NEC Versa LX, Versa LX+ Series Service And Reference Manual

NEC Versa

®

LX Notebook Computer

V ERSA LX

S E R V I C E A N D R E F E R E N C E

M A N U A L

Proprietary Notice and Liability Disclaimer

The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the valuable property of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc. (hereinafter

“NEC CSD”) and/or its licensors. NEC CSD and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.

The NEC CSD product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration, customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by customers of each product may vary, the suitability of specific product configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not warranted by NEC CSD.

To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this document is subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this document or portions thereof without prior written approval of NEC CSD is prohibited.

FaxFlash is a service mark of NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD), Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation, used under license.

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

First Printing — March 1999

Copyright 1999

NEC Computer Systems Division

Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

1 Packard Bell Way

Sacramento, CA 95828-0903

All Rights Reserved

Contents

Preface ................................................................................................................................... vii

Abbreviations.......................................................................................................................... ix

Chapter 1 System Overview

Getting to Know the NEC Versa LX .................................................................................... 1-2

Around the Front of the System............................................................................................ 1-3

LCD Panel ....................................................................................................................... 1-3

Status Panel ..................................................................................................................... 1-4

Keyboard Panel and Base Unit........................................................................................ 1-5

Around the Back of the System ............................................................................................ 1-7

Around the Left Side of the System...................................................................................... 1-8

Around the Right Side of the System ................................................................................. 1-10

Around the Bottom of the System ...................................................................................... 1-12

Internal Components........................................................................................................... 1-12

Battery Pack .................................................................................................................. 1-12

Hard Disk Drive ............................................................................................................ 1-13

File Bay ......................................................................................................................... 1-13

VersaBay III .................................................................................................................. 1-13

CPU Board .................................................................................................................... 1-13

Audio Board .................................................................................................................. 1-13

CMOS Battery............................................................................................................... 1-13

Bridge Battery ............................................................................................................... 1-13

ChipSet ............................................................................................................................... 1-14

Chapter 2 System Configuration and Setup

Power Sources for Your NEC Versa .................................................................................... 2-2

Using the AC Adapter ..................................................................................................... 2-2

Powering On ......................................................................................................... 2-4

Using the Main Battery Pack........................................................................................... 2-4

Determining Battery Status................................................................................... 2-5

When to Change the Battery ................................................................................. 2-6

Battery Handling ................................................................................................... 2-7

Replacing the Battery............................................................................................ 2-7

Battery Precautions ............................................................................................... 2-9

Recharging Battery Precautions.......................................................................... 2-10

Extending Battery Life........................................................................................ 2-10

NEC VersaBay III Battery............................................................................................. 2-10

Internal Batteries ........................................................................................................... 2-10

CMOS Battery .................................................................................................... 2-10

Bridge Battery ..................................................................................................... 2-11

BIOS Setup ......................................................................................................................... 2-11

How to Enter the BIOS Setup ....................................................................................... 2-11

BIOS Setup Utility Main Menu .......................................................................... 2-12

How to Use BIOS Setup................................................................................................ 2-12

Looking at Screens.............................................................................................. 2-13

Using Keys.......................................................................................................... 2-13

Checking/Setting System Parameters ................................................................. 2-14

BIOS Setup Menus ........................................................................................................ 2-16

Standard CMOS Setup ........................................................................................ 2-16

Contents iii

Advanced CMOS Setup ...................................................................................... 2-17

System Security Setup......................................................................................... 2-17

Power Management Setup................................................................................... 2-18

Boot Device Setup............................................................................................... 2-19

Peripheral Setup .................................................................................................. 2-20

Other BIOS Setup Options .................................................................................. 2-21

Password Protection ............................................................................................ 2-21

Using BIOS Setup to Set Power Management .............................................................. 2-21

Using the Save to File (STF) Feature .................................................................. 2-22

Updating the BIOS......................................................................................................... 2-22

Preparing the BIOS Upgrade Diskette ................................................................ 2-23

Changing the Switch Settings.............................................................................. 2-24

Performing the BIOS Update .............................................................................. 2-24

NEC CSD Utilities ..............................................................................................................2-25

NEC Customize Utility.................................................................................................. 2-25

Using the NEC Customize Utility ....................................................................... 2-25

HDPREPEZ Utility........................................................................................................ 2-26

Using HDPREPEZ in Windows 95 and Windows 98......................................... 2-26

Using HDPREPEZ in Windows NT.................................................................... 2-26

Software Applications and Drivers ..................................................................................... 2-27

Using the Application and Driver CD ........................................................................... 2-27

Launching the Application and Driver CD ......................................................... 2-27

Installing the Software......................................................................................... 2-28

Partition Magic .............................................................................................................. 2-28

Using Partition Magic ......................................................................................... 2-28

Intel LANDesk Client Manager..................................................................................... 2-29

SystemSoft PowerProfiler.............................................................................................. 2-30

SystemSoft CardWizard ................................................................................................ 2-30

Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks ................................................................... 2-30

McAfee VirusScan......................................................................................................... 2-31

Microsoft Internet Explorer ........................................................................................... 2-31

Netscape Navigator........................................................................................................ 2-31

Adobe Acrobat Reader................................................................................................... 2-31

Enabling the IR Port ...................................................................................................... 2-31

Windows 95 Systems .......................................................................................... 2-32

Windows NT Systems ......................................................................................... 2-32

Chapter 3 Disassembly and Reassembly

Required Tools and Equipment............................................................................................. 3-2

Disassembly .......................................................................................................................... 3-2

Battery.............................................................................................................................. 3-2

Removing a Device from the VersaBay III ..................................................................... 3-4

Keyboard, Memory Module, Switch Settings.................................................................. 3-5

Switch Settings for Non-AGP Models .................................................................. 3-7

Switch Settings for AGP Models .......................................................................... 3-7

Changing Switch Settings ..................................................................................... 3-8

Disassembly Differences ................................................................................................. 3-9

Disassembly – User Replaceable Drive System ............................................................ 3-10

CPU Assembly............................................................................................................... 3-10

File Bay Assembly......................................................................................................... 3-11

Hard Disk Drive Assembly............................................................................................ 3-12 iv Contents

Front Cover.................................................................................................................... 3-13

Speaker Assembly, VersaGlide Assembly,

LCD Panel Latch Switch Assembly................................................................... 3-14

VersaGlide Assembly ......................................................................................... 3-14

LCD Panel Switch Board.................................................................................... 3-15

LCD Panel Assembly .................................................................................................... 3-15

LED Sub Assembly............................................................................................. 3-16

PC Card Assembly, CMOS Battery, Buzzer, and Audio Board.................................... 3-17

PC Card Assembly .............................................................................................. 3-17

CMOS Battery .................................................................................................... 3-18

Buzzer ................................................................................................................. 3-18

Main Board Assembly................................................................................................... 3-18

Fan Assembly...................................................................................................... 3-18

CPU Assembly.................................................................................................... 3-19

Bracket/Insulator Assemblies, Bridge Battery, Power Switch ...................................... 3-19

Connector Board, Switch/Cable Cover, Switch/Cable .................................................. 3-19

Bottom Base Assembly ................................................................................................. 3-20

Disassembly – Non-User Replaceable Drive System.................................................... 3-20

CPU Assembly .............................................................................................................. 3-20

Front Cover.................................................................................................................... 3-21

Speaker Assembly, VersaGlide Assembly,

LCD Panel Latch Switch Assembly................................................................... 3-23

VersaGlide Assembly ......................................................................................... 3-23

LCD Panel Switch Board.................................................................................... 3-23

LCD Panel Assembly .................................................................................................... 3-24

LED Sub Assembly............................................................................................. 3-25

Hard Drive and PC Card Assemblies, CMOS Battery, Buzzer, Audio Board .............. 3-25

Hard Drive Assembly.......................................................................................... 3-26

PC Card Assembly .............................................................................................. 3-26

CMOS Battery .................................................................................................... 3-26

Buzzer ................................................................................................................. 3-27

Main Board Assembly................................................................................................... 3-27

Fan Assembly...................................................................................................... 3-27

CPU Assembly.................................................................................................... 3-27

