NEC VX - Manual

Contents v NEC Customize Utility....................................................................................................... 4-5 Using the NEC Customize Utility ........................................................................ 4-6 HDPREPEZ Utility .....................................

vi Contents Interface Cards............................................................................................................ 6-5Other Cards................................................................................................................. 6-5PC Card Slots ......................

Contents vii Multimedia Applications .................................................................................................... 9-6 10 Solving System Problems Problem Checklist ............................................................................................................ 10-2...

Using This Guide ix Using This Guide The NEC Versa ® VX 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 VX 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 VX Notebook The NEC Versa VX notebook computer offers you a portable system filled withexciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include a powerfulIntel ® Celeron™, Pentium ® II or Pentium III microprocessor that works toget...

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 VX comes with a colo...

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 (stop, reverse, play/pause, andfast forward). Available on some systems. ! Personal Code Buttons — sets a personal code for security. Available on somesystems. ! Status LEDs — keeps you informed of your NEC Versa VX’s cur...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-7 Status Icons The NEC Versa VX 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 VX 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 ...

1-10 Introducing the NEC Versa Fn-Left Ctrl — Simulates pressing the right control key to support IBM 327X connections. Fn-F3 — Toggles the video mode between LCD only, CRT only, Simultaneous mode, and TV out. Fn-F4 — Sets standby power management mode on, in Windows 95. — In Windows 95, press any k...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-11 Windows keys — Use the following two keys to facilitate your work. — Shortcut/Application key – provides quick access to shortcut menus. (This keyacts like a right mouse button.) — Floating Window key – displays the Start menu. ! Numeric Keypad — Pressing Num Lock on t...

1-12 Introducing the NEC Versa — Line In — Lets you use another audio system, like a home stereo, as an inputsource. Use a cable to connect to the Line-Out port on the other audio system torecord or play. — Headphones — Lets you plug in stereo headphones or powered speakers. ! Volume Control — Allow...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-13 ! Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel printer or other parallel device.The parallel port default supports the Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP) standard.The port also supports bidirectional and output only protocols. ! Expansion Port — Use this port to c...

1-14 Introducing the NEC Versa ! Hard Disk Drive — An internal hard disk drive comes installed in the NEC Versa.The disk drive is upgradeable. Around the Right Side of the System The right side of the NEC Versa VX offers the features shown in the following figure.The right side features are describe...

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-15 Around the Bottom of the System The bottom of the NEC Versa VX 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 w...

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 VX system. It also has a LAN port for a network connectionand a Kensington lock. The lock secures the NEC Versa VX to the Port Replica...

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 VX 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 When battery power reaches 8%, the power LED lights amber and the system beeps awarning and the system goes into Suspend or Save to File mode. To prevent accidental battery ignition or explosion, adhere to the following: ! Keep the battery away from extreme heat. ! Keep metal obj...

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 VX computer for which they are designed. Mixing other NEC Versa VX batteries, othermanufacturer’s batteries, or using a combination of very old and...

2-10 Getting Started Charging the Battery Charge time depends on whether or not you are using the system. There are two waysto charge your battery while it is installed in the NEC Versa VX: ! When the system is off or in Suspend mode and the AC adapter is connected,charge time is approximately 3 hou...

Getting Started 2-11 Precautions for Recharging the Battery Adhere to the following precautions when recharging the battery. ! Use only the NEC battery charger designed for your NEC Versa battery type.Different NEC Versa models require different batteries and battery chargers. ! Charge the battery f...

2-12 Getting Started This equipment uses an ungrounded power cable. Replace the cord if it becomes damaged. U.S. and Canadian replacement cords must be UL-approved (CSA certified in Canada) type SPT-2, 18 AWG, 2-conductor cord with apermanently attached NEMA type 5-15P plug at one end, and a permane...

