped with a 56K capable fax/data modem that allowsyou to communicate with others via fax, email, or connect to an online service orbulletin board. (The modem is only available on some models.) Note Due to FCC regulation...

Communicating with Your NEC Versa 6-3 Mini-PCI LAN Your NEC Versa VXi system may ship with mini-PCI LAN that allows you to connectyour system to a local area network. The mini-PCI LAN is a 10/100Base-TX interfacethat supports both Wake-on-LAN and Network Boot functions. To take advantage of the LAN,...

6-4 Communicating with Your NEC Versa Type II Cards Type II cards have a thickness of 5.0 millimeters (mm). Type II cards are often storageor communications devices such as battery backed Static Random Access Memory(SRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Flash Memory, LAN, and Small ComputerSystem Interface...

Communicating with Your NEC Versa 6-5 Always insert the fax/modem card before using your fax/modem software application.If you start the application before inserting the fax/modem card, the applicationtypically does not find the card. Storage Cards When you insert a memory or storage card in an NEC ...

6-6 Communicating with Your NEC Versa Inserting a PC Card Follow these steps to insert a PC card in your system. Some PC cards require additional system resources. Before inserting a PC card you may have to disable either the IR port, USB port, or the 56Kinternal modem. Check the Windows device mana...

Communicating with Your NEC Versa 6-7 Removing a Card Follow these steps to remove a PC card in Windows 98. 1. Double click My Computer, double click Control Panel, and double click the PCcard icon or simply double click the PC card icon from the taskbar. 2. Select the PC card to remove, and select ...

6-8 Communicating with Your NEC Versa ! Manually configure an internet account or connect through a local area network(LAN). Launch the connection wizard and follow the on-screen prompts to configure yoursystem for internet access. Accessing the Internet Your NEC Versa VXi system is equipped with an...

Communicating with Your NEC Versa 6-9 5. To modify the application to launch when pressing the Internet shortcut key,change the variable Btn7_AP1=iexplore.exe to the *.exe of your choice. Be sure touse the full path name, for example, C:\Program Files\Netscape\Netscape.exe. In addition, modify the v...

6-10 Communicating with Your NEC Versa Using the IR Port Follow these guidelines when using the IR port to communicate with another infrareddevice. ! Position the NEC Versa VXi no more than three feet away from the IR peripheraldevice you are using. ! Make sure that there is no greater than a 30º an...

7 Traveling Tips ! Preparing for Travel ! Packing for Travel ! Using Power Connections ! Getting Through Customs ! Using Your Modem

7-2 Traveling Tips Preparing for Travel The NEC Versa VXi computer makes a natural traveling companion. With a littlepreparation you can use the computer anywhere you go, to prepare your businessdocuments, confirm your travel plans, surf the internet, or simply stay in touch withthose back home! Her...

Traveling Tips 7-3 ! Copy of proof of purchase for your computer and other equipment or customsregistration form for customs check ! Customer support phone numbers for your software ! NEC Versa Quick Reference card ! AC extension cord. Using Power Connections With the right accessories, you can run ...

7-4 Traveling Tips Using Your Modem Whether you are on a business trip or vacation, connecting to the Internet while youtravel can be expensive and frustrating unless you are prepared. Here are some tips onhow to avoid frustration and expense while on the road. 1. Before leaving home, check with you...

8 Using External Devices ! Monitor ! Parallel Devices ! Serial Devices ! Keyboard/Mouse ! Television Connection ! USB Device ! Audio Options ! Port Replicator

8-2 Using External Devices Monitor You can add a standard external monitor to your NEC Versa VXi. You need a displaysignal cable (usually provided with the monitor). One end of the cable must have a15-pin connector for the system. Follow these steps to connect an external monitor to your NEC Versa V...

Using External Devices 8-3 Parallel Devices To install a parallel device such as a printer, you need a cable with a male 25-pinconnector for the system and, for most parallel printers, a Centronics ® -compatible 36- pin connector. Note When you connect a printer, be sure to install the appropriate p...

8-4 Using External Devices Serial Devices To install a serial device such as a printer or an external modem, you need a cable witha female 9-pin connector. Note When you connect a printer or modem, be sure to install the appropriate driver through the Windows Control Panel. Follow these steps to con...