Bracket/Insulator Assemblies, Bridge Battery, Power Switch ...................................... 3-28

Connector Board, Switch/Cable Cover, Switch/Cable .................................................. 3-28

Bottom Base Assembly ................................................................................................. 3-29

Reassembly......................................................................................................................... 3-29

Chapter 4 System Board Layout

Audio Board ......................................................................................................................... 4-2

Connector Board................................................................................................................... 4-2

LCD Panel Switch Board...................................................................................................... 4-3

LED Status Board ................................................................................................................. 4-3

Main Board ........................................................................................................................... 4-4

Chapter 5 Illustrated Parts Breakdown

Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Non-AGP Models) ................................................................... 5-2

Parts List (Non-AGP Models) .............................................................................................. 5-3

Illustrated Parts Breakdown (AGP Models) ......................................................................... 5-5

Parts List (AGP Models) ...................................................................................................... 5-6

Contents v

Chapter 6 Preventive Maintenance

Cleaning the Notebook Exterior ........................................................................................... 6-2

Cleaning the Notebook Interior............................................................................................. 6-2

Protecting the Disk Drives .................................................................................................... 6-2

Handling the Battery Pack .................................................................................................... 6-3

Maintaining the LCD Quality ............................................................................................... 6-4

Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

Quick Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................... 7-2

Helpful Questions ................................................................................................................. 7-4

Chapter 8 Getting Services and Support

Services and Support Contact Information ........................................................................... 8-2

NEC CSD Web Site .............................................................................................................. 8-2

NEC CSD FTP Site............................................................................................................... 8-3

Email/Fax to Support Services.............................................................................................. 8-3

NEC CSD Bulletin Board ..................................................................................................... 8-4

NEC CSD Support Services.................................................................................................. 8-5

NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center................................................................................ 8-6

Chapter 9 Specifications

System Components.............................................................................................................. 9-2

Pin Assignments.................................................................................................................... 9-7

Connector Locations ........................................................................................................... 9-12

Memory Map....................................................................................................................... 9-13

Interrupt Controllers............................................................................................................ 9-14

Glossary

Index vi Contents

Preface

This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up and maintain the NEC Versa

®

LX notebook computer.

The manual also provides hardware and interface information for users who need an overview of the system design. The manual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts, service center personnel, and dealers.

The manual is organized as follows:

Chapter 1, System Overview, provides an overview of the hardware and interface components.

Chapter 2, System Configuration and Setup, provides information on setup and how to operate the notebook.

Chapter 3, Disassembly and Reassembly, provides detailed instructions on how to disassembly the notebook.

Chapter 4, System Board Layout, shows the system boards and the board connectors.

Chapter 5, Illustrated Parts Breakdown, shows the Illustrated Parts Breakdown

(IPB) and corresponding part numbers.

Chapter 6, Preventive Maintenance, lists general notebook preventive maintenance procedures.

Chapter 7, Troubleshooting, lists troubleshooting procedures as well as helpful servicing hints.

Chapter 8, Getting Services and Support, provides information as to how to contact NEC CSD for service information, technical support, product information and ordering information from FaxFlash.

Chapter 9, Specifications, lists physical specifications, video modes, pin assignments, connector locations, memory map and interrupt controllers.

A Glossary and an Index are included for convenience.

Abbreviations

COM

CONT

CPGA

CPU

DAC

DACK

DC

DIP

A

AC

AGP

AT

BBS

BCD

BCU

BIOS bit

BUU bpi bps

C

C

Cache

CAM

Bulletin Board Service binary-coded decimal

BIOS Customized Utility basic input/output system binary digit

BIOS Upgrade Utility bits per inch bits per second capacitance centigrade high-speed buffer storage constantly addressable memory

CAS column address strobe

CD-ROM compact disk-ROM

CG

CGA character generator

Color Graphics Adapter

CGB

CH clk cm

CMOS ampere alternating current

Advanced Graphics Port advanced technology

(IBM PC)

Color Graphics Board channel clock centimeter complementary metal oxide semiconductor communication contrast ceramic pin grid array central processing unit digital-to-analog converter

DMA acknowledge direct current dual in-line package

DLAB

DMA

Divisor Latch Address bit direct memory access

DMAC DMA controller

DOS disk operating system

DRAM dynamic RAM

DVD digital video disk

ECC error checking and correction

HEX

Hz

IC

ID

IDE

IDTR

FG

FM

FP

FRU

GB

GND

ECP

EDO

EGA

EPP enhanced capabilities port extended data output

EPROM erasable and programmable

ROM

EVGA Enhanced Video Graphics

Array

F

FAX

Fahrenheit facsimile transmission

FCC

Enhanced Graphics Adapter enhanced parallel port

Federal Communications

Commission frame ground frequency modulation fast page field-replaceable unit gigabyte ground hexadecimal hertz integrated circuit identification intelligent device electronics in.

INTA

IPB

IR interrupt descriptor table register inch interrupt acknowledge illustrated parts breakdown infrared ix

IRR

ISA

ISR

I/O

IPC

LSB

LSI

M mA max

MB

MDA

MFM ips

IRQ

K k

KB kg kHz lb

LED

LCD

Interrupt Request register

Industry Standard

Architecture

In Service register input/output integrated peripheral controller inches per second interrupt request kilo (1024) kilo (1000) kilobyte kilogram kilohertz pound light-emitting diode liquid crystal display least-significant bit large-scale integration mega milliamps maximum megabyte

Monochrome Display Adapter modified frequency modulation

MHz mm ms

MSB

NASC megahertz millimeter millisecond most-significant bit

National Authorized Service

Center

NC

NMI not connected

Non-maskable Interrupt ns nanosecond

NSRC National Service Response

Center programmable array logic PAL

PCB

PCI printed circuit board

Peripheral Component

Interconnect x

PDA

PFP

PIO pixel

PLCC

PLL p-p

PPI personal digital assistant plastic flat package parallel input/output picture element plastic leaded chip carrier phase lock loop peak-to-peak programmable peripheral interface

PROM programmable ROM

QFP quad flat pack

RAM random-access memory

RAMDAC RAM digital-to-analog converter

SW

TFT

TSC

TTL tpi

SG

SIMM

SPM

SRS

SVGA

RAS

RGB

RGBI

ROM rpm

R

RTC

R/W row address strobe red green blue red green blue intensity read-only memory revolutions per minute read real-time clock

S

SCSI read/write slave

Small Computer System

Interface

SDRAM synchronous dynamic random-access memory signal ground single inline memory module

USB

V

Vac

Vdc standard page mode

Sound Retrieval System

Super Video Graphics Array switch thin film transistor

Technical Support Center transistor/transistor logic tracks per inch universal serial bus volt volts, alternating current volts, direct current

VESA

VFC video electronics standards association

VESA-compliant feature connector

VGA Video Graphics Array

VRAM video RAM

W watt

W

XGA write

Extended Graphics Array xi

System Overview

!

Getting to Know the NEC Versa LX

!

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

!

Internal Components

1

Getting to Know the NEC Versa LX

The NEC Versa LX notebook computer is a portable system filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include a powerful

Intel

®

Pentium 200-MHz or 233-MHz, or Pentium II 233-MHz, 266-MHz,

300-MHz, 300-PE, 333-MHz, 366-MHz, or 400-MHz microprocessor that works together with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) architecture. Some systems also include Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) support.

In addition, the system provides a high-performance hard disk drive, a diskette drive or SuperDisk™ drive, and PC card support. Most models are equipped with a 24X CD-ROM drive, or a DVD-ROM drive. As a multimedia system, the

NEC Versa also provides the tools needed to create and present impressive images using video clips and sound.

NEC Versa LX notebook computer

To get comfortable with the notebook, read the following sections and take a tour around the system!

1-2 System Overview

Around the Front of the System

The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the front of the NEC Versa. The following sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.

LCD Panel

The NEC Versa LX comes with a color LCD panel that can be adjusted for a comfortable viewing position. Depending on the model, the system is equipped with a:

!

12.1-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Super Video Graphics Array

(SVGA) panel.

!

13.3-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended Graphics Array

(XGA) panel.

!