Getting Started 2-13 ! Use the NEC Versa VX on a level surface and avoid moving the NEC Versa VXduring system operation, especially while the hard disk, diskette drive, or CD-ROMdrive is being accessed. ! When using the AC adapter, make sure the power source falls within the system’scompatible range...

2-14 Getting Started — The notebook has not worked well or you can not get it to work according to theuser’s guide. — The notebook has been dropped and damaged. — If the notebook has an obvious sign of damage. ! An approved power cord has to be used for the notebook’s power supply. For arated curren...

Getting Started 2-15 Routine Cleaning Clean or dust your system as follows: Never use harsh solutions, household cleaners, or spray cleaners that contain caustic materials on the NEC Versa computer. These cleaners are usually high in alkalinity which is measured in pH. Using thesecleaners can cause ...

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 VX computer comes with a hardware program called BIOS Setup thatallows 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 Moving the Hard Disk Drive When a password protected HDD is moved from its original system and installed inanother system, error messages appear indicating that the drive is locked. Next, theSecurity Setup screen appears requiring the user to enter the master passwo...

3-12 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Power Management Setup Parameter DefaultSetting Alternate Setting(s) Suspend Option Suspend STF Auto Save-to-File Enabled Disabled Panel Brightness Auto User Defined Suspend Warning Tone Enabled Disabled Remote Power On Disabled Enabled Wake Up Alarm Disabled Enable...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-13 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 ...

3-14 Using the BIOS Setup Utility 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...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-15 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 ...

3-16 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Other BIOS Setup Options BIOS Setup offers other options, including the following: ! Change Language Setting — Controls the BIOS setup language display. Englishand Japanese are the available options. ! Refresh Battery — Launches the Refresh Battery utility. Once lau...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-17 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...

3-18 Using the BIOS Setup Utility ! 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....

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-19 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...

3-20 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Windows 98 Power Management States ACPI uses different levels or states of power management. The power managementstates occur automatically, based on the system’s default settings, or manually, wheninvoked. Settings are configurable to occur while on battery power o...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-21 Windows 95 Power Management States APM uses different levels or states of power management. These power managementstates occur automatically, based on your system’s default settings, or manually, wheninvoked. Settings are configured to occur while on battery power o...

3-22 Using the BIOS Setup Utility Updating the BIOS The BIOS is code transmitted onto your system’s microprocessor, or central processingunit (CPU). As indicated in this chapter, you use the BIOS Setup utility to configureyour system’s software and hardware features. Use the BIOS Update Diskette, fo...

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-23 Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette Before using the BIOS update diskette you must make the diskette BIOS flash ready.Refer to the readme.txt file on the diskette before using the diskette. Follow these instructions to prepare the BIOS Update Diskette. 1. Scan your h...

3-24 Using the BIOS Setup Utility 6. Press Y and then press Enter . After a brief pause, a message appears telling you to remove the diskette from the drive. 7. Remove the diskette and press any key to continue. The utility updates the BIOS. Power off your computer. The next time you power on your c...

4 Using the Operating System and Utilities ! Windows Introduction ! NEC Customize Utility ! HDPREPEZ Utility ! Application and Driver CD ! Personal Code Setting Utility ! DVD Player ! 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 98 Second Edition (SE),Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows 2000 (when available) operating system.These Microsoft ® operating systems provide a means of running applications, n...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-3 Your NEC Versa comes with all the software you need to get started on the mostpopular services available today. For a fee, online services give you access to theInternet, email, the world wide web, travel information, news reports, and more. Note Before c...

4-4 Using the Operating System and Utilities ! NEC VersaGlide — Allows you to adjust your VersaGlide (mouse) properties. Alsoaccess NEC VersaGlide under Start, Settings, Control Panel, Mouse. ! Volume Control — Adjusts the volume and speaker balance when you play audiofiles. Also access Volume Contr...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-5 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 are...

4-6 Using the Operating System and Utilities 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 ...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-7 3. From the Startup menu, select the “Safe Mode Command Prompt Only” option. 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 automatica...