Using External Devices 8-5 Keyboard/Mouse You can add a full-size PS/2-style keyboard or PS/2-style mouse to your NEC Versausing the Plug and Play feature. The PS/2 style keyboard and the PS/2 style mouse arewarm insertable allowing you to connect the devices while the NEC Versa is poweredon. You ca...

8-6 Using External Devices Television Connection Your NEC Versa VXi is equipped with a RCA TV out port that allows you to use atelevision as an external display device in the Windows environment. The RCA TV outport requires an RCA-to-RCA cable and a television equipped with a standard RCAinput jack....

Using External Devices 8-7 Note The default TV Out setting is for NTSC transmission. The U.S. and Japan use the default NTSC signal; Hong Kong and most European countries use the PAL signal.If you require the PAL setting, use the Advanced CMOS Setup section of the BIOSsetup utility to change the set...

8-8 Using External Devices Audio Options The NEC Versa comes equipped with built-in audio ports that let you record and playsound. Connect audio jacks, like a microphone, headphones, or external speakers to the audioports as follows. 1. Locate the audio port that you want to use. 2. Plug the jack in...

Using External Devices 8-9 2. Push the docking lever on the right side of the NEC Port Replicator towards therear of the replicator. Locating the docking lever A – Docking Lever 3. Open the port cover on the rear of the NEC Versa. Remove the expansion portcover by pulling it out of its slot in the p...

8-10 Using External Devices 4. Place the NEC Versa system’s rear bottom corners on the side guides of the NECPort Replicator. Pull the docking lever of the replicator forward to securely dockthe NEC Versa. Connecting the NEC Port Replicator

9 Using Multimedia ! Audio ! Video ! Multimedia Applications

9-2 Using Multimedia With its fast processor and enhanced audio and video capabilities, you can performfantastic multimedia feats with your NEC Versa VXi! This section describes the NECVersa VXi’s multimedia features and how you can use them to create high-quality,powerful presentations. Multimedia ...

Using Multimedia 9-3 3. Speak into the microphone to create a sound file. 4. When you finish recording, press the Stop button. Be careful when recording;audio files can become quite large. Line-In Analog signals come in through the NEC Versa VXi’s Line-In port. The analog signalsare converted into d...

9-4 Using Multimedia Playing Back You can play back your recorded soundtrack through stereo headphones, the internalNEC Versa VXi stereo speakers, or external stereo speakers. You can play .WAV andMIDI files as well as CD audio. Adjust the volume through the software (a volumecontrol feature can be ...

Using Multimedia 9-5 Video Depending on the model, the NEC Versa VXi features a TFT panel with SVGA orXGA resolution. This enables color display for sharp effective visuals right on thesystem or projected onto an external CRT monitor. Use your NEC Versa VXi to run full motion, full-screen MPEG video...

9-6 Using Multimedia Multimedia Applications A growing number of multimedia applications are available for PC/notebook users.These multimedia software packages include graphics packages, animation software,and presentation authoring systems as follows: ! Animation software allows you to create 3-D e...

10 Solving System Problems ! Problem Checklist ! Startup Problems ! If You Need Assistance

10-2 Solving System Problems Once in a while you may encounter a problem with your NEC Versa VXi. If the screenis blank, the instructions don’t help, or no error message appears, use the informationhere to determine and fix the problem. You still may be able to solve the problemyourself! Problem Che...

Solving System Problems 10-3 Troubleshooting Problem What to Do Battery power does not lastlong. Use power-saving modes. Fully charge and fully discharge the battery several times torecondition it. You may need to use Battery Refresh functionunder BIOS Setup.) Replace the battery. Information on the...

10-4 Solving System Problems POST Error Messages The NEC Versa VXi has a built-in checking program that automatically tests itscomponents when you turn the system power on. This diagnostic test is called thePower-On Self-Test (POST). If the system finds a problem during POST, the systemdisplays an e...

Solving System Problems 10-5 POST Error Messages Error Message Explanation Previous POST did notcomplete successfully. POST loads default values and offers to run Setup. If the failurewas caused by incorrect values and they are not corrected, thenext boot will likely fail. On systems with wait state...