14.1-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended Graphics Array (XGA) panel.

To adjust the LCD panel brightness:

!

Use the slide switch on the front of the panel (12.1-inch TFT, SVGA panel only).

!

Press the Fn-F8 and Fn-F9 function keys.

In addition to the superior display panel, the NEC Versa is equipped with a

Pentium II processor with AGP. AGP adds new features for graphics accelerators such as dedicated access to main memory and faster transfer rates.

AGP further expands current 3D capabilities to new levels of visual realism providing higher performance 3D graphics capabilities.

System Overview 1-3

Status Panel

The NEC Versa status panel provides the features shown in the figure. These features are described after the figure.

Status panel

A – Microphone B – Operating Status LEDs

!

Microphone — A strategically positioned built-in microphone allows the user to record monophonic sound directly into the notebook computer.

!

Operating Status LEDs — informs users of the NEC Versa’s current operating status. See the following figure and list for each icon’s meaning.

Operating status LEDs

A – IDE/VBIII Devices

D – Scroll Lock

B – Caps Lock

E – File Bay

C – Num Lock



IDE/VBIII devices — lights when the NEC Versa writes data to or retrieves data from the internal hard disk drive or a device in the

VersaBay III.



Caps Lock — lights when Caps Lock mode is in effect.



Num Lock — lights when Num Lock mode is active.



Scroll Lock — lights when Scroll Lock mode is in effect.




File Bay — lights when the NEC Versa accesses either the floppy disk drive or SuperDisk drive installed in the file bay.

Keyboard Panel and Base Unit

The NEC Versa keyboard panel and base unit contain the following features which are described after the figure.

Keyboard panel and base unit

A – Stereo Speaker B – VersaGlide

D – System Power Status LEDS E – VersaBay III

C – Keyboard

!

Stereo Speakers — provide stereo sound for multimedia presentations or listening pleasure. The built-in sound system also supports 3D sound, which simulates the latest surround-sound technology.

!

NEC VersaGlide — The NEC VersaGlide works like a standard computer mouse. Simply move your fingertip over the VersaGlide to control the position of the cursor. Use the left button below the

VersaGlide to select menu items.

!

Keyboard — 85 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models purchased outside of the U.S. and Canada ship with country-specific keyboard layouts.)


!

System Power Status LEDs — informs users of the system’s current power status.

System power status LEDs

A – Power Status LED B – Battery Charging LED



Power Status LED — lights green when system is using AC power.

When the system is using battery power, this LED lights to indicate the following:

Lights green when the system power is on.

Blinks green when the system is in Suspend mode.

Lights yellow (blinks when in Suspend mode) to indicate that battery power is at 8% capacity or less.

Lights amber (blinks when in Suspend mode) to indicate that battery power is at 3% capacity.

Note: When both the primary and a secondary battery are installed, the power status LED indicates the total (primary plus secondary) battery status.



Battery Charging LED — lights to indicate battery charging activity.

Lights amber when the primary battery is charging. Blinks amber to indicate an error. The primary battery is installed in the battery bay.

Lights green when the secondary battery is charging. Blinks green to indicate an error. The secondary (optional) battery is installed in the

VersaBay III.


!

NEC VersaBay III™ — A 24X CD-ROM drive, a SuperDisk drive, or a

DVD-ROM drive comes installed in the NEC VersaBay III on the front of the system.

The VersaBay III accepts additional options, including an optional

SuperDisk drive, second Li-Ion battery, or an additional hard disk drive.

Around the Back of the System

You will find system ports for connecting optional devices (like a printer, a docking station, or an external monitor) on the back of the NEC Versa. These ports are described after the figure.

Ports on the back of the system

A – PortBar Notch

D – AC Power Port

G – PS/2 Port

B – Serial Port

E – External Monitor Port

C – Expansion Port

F – Parallel Port

!

PortBar Notches — Use these notches to secure the PortBar to the back of the system.

!

Serial Port — Use this port to connect an external modem or other serial device.

!

Expansion Port — This port (also called the Docking port) provides a connection for NEC Versa LX options including the NEC Versa Dock and the NEC Versa PortBar.

CAUTION

Only dock the NEC Versa LX system on the NEC Versa

Dock. The cover of the NEC Versa Dock is specially designed to allow for proper system cooling.

!

AC Power Port — Use the power jack to attach the NEC Versa to a DC power source, such as the AC adapter or the optional auto adapter.

!

External Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach an external monitor to the NEC Versa. The user can run the LCD display and the external monitor simultaneously or run either alone.


!

Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel printer or other parallel device. The port is an Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP). The ECP standard provides a greater processing speed than the conventional parallel port. It also supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP), bi-directional, and uni-directional protocols.

!

PS/2 Port –— Use the standard PS/2 port to connect an external

PS/2-style mouse or a PS/2-style keyboard to the system. With an optional Y-cable adapter, the user can connect both a mouse and a keyboard at the same time.

Around the Left Side of the System

The left side of the NEC Versa offers the following features, which are described after the figure.

Left side features

A – Fan Vents

D – USB Port

B – IR Port

E – TV Out (RCA) Port

C – PC Card Slots

F – TV Out (S-Video) Port

!

Fan Vents — Allows the system to cool properly and maintain a safe operating temperature.

CAUTION

Always keep the fan vents clear to allow proper system cooling.

!

IR Port — Transfers files between the NEC Versa and an IR-equipped desktop, notebook computer, or other devices.

Note : The NEC Versa LX ships with the IR port disabled.

!

PC card slots — Provides two slots for inserting two Type II PC cards or one Type III PC card.


!

USB Port — Connects up to 127 USB-equipped peripheral devices

(printers, monitors, scanners, etc.) to the NEC Versa.

!

TV Out (S-Video) Port — Uses a television set equipped with an S-Video input jack as an external monitor. This port supports both NTSC and PAL signals.

!

TV Out (RCA) Port — Uses a television set equipped with a standard

RCA jack as an external monitor. This port supports both NTSC and PAL signals.

Note: The TV Out ports do not support the SECAM signal used in some countries.


Around the Right Side of the System

The right-side of the NEC Versa offers the features shown in the following figure. Features are described after the figure.

Right side features

A – Headphones/Line Out B – Line In

D – Kensington Lock

G – Audio Volume

C – External Microphone

E – File Bay F – Power/Sleep Button

!

Audio ports



Headphones/Line-Out — Allows the user to connect external headphones or speakers to the NEC Versa. Plugging in headphones disables the built-in system speakers.



Line-In — Uses another audio system, like a home stereo, as an input source. Use a cable to connect to the Line-Out port on the other audio system to record or play.



External Microphone (MIC) — Allows the user to connect an external microphone for monophonic recording or amplification through the unit. Plugging in an external microphone disables the built-in microphone.

!

Kensington Lock — Lets the user provide added security by installing an optional Kensington Lock.

!

File Bay — The NEC Versa ships with a 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskette drive or the SuperDisk drive installed in the file bay.


!

Power/Sleep Button — slide the Power/Sleep button toward the front of the system to power on, power off, and to put the computer into Suspend mode.



Slide the Power/Sleep button toward the front of the system to power on.



Hold the Power/Sleep button in place for 4 or fewer seconds to put the system into Suspend mode. (Before using the Power/Sleep button to put the system into Suspend mode, set the System Switch BIOS parameter to the Sleep button.)



Hold the Power/Sleep button in place for more than 4 seconds to initiate power override (powers off the system).

The Power/Sleep button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it recognizes when the system is in Suspend mode. If in Suspend mode, the user cannot power off until he/she slides forward the Power/Sleep button again to bring it out of Suspend mode.

In addition, the Smart Power switch invokes an orderly shutdown in the

Windows 95 and Windows NT environments. If the user uses the

Power/Sleep button to turn off the system while applications are running, the Smart Power Switch alerts the operating system. The operating system prompts the user to save all data and invokes an orderly shutdown procedure.

Put the unit in Suspend mode when you need to be away from the system for a short period of time and want to return to where you left off.

Suspend mode shuts down all devices in the system while retaining data and system status. Use the Fn-Power/Sleep key combination to initiate a manual save-to-file. Slide the Smart Power switch (Power/Sleep button) toward the front of the system to resume from a save-to-file.