4-8 Using the Operating System and Utilities 4. Click Install to launch the CD. The Application and Driver CD dialog box appears. Application and Driver CD Dialog Box The Application and Driver CD dialog box consists of the following components. ! Selection Tabs — Located just below the title bar, e...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-9 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 Next...

4-10 Using the Operating System and Utilities DVD Player DVD Player allows you to play DVD movies in your DVD-ROM drive. Use thefollowing procedure to install DVD Player. Note Disable power management when using DVD Player. 1. Insert the ATI Soft DVD CD into the CD-ROM drive. If the CD does not load...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-11 Uninstalling the NEC Info Center Use one of the following methods to uninstall the NEC Info Center. ! Use this method to uninstall the NEC Info Center using the Windows Add/RemovePrograms feature. 1. Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double click...

4-12 Using the Operating System and Utilities Product Recovery CD The Product Recovery CD includes the following software and diagnostics. ! The NEC Product Recovery utility ! The Laptop Assurance Test If you determine that you need to restore your system to its initial installation state, oryou wan...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-13 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...

4-14 Using the Operating System and Utilities 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 ...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-15 7. When the recovery process is complete, you are prompted to remove the CD fromthe CD-ROM drive and reboot your system. 8. Press Enter , click Reboot, or press Alt-R to reboot your system. A series of hardware detection screens display, the system reboo...

4-16 Using the Operating System and Utilities 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...

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-17 2. Put the CD into the CD-ROM drive tray, close the drive door, and reboot yourcomputer. 3. Read the License Agreement screen that appears. Use the VersaGlide touchpad toposition the cursor on the Accept button. Left click to accept the agreement. You ha...

5 Using the System Drives and Bays ! 24X CD-ROM Drive ! DVD-ROM Drive ! Hard Disk 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,...

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-5 Hard Disk Drive The hard disk drive can be upgraded to a larger capacity drive. To upgrade the hard disk drive, follow these steps. 1. Locate the drive access panel on the left side of the system. Open the panel usingthe notch. Opening the panel A – Drive Access ...

5-6 Using the System Drives and Bays 3. Slide the hard disk drive out of the system. Removing the disk drive 4. Insert the new hard disk drive into the disk drive slot. 5. Secure the disk drive with the screw removed in step 2. Memory Modules The notebook computer offers two 64-bit memory slots usin...

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-7 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.

5-8 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 5-9 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 VX 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 regulations...

Communicating with Your NEC Versa 6-3 Mini-PCI LAN Your NEC Versa VX 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. Internet Connection Wizard in Windows 95 To access the Internet Conn...

Communicating with Your NEC Versa 6-9 Modifying the Internet and Email Shortcut Keys The Internet and Email shortcut keys are configured (default setting) to launch yourInternet browser and email applications, respectively. To modify the default applicationsettings, you must edit the NECMFK.INI file...

6-10 Communicating with Your NEC Versa Your NEC Versa transfers data at the speed compatible with the receiving device. Your NEC Versa ships with the IR port disabled. Before using the IR port for the first time, you must enable the device. See the following section toenable the IR port. Enabling th...

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 VX 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! Here...

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 VX. You need a displaysignal cable (usually provided with the monitor). One end of the cable must have a 15-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 VX 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 Note You can connect your system to the NEC Port Replicator with the system powered off. In Plug-and-Play operating systems such as Windows 95, you can alsoconnect your system to the NEC Port Replicator with the system in Suspend mode. 2. Push the docking lever on the righ...

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 VX! This section describes the NECVersa VX’s multimedia features and how you can use them to create high-quality,powerful presentations. Multimedia co...

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 VX’s Line-In port. The analog signalsare converted into di...

9-4 Using Multimedia Playing Back You can play back your recorded soundtrack through stereo headphones, the internalNEC Versa VX 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 f...