11 Getting Service and Support ! Service and Support Contact Information ! NECC Web Site ! NECC FTP Site ! NECC Support Services ! Email/Fax to Support Services

11-2 Getting Service and Support Service and Support Contact Information Service Contact Information NECC Web and FTP Sites Web address: www.nec-computers.com FTP site: ftp.neccsdeast.com NECC Support Services (U.S. andCanada customers only). 800-632-4525Fax: 801-981-3133 Email to NECC Support Servi...

Getting Service and Support 11-3 NECC Web Site If you have a modem or are connected to a network, you can access the NECC website. You can do this through a commercial online service or through your Internetaccount. The NECC web site contains general information about NECC and itsproducts, an online...

11-4 Getting Service and Support Direct assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the NECC SupportServices, toll free, at 1-800-632-4525 (U.S. and Canada only) for the following support. ! System hardware — toll-free phone support is limited to the length of the standardwarranty. F...

A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment ! Making Your Computer Work for You ! Arrange Your Equipment ! Adjust Your Chair ! Adjust Your Input Devices ! Adjust Your Screen or Monitor ! Vary Your Workday ! Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors

Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment A-3 Arrange Your Equipment Arrange your equipment so that you can work in a natural and relaxed position. Placeitems that you use frequently within easy reach. Adjust your workstation setup to theproper height (as described in this appendix) by lowering the tabl...

A-4 Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment Adjust Your Input Devices Note the following points when positioning your notebook computer or any externalinput devices. ! Position your keyboard directly in front of you. Avoid reaching when using yourkeyboard or mouse. ! If you use a mouse, position it at...

Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment A-5 ! If reflected light makes it hard for you to see your screen or external monitor, use ananti-glare filter. ! Clean your screen or external monitor regularly. Use a lint-free, non-abrasive clothand a non-alcohol, neutral, non-abrasive cleaning solution or gl...

A-6 Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment Psychosocial factors associated with these disorders include: workplace stress, poor jobsatisfaction, lack of support by management, and/or lack of control over one’s work. Contact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning, cramping,stif...

B Specifications ! System Components ! Interrupt Controllers ! Memory Map

B-2 Specifications System Components The following specifications are standard except where noted. System Processor Depending on the model: ! Intel Celeron — 450 MHz, 500 MHz, or 600 MHz ! Intel Pentium III — 450 MHz or 500 MHz (without SpeedStep) ! Intel Pentium III — 600 MHz, 650 MHz, or 700 MHz (...

Specifications B-3 ! VGA — 1 port, 15-pin high-density D-sub ! Infrared — 1 port ! Microphone — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini-Pin jack ! Line-In — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini-Pin jack ! Headphones — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini-Pin jack Main Battery ! Types: — Nickel-Metal-Hydride, (NiMH), eight cell – Output Voltage – 9.6v –...

Specifications B-7 AC Adapter ! Input Voltage  100 to 240 volts (V) AC, 50 watt (max.) ! Output Voltage  19 volts DC, 2.6A Dimensions System ! Width — 12 in. (307 mm) ! Depth — 9.9 in. (252 mm) ! Height — 1.6 in. (40 mm) (max 44 mm) Weight ! 6.6 lbs. (3.0 kg) 12.1-inch LCD ! 6.8 lbs. (3.1 kg) 13.3...

B-8 Specifications Interrupt Controllers The following table shows default interrupt level assignments 0 through 15. Note These resources may change after this user’s guide goes to print. Please refer the NEC Versa VXi Release Notes that came with your NEC Versa VXi. Interrupts IRQ# Device IRQ00 Int...

Specifications B-9 Memory Map The system supports system and video shadowing, both controlled throughcomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The system supports BIOS as acacheable area with write protection. The following table shows the system’s memorymap. System Memory Map Memory Space Siz...