!

Volume Control — Allows the user to control the speaker volume.


Around the Bottom of the System

The bottom of the NEC Versa offers the features shown next. Features are described after the figure.

Bottom features

A – Height Adjustment Feet

C – VersaBay Release Latch

E – Battery Bay

B – Battery Bay Release Latch

D – VersaBay Release Lock

!

Height Adjustment Feet — Allows the user to modify the angle of the

NEC Versa for easier viewing and typing.

!

Battery Bay Release Latch — Allows the user to release and remove the system’s main battery.

!

NEC VersaBay III Release Lock and Latch — Allows the user to remove the device currently installed in the bay.

!

Battery Bay — Contains the system’s main battery. It is a twelve-cell

Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery.

Internal Components

Review the following sections for a description of the system’s internal hardware.

Battery Pack

The system uses a rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery as its transient power source. The battery pack installs in the compartment next to the

VersaBay III on the bottom of the NEC Versa.


Hard Disk Drive

A standard 2.5-inch, 9.5 mm or 12.7 mm hard disk drive ships with the system.

Some of the earlier non-AGP 200-MHz, 233-MHz, and 266-MHz systems have a non-user replaceable hard disk drive.

File Bay

The NEC Versa LX ships with a 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskette drive or the

SuperDisk drive installed in the file bay.

VersaBay III

A 24X CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive comes installed in the NEC

VersaBay III on the front of the system.

CPU Board

The CPU board is a rectangular-shaped board located above the main board.

The CPU board is part of a subassembly, which includes a heat sink and the

CPU board.

Audio Board

The audio board provides the NEC Versa system with its audio I/O capabilities via a line-in jack, headphone and microphone jacks. It is situated on top of the main board.

CMOS Battery

The lithium battery (3 Volts, 30 mAH capacity) is attached to P28 on the main board. It provides short-term battery backup and prevents data loss in the system’s complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) RAM. This memory area contains information on the system’s configuration like date, time, drives, and memory. The CMOS battery has a useful life of approximately three years.

Bridge Battery

The bridge battery saves the memory contents and system status for up to 5 minutes while changing the main battery. It is connected to the main board via connector P5. The AC adapter maintains voltage in the bridge battery when the system is powered on or off. The bridge battery stores 7.2 Volts, 70 mAH.


ChipSet

Chip

The following table provides information on the system chipset.

System Chipset

Manufacturer Description Technology

Intel Tillamook MMO 200/233 or

Intel Mobile Pentium II MMO

233/266/300/333/366/400

82430TX (supporting Tillamook)

82443BX (supporting Pentium)

PIIX4E (all models)

PC97338VJG

Intel

Intel

200/233/266/300/333/366/

400 MHz CPU

System Controller

320-pin TCP

100-pin TQFP National

Semiconductor

ATI

Super I/O

Video ATI 3D Rage LT Pro or

ATI 3D Rage LT Pro AGP

ESS Maestro2E PCI Audio

ES1918 (non-AGP models)

ES1920 (AGP models)

M38813E4 (non-AGP models)

M38813M4 (AGP models)

RB5C478

ESS

Technology

ESS

Technology

Mitsubishi

Ricoh

AC97 Link

Keyboard Controller

PCI CardBus Controller


2

System Configuration and Setup

Power Sources for Your NEC Versa

BIOS Setup

NEC CSD Utilities

Software Applications and Drivers

Power Sources for Your NEC Versa

The NEC Versa can be powered using three different sources, making it a truly portable system. Operate your NEC Versa just about anywhere using one of the following power sources:

the AC adapter connected to an electrical wall outlet (using AC power).

the battery pack or an optional second battery pack.

the optional Auto adapter.

Read the following sections for specific steps on powering on the system with these power sources.

Using the AC Adapter

Use the AC adapter and power cable that came with your NEC Versa to run your computer on alternating current (AC) power, or to recharge the battery pack. Use the AC adapter whenever a wall outlet is nearby.

Keep the adapter connected whenever possible. The AC adapter charges the battery whether or not you are using the NEC Versa or have the system powered on.

!

WARNING

Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no user-replaceable or serviceable parts inside.

Dangerous voltage in the AC adapter can cause serious personal injury or death. The AC adapter is intended for use with a computer. Both must meet EN609050 standards.

2-2 System Configuration and Setup

AC Adapter

A – AC Adapter B – AC Power Cable

Note: Check that the AC outlet voltage falls in the range of 100-240 Volts AC. Verify that the cord and plug are appropriate for your AC source.

Connect the AC adapter as follows:

1. Connect the AC adapter cable to the power port on the back of your NEC

Versa.

2. Plug one end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter and the other end into a properly grounded 120- or 240-volt wall outlet.

Note: The AC power cable type that your system uses depends on the country where you are using it. Contact the local dealer to purchase the correct power cable.

Connecting the AC Adapter

A – AC Adapter B – Power Port

System Configuration and Setup 2-3

!

CAUTION

Do not cover or place objects on the AC adapter. Keeping the adapter clear of objects lets the adapter cool properly during use.

Powering On

Power on the system as follows:

1. Locate the latch on the front of the LCD panel, slide it to the right, and raise the panel.

2. Locate the Power/Sleep button and slide it toward the front of the system to turn on system power.

Using the Main Battery Pack

The NEC Versa comes with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack.

You can run your system on battery power for approximately two to four hours with power management features enabled. It’s easy to install and remove.

Your NEC Versa system provides tools to help you keep track of the main (or an optional) battery’s power level. These include the power status LED described in Chapter 1, and SystemSoft’s PowerProfiler™ (for Window NT systems, only) described later in this chapter. Both provide important battery status information.

When battery power is very low, the power LED flashes amber.

When battery power gets low, do one of the following:

Slide the Power/Sleep button toward the front of the system and hold it in place for 4 or fewer seconds to put your system in Suspend mode. (Before using the Power/Sleep button to put the system into Suspend mode set the

System Switch BIOS parameter to Sleep button.) Remove the battery pack and replace it with a fully charged battery.

Suspend in Windows 95 from the Start menu.

Leave the battery pack in the system and connect your NEC Versa to the

AC adapter and a wall outlet. If you connect the system to AC power and keep the system within standard operating temperatures, the battery recharges in approximately 2–3 hours whether or not you use your system.

You can also buy an optional NEC Versa battery charger to charge your battery.

See the NEC CSD web site at http://www.nec-computers.com/.


!

WARNING

To prevent accidental battery ignition or explosion, adhere to the following:

Keep the battery away from extreme heat.

Keep metal objects away from the battery terminals to prevent a short circuit.

Make sure the battery is properly installed in the battery bay.

Read the precautions printed on the battery later in this chapter.

Determining Battery Status

You can determine battery status via the battery gauge LEDs on the front of the

Lithium-Ion battery that ships with your NEC Versa LX computer.

Lithium-Ion battery

A – Battery Gauge LED B – Alignment Groove C - LED Status Button

To check battery status, press the Battery Gauge LED status button to illuminate the LEDs. The battery gauge LEDs indicate the following:


Battery gauge LEDs

Note: If the battery gauge LEDs display a combination other than those depicted in the illustration, recharge the battery overnight. If the problem still persists, contact NEC

CSD Technical Support.

In Windows NT environments, in addition to the battery gauge LEDs, use

SystemSoft’s PowerProfiler™ to determine battery status. Click on the battery icon located on the taskbar. The PowerProfiler battery page displays.

To return the battery to its normal state, try the following:

remove and then reinstall the battery

fully recharge the battery.

When to Change the Battery

The following symptoms indicate that battery life is nearing an end. Replace batteries that display these symptoms.

Shorter work times.

Discoloration, warping.

Hot to the touch.

Strange odor.


Battery Handling

Keep the following in mind when removing or replacing a battery.

Use only the battery designed for your system in the NEC Versa. Mixing other manufacturer’s batteries, or using a combination of very old and new batteries can deteriorate battery and equipment performance.

Turn off power to the system after use. Keeping system power on can degrade battery performance and shorten battery life.

Clean the battery terminals with a dry cloth when they get dirty.