Using Multimedia 9-5 Video Depending on the model, the NEC Versa VX features a TFT panel with SVGA or XGAresolution. This enables color display for sharp effective visuals right on the system orprojected onto an external CRT monitor. Use your NEC Versa VX 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 VX. 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 Chec...

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 Setup menu.) Replace the battery. Information on the...

10-4 Solving System Problems POST Error Messages The NEC Versa VX 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 er...

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 Input Devices ! Adjust Your Screen or Monitor ! Vary Your Workday ! Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors

A-2 Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment Making Your Computer Work for You Computers are everywhere. More and more people sit at computers for longer periodsof time. This appendix explains how to set up your computer to fit your physical needs.This information is based on ergonomics — the science o...

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 — 400 MHz, 433 MHz, or 466 MHz ! Intel Pentium II — 366 MHz ! Intel Pentium III — 450 MHz or 500 MHz Random Access Memory (RAM) ! Standard Main ...

Specifications B-3 ! Serial — 1 port, 9-pin D-sub ! 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...

Specifications B-5 Mini-PCI Modem ! K56 Flex compatible ! V.34 extended rate protocol ! V.90 compliant ! Enhanced AT command set ! Class 1 and 2 Fax protocols ! Built-in speaker with software controllable volume Mini-PCI LAN ! 10Base-T and 100Base-TX ! Resume-on-LAN support ! Full duplex support ! A...

B-6 Specifications 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-inch LCD ! 7.0 lbs. (3.2 kg) 14.1-inch LCD Recommended Environment Operation ! Temperature — 41ºF to 95ºF...

Specifications B-7 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 VX Important Information sheet that came with your NEC Versa VX. Interrupts IRQ# Devi...

B-8 Specifications 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 VX 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 N...

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) You can initiate full Suspend-to-RAM in Windows 98 by accessing Start, Shut Down, Standby. This places the system in a deeper state of “sleep” and requiresthat you press the Power button to resume operatio...

C-8 Frequently Asked Questions Your system must be configured for STF/Hibernation. In Windows Power ManagementProperties, check the box labeled “enable hibernate support,” under the Hibernate tab.In the BIOS Power Management Setup, enable the “Auto save-to-file” parameter andset the “Suspend Option”...

Frequently Asked Questions C-9 Can I disable my system's power management features? Yes. In the Windows 95 environment, simply press the Power Management switch, Fn+F7 on the system keyboard until you hear a single beep. Other Power Management settings include: ! Custom, 2 beeps ! Highest Performanc...

C-10 Frequently Asked Questions How do I speed up my application? If the application you are using runs really slow, close any other applications you are not using - this should speed things up. If your application still runs slow, you might consider installing additional memory (see“Memory Modules”...

Frequently Asked Questions C-11 How do I save a file? You save a file by selecting File then Save from the drop down menu. If the file was not previously named, you will be prompted for a file name. In Windows98, Windows 95 and Windows NT, you can use up to 255 characters to name a file. I'm having ...

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 W warm boot Process of resetting the computer without turning off the power through keyboard input(pressing Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys simultaneously). The system returns to an initial orarbitrarily selected condition. warm swap Process of swapping devices in and out of a computer system wi...

Index-1 A AC adapter, 2-4, 7-2 specifications, B-5 AC outlet, 2-4Accessing the internet, 6-8ACPI, 3-16 advanced power settings, 3-19hibernation, 3-19 ACPI alarms, 3-18ACPI power meter, 3-18ACPI power schemes, 3-17Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, 3-16 Advanced power settings, 3-19Alarm cri...

Index-3 uninstalling, 4-11 NEC VersaGlide, 2-2NECC email/fax, 11-4FTP site, 11-3support services, 11-3web site, 11-3 Numeric keys, 1-11 O Operating environment, B-6Operating systems Windows 95, 4-4Windows 98, 4-2Windows NT, 4-5 P Panel brightness, 3-13Parallel port, 3-15Partition restore, 4-15Passwo...

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 VX is in compliance with FCC CFR47 part 15 for Class B digitaldevices.