C Frequently Asked Questions ! External Mouse ! Display ! PC Cards ! Diskette Drive ! Booting ! Power Management ! Miscellaneous

C-2 Frequently Asked Questions External Mouse How can a PS/2 mouse and an external keyboard be connected to the note book at the same time? The NEC Versa VXi computer has only one PS/2 port that accommodates either a mouse or a keyboard. You can get around this by purchasing an optional Yadapter or ...

Frequently Asked Questions C-3 PC Cards In which slots do my PC cards go? Your PC cards can go into either slot if they are NEC-approved cards. Other software may not support the use of both slots. Type III cards only fit in thebottom slot (slot 0). Is there any instance when a modem or network card...

C-4 Frequently Asked Questions Why do certain PC cards cause my battery life to drop noticeably? Certain hard disk cards and wireless radio cards consume more power than others and can impact battery life. When not using any PC card, close allapplications using the card and pop it part of the way ou...

Frequently Asked Questions C-5 What happens if I leave a diskette in my diskette drive? Shutting down your system with a diskette in the diskette drive can damage the data on your diskette and your diskette drive. You should remove thediskette before powering off. How do I format a diskette? In Wind...

C-6 Frequently Asked Questions Booting What is the difference between a warm boot and a cold boot? A warm boot restarts the system while system power is on. A warm boot is also a software reset. A warm boot clears volatile system memory and reloads theoperating system. To use a warm boot, press and ...

Frequently Asked Questions C-7 What is the function of Suspend-to-RAM? (Standby in Windows 98/2000) You can initiate full Suspend-to-RAM in Windows 98/2000 by accessing Start, Shut Down, Standby. This places the system in a deeper state of “sleep” andrequires that you press the Power button to resum...

C-8 Frequently Asked Questions What is the function of Suspend-to-File? (Hibernation in Windows 98/2000) Suspend-to-File (Hibernation) provides the greatest power savings by putting the system into a maximum power shutdown. When the system goes into STFmode, it saves data and system status and then ...

Frequently Asked Questions C-9 What is a time-out? A time-out is the amount of time your system or a particular component is inactive. Miscellaneous How do I set the time and date? You can change the time and date in Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT as follows. ! Double click the time in the ...

C-10 Frequently Asked Questions Why do I get a message “Insufficient memory” when I run some games? I have 64 MB of memory. The “Insufficient memory” refers to the 640 kilobytes of base memory. Since there are drivers being loaded at power on, the amount of memory can be lowerthan the game requires....

Glossary 1 Glossary A AC adapter A device that connects an NEC Versa notebook computer and an AC wall outlet toprovide AC power for running the system and recharging the battery. A/D conversion The process of converting an analog signal into a digital signal. animation The art of making things appea...

Glossary 11 V VersaGlide A small, touch-sensitive pad used as a pointing device on your NEC Versa notebookcomputer. With the VersaGlide, you can move your finger along the pad to move thecursor or simulate a mouse click by tapping the pad. VGA Video Graphics Array. Graphics technology that supports ...

12 Glossary Z zoomed video A direct high-speed connection between the video, audio, and graphics subsystemswithin the computer that provides the high-quality path required for smooth videoplayback or TV tuner transmission. Zoomed video technology allows data transferdirectly between a PC card and VG...

Index-1 A AC adapter, 2-4, 7-2 specifications, B-7 AC outlet, 2-4Accessing the internet, 6-8ACPI, 3-11, 3-17, 3-21 advanced power settings, 3-20, 3-23hibernation, 3-20, 3-24 ACPI alarms, 3-19, 3-22ACPI power meter, 3-19, 3-23ACPI power schemes, 3-18, 3-21Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, 3...

Regulatory Statements 1 Regulatory Statements The following regulatory statements include the Federal Communications Commission(FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement, compliance statements for Canada andEurope, battery disposal and replacement information, and the Declaration ofConformity. FCC...

2 Regulatory Statements European Community Directive Conformance Statement This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EC Council Directive89/336/EEC on the approximation of laws of the Member States relating toelectro-magnetic compatibility. This product satisfied the Class B ...

NEC Computers Inc. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY We, the Responsible Party NEC Computers Inc. 15 Business Park Way Sacramento, CA 95828 declare that the product NEC Versa VXi is in compliance with FCC CFR47 part 15 for Class B digitaldevices.