Keep the battery out of the reach of children.

Replacing the Battery

Replace the battery pack installed in your NEC Versa system as follows.

Note: Use the batteries in the NEC Versa computer for which they are designed. Also, installing another manufacturer’s battery, or using a combination of very old and new batteries can deteriorate battery and equipment performance.

1. Save your files, exit Windows, and put your system into Suspend mode or turn off system power.

2. Close the LCD and turn the system over.

3. Slide the battery release latch toward the back of the system and hold firmly.

Battery Bay Release Latch

A – Battery Bay Release Latch


4. Continue to hold the battery release latch as you slide the battery out of the system.

Removing the battery

5. 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 battery bay.

Slide the battery into the battery bay until securely locked into placed.

Inserting the battery pack

6. Turn the system over.


Battery Precautions

To prevent accidental battery ignition, rupture, or explosion, adhere to the following precautions.

!

WARNING

There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

To avoid personal injury and property damage, read these battery precautions on handling, charging, and disposing

Li-Ion batteries.

Keep the battery away from heat sources including direct sunlight, open fires, microwave ovens, and high-voltage containers. Temperatures over 140º F (60ºC) may cause damage.

Do not drop or impact the battery.

Do not disassemble the battery.

Do not solder the battery.

Do not puncture the battery.

Do not use a battery that appears damaged or deformed, has any rust on its casing, is discolored, overheats, or emits a foul odor.

Keep the battery dry and away from water.

Keep metal objects away from battery terminals. Metal objects in contact with the terminals can cause a short circuit and damage.

If the battery leaks:

If the battery leaks onto skin or clothing, wash the area immediately with clean water. Battery fluid can cause a skin rash and damage fabric.

If battery fluid gets into eyes, DO NOT rub; rinse with clear water immediately for at least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.

Take extra precautions to keep a leaking battery away from fire. There is a danger of ignition or explosion.


Recharging Battery Precautions

Adhere to the following precautions when recharging the primary or secondary 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 for the specified charge time only.

During charging, keep the environmental temperature between 32°F and

104°F (5°C to 35°C).

Read the instructions that came with the battery charger before charging the battery.

Extending Battery Life

While on the road, it is important to be aware of the simple things you can do to extend the life of the system’s main battery. One way is to keep the brightness setting on the panel low. Use the slide switch on the front of the panel

(12.1-inch TFT, SVGA panel only) or use the Fn+F8 and Fn+F9 function keys to control the brightness.

NEC VersaBay III Battery

The NEC VersaBay III battery provides an optional second Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery to use in your NEC Versa LX computer. Inserting a second fully charged battery increases battery life to approximately 4 to 5 hours.

See the NEC CSD web site at http://www.nec-computers.com/ for details about the NEC VersaBay III battery.

Internal Batteries

The twelve-cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery provides the main power source in your NEC Versa LX computer. See Chapter 9 for a list of battery specifications.

In addition to this battery, the CMOS battery and bridge battery also provide system power.

CMOS Battery

This lithium battery provides battery backup and prevents data loss in the system’s complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) RAM. This memory area contains information on the system’s configuration, for example date, time, drives, and memory. The CMOS battery may discharge completely if the NEC Versa notebook remains unused for approximately two months.


Bridge Battery

The bridge battery saves your system status in Suspend mode for up to five minutes. This gives you time to install a fully charged battery or plug in AC power when your battery charge becomes low.

Only an authorized NEC CSD technician can change a bridge battery.

!

CAUTION

Connect your NEC Versa system to AC power for a full 24 hours before using it on battery power for the first time.

Doing so insures that the bridge battery is fully charged and that no data is lost during a battery change.

BIOS Setup

Your NEC Versa LX computer comes with a hardware program called BIOS

Setup that allows you to view and set system parameters. BIOS setup also allows you to set password features that protect your system from unauthorized use.

Use BIOS setup to:

set the current time and date

customize your operating system to reflect your computer hardware

secure your system with a password

balance your performance needs with power conservation.

How to Enter the BIOS Setup

Access the BIOS utility at power-on. Just press F2 when a prompt similar to the following appears.

Press <F2> to enter Setup.

When you press F2 to enter BIOS Setup, the system interrupts the Power-On

Self-Test (POST) and displays the current CMOS RAM settings.

Note: To pause the POST, press and hold down INS.

To view POST messages, press and hold down ESC when prompted.

If the system detects an error during POST, it prompts you with a double beep and a message: “Press <F1> to resume.” If you press F1 , the system enters

BIOS Setup automatically. If you want to fix the error, carefully read the error message that appears above the prompt (taking notes if you want), and press F2 .


BIOS Setup Utility 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) to toggle through the BIOS Setup menu items.

How to Use BIOS Setup

The following sections describe how to use BIOS Setup, including these topics:

Looking at screens

Using keys

Checking and setting system parameters


Looking at Screens

BIOS setup screens have three areas as shown next.

Advanced CMOS Setup Menu

Parameters — The left part of the screen. This area lists parameters and their current settings.

Available Options and Help — The right part of the screen. This area lists alternate settings and Help text for each parameter.

Key Legend — The bottom right corner of the screen. These lines display the keys that move the cursor and select parameters.

Options that are grayed out are not available for the current selection.

Using Keys

The following table lists the BIOS Setup keys and their functions.

Key

↑ ↓

PgUp/PgDn

Tab

BIOS Setup Key Functions

Function

Moves the cursor between the displayed parameters.

ESC

F3/F4

F10

Toggles through the current parameter settings.

For some parameter settings, moves the cursor between the subfields. Also moves the cursor to the next line or selection.

For example, for System Time, Tab moves the cursor from hour to minute to second.

Exits the current screen and returns to the Main Menu screen.

From the Main Menu screen, displays the prompt, “Quit without saving.”

Changes the screen color.

Saves and exits the BIOS Setup utility.


Checking/Setting System Parameters

See the following table for a list of parameters, their factory default settings, and alternate settings. A description of each setting follows the table.

To reset all parameters to the default settings, select Auto Configuration with

Defaults from the BIOS Setup Main Menu and highlight Yes and press Enter .

BIOS Setup Parameters

Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) Parameter

Standard CMOS Setup

Date

System Memory

System Time

Diskette Drive A

Diskette Drive B

1,8

Internal

32-Bit Mode

VersaBay

32-Bit Mode

Docking Station IDE

1

DS Internal

1

DS VersaBay

1

Boot Sector Virus Protection

8

Advanced CMOS Setup

Video Out Type

LCD Panel View Expansion

PS/2 Port Warm Swap

Internal Mouse

Graphics Aperture Size

8 mm/dd/yyyy hh/mm/ss

1.44 MB, 3.5 inch

Not installed

Auto

On

Auto CDROM

On

Auto

Auto

Auto

Disabled

NTSC

On

Enabled

Enabled

256 MB

(automatically detected)

Not installed/1.44 MB

1.2 MB, 5.25; 1.44 MB, 3.5 inch

User Defined, CDROM

SuperDsk, Not installed

Off

User Defined, CDROM

SuperDsk, Not installed

Off

User Defined, CDROM

SuperDsk, Not Installed

User Defined, CDROM


User Defined, CDROM


Enabled

PAL

Off

Disabled

Disabled

4 MB, 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB,

64 MB, 128 MB

System Security Setup

Change Supervisor

Password

Change User Password

2

Boot Password Required

3

Resume Password Required

3

Press Enter

Press Enter

No

No

Yes

Yes


Parameter

Power Management Setup

System Switch

Power Management under AC

Power Savings Level

CPU Speed Control

48

Hard Disk Timeout

4

Video Timeout

4

Peripheral Timeout

Audio Device Timeout

4

Standby Timeout

4

Auto Suspend Timeout

4

LCD Suspend

Suspend Option

Auto Save to File

Panel Brightness

Suspend Warning Tone

Remote Power On

8

Resume Signal

8

Modem Ring Resume

Wake Up Alarm

Resume Alarm Time

5


Default Setting Alternate Setting(s)

Power Button

Off

Longest Life

100%

2 minutes

2 minutes

On

On

4 minutes

10 minutes

Disabled

Suspend

Enabled

Auto

Enabled

Enabled

PME#

On

Disabled

Off

Sleep Button

On

High Perform/Custom/Off

12.5%, 25%, 50%

5/30/45 sec; 1/4/6/8/10/15 min

Off

30/45 sec.; 1/4/6/8/10/15 min.

Off

Off

Off

Off/1/2/6/8/10/15 min.

Off/5/15/20/25/30 min.

Enabled

STF

Disabled

User Defined

Disabled

Disabled

RI

Off

Enabled

Set time in 5 min. increments when Wake Up Alarm is set.

Boot Device Setup

Quick Boot

Silent Boot

8

Boot from Docking Station IDE

1

Boot Display Device

Docking Station Video

1

BootUp NumLock

1st Boot Device

6

Enabled

Enabled

No

Simul. Mode

Dock Stn.

Auto

SuperDsk

2nd Boot Device

6

3rd Boot Device

6

CDROM

Floppy

Disabled

Disabled, Black

Yes

CRT Only, LCD Only

Portable

On, Off

Disabled/1 st

Fnd IDE/Floppy

/SuperDsk/CDROM/SCSI/

Network

Disabled/1 st

Fnd IDE/Floppy

/SuperDsk

Disabled/1 st

Fnd IDE/SuperDsk

/CDROM


Parameter

4th Boot Device

6

Try Other Boot Devices

1 st

IDE Hard Drive

2 nd

IDE Hard Drive

3 rd

IDE Hard Drive

4 th

IDE Hard Drive


Default Setting

1 st

Fnd IDE

Yes

Internal

VersaBay

DS Internal

DS VersaBay

Alternate Setting(s)

Disabled/Floppy/SuperDsk

/CDROM

No

VersaBay/DS Internal

DS VersaBay

Internal/DS Internal

DS VersaBay

Internal/VersaBay

DS VersaBay

Internal/VersaBay/DS Internal

Peripheral Setup

Internal Hard Drive Enable Disable

USB Controller

Serial Port

Disabled

Auto

Enabled

Disabled/(PnP OS Setup

7

)

COM1,IRQ4/COM2,IRQ3

COM3,IRQ4/COM4,IRQ3

Parallel Port

Parallel Mode

IR Serial Port

Auto

ECP

Disabled

Disabled/LPT1/LPT2

(PnP OS Setup

7

)

Uni-Dir/Bi-Dir EPP

Auto/(PnP OS Setup

7

)

COM2,IRQ3/COM3,IRQ4

COM4,IRQ3

Notes

1

These setup items are only visible when system is docked.

2

Supervisor password has to be previously set up.

3

Only active after a password is set up.

4

Available when power savings is set to custom.

5

Resume alarm time is selectable when wake up from suspend alarm is set.

6

Bootable device when set to IDE Hard Drive. Only one IDE device is allowed to be bootable.

7

Appears only when configured by the Windows 95 device manager.

8

Appears only on AGP systems.

BIOS Setup Menus

Read the following descriptions for explanations of items that appear in the

BIOS Setup menus, as listed in the preceding table. See the item-specific help that appears on each Setup screen for more details.

Standard CMOS Setup

When you select the Standard CMOS Setup screen you see System Time and

System Date parameters as well as drive parameters.

Date — Set your NEC Versa’s calendar month, day and year. The calendar clock is year 2000-compliant. These settings remain in memory even after you turn off system power.


To set the date, use the Tab or arrow keys to move from field to field. Use the PgUp or PgDn key to change the numbers within each field.

System Memory — Displays the amount of system memory currently installed in your system.

Time — Set the time, enter the current hour, minute, and second in

hr/min/sec, 24-hour format.

To set the time use the Tab or arrow keys to move from field to field. Use the PgUp or PgDn key to change the numbers within each field.

Diskette Drives — Lets you designate the drive type for your diskette drives.

Internal Drives — Allows you to assign devices to the internal drive(s), file bay and VersaBay, in your system.

Docking Station Drives — Enables and disables the drives installed in a docking station. (These options are only available when the NEC Versa is docked.)

Boot Sector Virus Protection — Write protects the boot sector of the hard disk drive to avoid infection by some virus types.

Advanced CMOS Setup

Advanced CMOS settings let you define the following functions.

Video Out Type — Specifies the signal type used by the video device connected to the TV Out Port.

LCD Panel View Expansion — Specifies whether the panel view is reduced/off or expanded/on.

PS/2 Port Warm Swap — Specifies whether or not you can swap a PS/2 device during system operation.

Internal Mouse — Specifies whether or not you can use both the internal and the external mouse.

Graphics Aperture Size — Sets the graphics aperture size used by the

AGP video device.

System Security Setup

Change Supervisor Password — Allows you to establish password protection for entering the BIOS setup utility, booting the system, and resuming from Suspend mode.

Change User Password — Allows you to establish a user password once a Supervisor password is set.

Boot Password Required — Indicates whether or not a password is required during system boot.


Resume Password required — Indicates whether or not a password is required during system resume. Boot Password must be defined to activate this parameter.

Power Management Setup

Your NEC Versa Windows 98 system uses the Advanced Configuration and

Power Interface (ACPI) which enables the operating system to manage the power given to each attached device and to turn off a device when not in use. In addition, ACPI enables manufacturers to develop computers that automatically power up with a touch to the keyboard.

The Power Management Setup menu lets you balance high performance and energy conservation using parameters including the following.

System Switch — Lets you use the Power/Sleep button as a Power switch or a sleep button.

Power Management Under AC — Specifies whether to enable power management features when AC power is in use. When AC power is connected to your NEC Versa system, power management is usually disabled. If you enable this parameter, the system automatically activates the power management profile you set, even when AC power is used.

Power Savings Level — Lets you choose one of four levels of power management.



High Performance provides the greatest system performance with only minimal power conservation.



Longest Life provides the maximum amount of power savings.



Off disables power management and all device timeouts.



Custom lets you define your own power management configuration by selecting values for specific device timeouts. Custom lets you set the following timeouts.



CPU Speed Control — Allows you to set CPU performance at one of four levels.



Hard Disk Timeout — Allows you to select the amount of time before your hard disk powers down.



Video Timeout — Allows you to select the amount of time before your video powers off.



Peripheral Timeout — Lets you choose on/off for peripheral power management.



Audio Device Timeout — Allows you to select the amount of time before your audio device powers off.




Standby Timeout — Allows you to select the system standby timeout period.



Auto Suspend Timeout — Defines how much time elapses from the time the system enters Standby mode to the time the system automatically enters Suspend Mode.

LCD Suspend/Resume — Allows you to suspend/resume when the LCD panel is opened and closed.

Suspend Option — Allows you to specify either Suspend or Save to File

(STF) as the default power management mode. In Suspend, after a specified amount of inactivity, your NEC Versa shuts down all devices as you specified in Power Management Setup or applies default timeouts.

All your data is automatically recovered from where you left off when you Resume.

Automatic STF — After 30 minutes in Suspend mode, the current file is automatically saved to a special file on the hard disk and the system shuts down. To resume, you must press the power button. The system reads the saved file and sets up your system accordingly.

The save-to-file area is present on your hard drive, pressing the

Fn-Power/Sleep key combination puts the system into Save to File mode.

(Before using the Power/Sleep button to put the system into Suspend

mode set the System Switch BIOS parameter to Sleep button.) For details about creating the save-to-file area, see the section later in this chapter,

“HDPREPEZ Utility.”

Panel Brightness — Lets you select the LCD screen brightness.

Suspend Warning Tone — Specifies whether the system warning tone sounds when Suspend mode starts. It is best to keep this option enabled.

Remote Power On — Lets you choose whether the system resumes automatically when an external serial modem receives a ring signal.

Resume Signal — Lets you select the signal that generates a modem ring resume.

Modem Ring Resume — Lets you choose whether the system resumes automatically when an internal serial modem receives a ring signal.

Wake Up from Suspend Alarm/Resume Alarm Time — Lets you set a resume time from Suspend mode.

Boot Device Setup

Boot Device Setup allows you to define the following functions.

Quick Boot — Specifies whether or not the system performs all tests during system boot.


Silent Boot — Specifies whether or not to display the NEC logo during system boot.

Boot from Docking Station IDE — Specifies whether or not the system boots from the docking station IDE device. (Only when the NEC Versa is docked.)

Boot Display Device — Specifies the display device(s) to show the system boot messages on.

Docking Station Video — Selects whether or not a video card installed in the Docking Station is enabled at system boot.

BootUp NumLock — Specifies whether NumLock is On or Off at system startup.

Boot Devices — Specifies the sequence of boot devices and whether or not the system attempts to boot from a device other than those specified.

Other Boot Devices — Allows you to specify IDE devices as bootable devices.

Peripheral Setup

The Peripheral Setup menu displays the connection locations between the system and the Input/Output (I/O) ports. This menu also lets you specify different port assignments as needed.

Note: If you disable a device in Peripheral Setup, you cannot enable or assign it using the Windows 95 device manager. The device is not listed in the Windows 95 device list. To control the device using the Windows 95 device manager, select any setting other than Disable in Peripheral

Setup.

Internal Hard Drive — Allows you to enable or disable the internal hard drive.

USB Controller — Allows you to enable or disable the USB controller.

Serial Port — Allows you to disable the port or change its address assignment.

Parallel Port/Parallel Mode — Lets you disable or reassign the parallel port and select a parallel port mode.

IR Serial Port — Allows you to enable, disable or reassign the IR serial port.


Other BIOS Setup Options

BIOS Setup offers other options, including the following:

Change Language Setting — Controls the BIOS setup language display.

English and Japanese are the available options on AGP models.

Refresh Battery — Allows you to launch the Battery Refresh utility on

AGP models. Once launched, the utility fully discharges your battery to eliminate any residual memory effect. Once refreshed, your battery is conditioned to recharge to its full capacity. This process may take up to two hours to complete.

Auto Configuration with Defaults — Loads default settings.

Save Settings and Exit — Accepts changes made to current settings, saves to CMOS, and exits BIOS Setup.

Exit Without Saving — Reverts to previously selected settings and exits

Setup.

Password Protection

Your NEC Versa supports a password for system security on several levels.

Once you set a supervisor password, you must enter it before you can enter

BIOS Setup, access the system at startup, or resume from Suspend, depending on your configuration selection.

Your system is not protected until you set a user password and you are not prompted to enter a user password until you set a supervisor password.

Note: You must set the supervisor password before the

BIOS Setup utility allows you to set a user password.

Using BIOS Setup to Set Power Management

Power Management Setup allows you to use the factory-defined power savings level (Longest Life), or choose between High Performance, Custom, or Off.

Each provides a special value to your current work effort. These power management levels were designed with you in mind. For example, you can use them under the following circumstances:

Longest Life — Provides the best battery life and good performance. Use while traveling long distances.

High Performance — Provides the best performance and good battery life. Use while on the road or traveling short distances.

Custom — Lets you decide! Set power management levels according to your own needs and present environment.

Off — Works well in an office environment while powering your NEC

Versa with AC power.


Using the Save to File (STF) Feature

STF protects the integrity of your working files. For example, if you are called away from your NEC Versa and Suspend mode is selected with auto Save to

File active, your system automatically goes into Suspend mode. After 30 minutes, if you don’t return, your working environment is saved to a special file on your hard disk.

Using STF can benefit you in the following ways.

When in STF, there is minimum battery drain.

Preserves the life of your NEC Versa.

Saves you time. When you return from that urgent call or meeting, you don’t have to reboot, just press the Power/Sleep button to resume system operation.

To configure your NEC Versa’s STF feature follow these steps:

1. Access the BIOS setup utility.

2. Select Power Management from the Setup Main Menu.

3. Move the cursor down and highlight Suspend Option.

4. Press the PgUp key and select STF.

5. Save the settings and exit BIOS Setup.

There are three ways to invoke the NEC Versa’s STF feature, one automatic and two manual.

After 30 minutes of inactivity, your NEC Versa automatically invokes

STF.

You can manually invoke STF by:



pressing Fn Power/Sleep simultaneously, before you leave your

NEC Versa.



Selecting Start, Suspend.

Note: When the status bar indicates that there is only

3% power remaining in the system, the NEC Versa automatically performs a Save to File.

Updating the BIOS

Use the BIOS Update Diskette to update your NEC Versa system BIOS.

Specifically, the BIOS is the code transmitted onto your system’s microprocessor, or central processing unit (CPU).


Note: You only need to update the BIOS if

NEC CSD makes significant improvements or fixes to the current system BIOS. Your authorized

NEC CSD dealer or NEC CSD Support Services representative can help you determine this.

If you are informed that the default BIOS needs an upgrade, contact the Versa

Laptop Fulfillment Hotline at (800) 842-6446, or NEC CSD Support Services at

(800) 632-4525, Fax (801) 981-3133 or access the web site, www.nec-computers.com to download the most current BIOS update software.

Note: If you purchased and are using this computer outside the U.S. or Canada, please contact a local NEC

CSD office or dealer in your country.

Reference the booklet, "Getting Service and Support in Asia,

Australia, and Europe," to find out how to contact the local office in your country.

Only use the BIOS upgrade diskette for your specific model and be sure to prepare the diskette before upgrading the BIOS.

Preparing the BIOS Upgrade Diskette

Before using the BIOS upgrade 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 Upgrade diskette.

1. Scan your hard drive for any computer viruses.

2. Enable the diskette for write access.

3. Insert the diskette into the file bay drive.

4. Type a:install or b:install (depending upon the hardware configuration) at the DOS prompt and follow the on-screen instructions.

Install.bat copies the DOS system files from your hard drive onto the BIOS

Upgrade diskette to make it BIOS flash ready.

The system prompts you when the process is complete.

5. Scan the BIOS Upgrade diskette for computer viruses.

The diskette is ready for use.

6. Follow the instructions for performing the BIOS update.


Changing the Switch Settings

Before performing the BIOS update, be sure to change the switch settings to enable BIOS flash on AGP models. Set switch 5 to “ON” before performing the

BIOS update. For details about setting the switches, see “Switch Settings” in

Chapter 3.

Performing the BIOS Update

Use the following procedure to perform the actual BIOS update.

1. Make sure that the computer is operating under AC power, and that the power is off. Insert the BIOS Update diskette into the file bay drive.

2. Power on the computer with the diskette in the file bay drive. The computer boots and automatically loads the utility. A message similar to the following appears:

The NEC BIOS Update Utility should not be used to modify the BIOS in a Versa system which is docked. If your Versa is docked, please exit the BIOS Update Utility, power down, and undock your Versa before running the utility. Plug in your AC cable before restarting the flash utility.

3. Press Enter to continue.

The utility checks the currently installed BIOS version and the diskette’s

BIOS version. The Main menu appears.

4. Use the arrow keys to highlight the “Display BIOS Version” option on the

Main menu. Use this option to check the currently installed BIOS version and the version of the new replacement BIOS.

Press any key to return to the Main menu.

5. Highlight the “Install New BIOS” option and press Enter .

6. Press Y and then press Enter . After a brief pause, a message appears telling you to remove the diskette in the file bay 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 computer, you will have the latest NEC Versa LX computer BIOS revision level.

8. Enter Setup to restore the default parameter settings.

9. Be sure to modify any custom settings that you may have configured.

10. On AGP models, be sure to change switch 5 back to “OFF” after completing the BIOS update. For details about setting the switches, see “Switch

Settings” in Chapter 3.


NEC CSD Utilities

NEC CSD provides several programs and routines designed to make your NEC

Versa run more efficiently.

The NEC CSD utilities include:

NEC Customize Utility

HDPREPEZ Utility

NEC Customize Utility

In Windows 95 systems and Windows NT systems, the NEC Customize utility gives you the option to install or launch:

NEC CSD custom wallpaper — installs wallpaper displaying the NEC logo.

Application and Driver CD — installs software applications, drivers, online documents, etc.

NEC VersaBay Swapping Utility (Windows 95 only) — takes advantage of warm swapping your VersaBay devices.

IR setup utility to enable the IR port (Windows 95 only) — enables the

IR port.

NEC-supplied mouse driver (Windows NT only) — use this option to take advantages of the VersaGlide features.

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 the option is highlighted.

The Launch button initiates a selected option when clicked.

The More Info button provides an overview of the NEC Customize

Utility.

The Exit button closes the NEC Customize Utility.

Using the NEC Customize Utility

Follow these steps to use the NEC Customize utility.

1. Double click the NEC Customize icon.

2. From the display window, select the desired option.

3. Click Launch to initiate the selected option.


4. Follow the on-screen instructions to process the selected option.

For some of the selected options you are prompted to reboot your system.

5. If necessary, click Exit to close the NEC Customize dialog box.

HDPREPEZ Utility

Using the HDPREPEZ utility automatically configures your NEC Versa’s system’s save-to-file (STF) area on the hard disk drive.

Note: For more details about the HDPREPEZ utility, see the HDPREPEZ.TXT file in the C:\NECUTILS\HDPREP directory.

Using HDPREPEZ in Windows 95 and Windows 98

In Windows 95 and Windows 98, run the HDPREPEZ utility if you increase the memory capacity in your NEC Versa beyond the factory installed base memory.

Follow these steps to run the HDPREPEZ utility.

1. Power off and restart your NEC Versa.

2. At the statement “Starting Windows 9x,” press F8 .

3. From the Startup menu, select “Safe Mode Command Prompt Only,” usually

Option 6.

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 system and then power on. A file, large enough to accommodate your system’s memory is created on the hard disk drive.

Using HDPREPEZ in Windows NT

In Windows NT, run the HDPREPEZ utility if you increase the memory capacity in your NEC Versa beyond the factory installed base memory.

Follow these steps to run the HDPREPEZ utility.

1. Close all background applications before running the HDPREPEZ utility.

2. Go to Start, Programs, AMI Save to File.

3. Select Create STF File.

A DOS box displays and advises you to close all background applications.

The message also indicates that your system reboots when the process is complete. Finally, the message prompts you to “Proceed Y/N?”


4. Enter Y to create the STF file.

A file, large enough to accommodate your system’s memory is created on the hard disk drive. When the process is complete, your system reboots.

Software Applications and Drivers

A variety of software* applications and drivers are provided on the Application and Driver CD for the NEC Versa LX that ships with your system. Some of these applications and drivers are already installed as part of your operating system environment. These applications and drivers let you take full advantage of your system resources.

Once you have installed an application from the Application and Driver CD access the program through its desktop icon or through the Start, Programs menu.

The software* applications available on the Application and Driver CD vary according to your operating system environment and may include:

PowerQuest

®

PartitionMagic

®

Intel LANDesk

®

Client Manager

SystemSoft

®

PowerProfiler (Windows NT only)

SystemSoft

®

CardWizard (Windows NT only)

Puma Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks

McAfee VirusScan™

Microsoft

®

Internet Explorer

Netscape Navigator™

Adobe

®

Acrobat

®

Reader

* The software listed here is current at the time of printing and subject to change without notice.

Using the Application and Driver CD

Use the Application and Driver CD to install applications, drivers, utilities,

Internet browsers, and the online NEC Help Center.

Launching the Application and Driver CD

Follow these steps to launch the Application and Driver CD using the NEC

Customize icon.

1. Insert the Application and Driver CD into the CD-ROM drive.


3. Select Launch Application and Driver CD.


4. Click Install to launch the CD.

The Application and Driver CD dialog box appears.

Installing the Software

The Application and Driver CD dialog box consists of the following components.

Selection Tabs — Located just below the title bar, each tab represents a software category. The selection tabs include Applications, Drivers,

Utilities, Internet browsers, and the online NEC Online Documentation.

Description — Located in the bottom portion of the dialog box, the text describes the selected or highlighted software category or application, driver, etc.

Install — Clicking the Install button installs the selected software.

Exit — Clicking the Exit button closes the Application and Driver CD dialog box.

Once the Application and Driver CD dialog box appears, follow these steps to install the desired software.

1. Click the selection tab of your choice.

2. Select the desired application.

3. Click the Installation selection to activate the Install button.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install your selection.

5. Remove the CD from the CD-ROM drive when the installation is complete.

Partition Magic

Dividing a hard disk drive into several partitions lets you efficiently organize operating systems, programs, and data. PowerQuest’s Partition Magic allows you to optimize hard disk drive space with an easy click of the mouse. Visually create, format, shrink, expand, and move hard disk partitions in minutes.

Using Partition Magic

Your NEC Versa notebook computer ships with an internal hard disk drive consisting of a single FAT 32 partition, drive C: (Windows 95 only). Use

Partition Magic to create multiple partitions and convert any of all of these to

FAT 16 on the hard disk drive.


!

CAUTION

Before using Partition Magic refer to the associated cautionary notes on the Application and Driver CD. The cautionary notes contain important information about designating the partitions on the hard disk drive as primary and/or extended.

The partitions must be properly designated before using the

Product Recovery CD to reinstall your operating system. If the partitions on the hard disk drive are not properly designated, it will appear as though data loss has occurred after using the Partition Restore Choice on the Product

Recovery CD.

After using Partition Magic to create multiple partitions on your hard disk drive, you must perform a partial restore using the Product Recovery CD for Windows

95. The partial restore process reinstalls the operating system and related drivers to drive C:.

Intel LANDesk Client Manager

Intel LANDesk Client Manager provides the capability for managing a variety of components within a PC system. These components include network interface cards, memory modules, printers, and software applications. LANDesk

Client Manager uses the Desktop Management Interface (DMI) standard established by the Desktop Management Task Force (DMTF).

Note: Intel LANDesk Client Manager continuously monitors your system for optimal system performance. This monitoring function interrupts the auto suspend feature that invokes after 30 minutes of inactivity.

If you install Intel’s LANDesk Client Manager, the NEC

Versa auto suspend feature may be disabled.

Set up the LANDesk Client Manager software on your NEC Versa using the easy-to-follow setup program. Follow these installation suggestions when installing LANDesk Client Manager.

To install on a user’s system, run Client setup, only.

To install on a system administrator’s system, run Client setup first, then run Administration setup. Installing both components enables the administrator to monitor his/her own system, as well as, all network systems. To monitor network systems only, run Administration setup, only.

If you use the NEC Versa system with the NEC Versa Dock and want to install

LANDesk Client/Admin Manager, you must load the applicable software before docking the system.


To find out more about Intel LANDesk Client Manager capabilities and uses, refer to the online help that is available when you open Client Manager.

Note: During the setup and installation of LANDesk

Client Manager, you may be prompted to install Microsoft’s

Internet Explorer. Be sure to install Internet Explorer before installing LANDesk Client Manager.

After Internet Explorer is installed you must run the

LANDesk Client Manager setup program again.

SystemSoft PowerProfiler

SystemSoft PowerProfiler for Windows NT lets you manage power resources, balancing performance with battery conservation. You can group power management settings into “profiles” for best performance and best conservation.

You can also create custom profiles. PowerProfiler provides status information, alarms, and timers that let you easily monitor and control power consumption.

Access PowerProfiler through the Start, Programs menu.

SystemSoft CardWizard

SystemSoft CardWizard for Windows NT provides limited plug and play capability by automatically diagnosing and resolving many PC card problems.

When you insert a new PC card into a PC card slot, the Wizard displays a representation of the slot with information about the new card. If there are problems, in most cases, the Wizard automatically fixes them. Typical problems that are resolved include incorrect or missing drivers, system resource conflicts, unconfigured network and ATA cards, and memory conflicts.

Access CardWizard through the Start, Programs menu.

Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks

Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks is a powerful PC-to-PC synchronization solution that enhances your productivity by letting you synchronize all your key data. With Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks you can:

Synchronize files, drives, and directories on two computers, or in different partitions on a single computer.

Synchronize data between two Personal Information Managers (PIMs).

Copy and move files on a remote system using an infrared device or a parallel or serial cable.

Control access each remote system has to your data.

Before using Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks for infrared transfer, enable the IR port on your NEC Versa.


Before using Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks for parallel or serial communication, connect the appropriate cable to the appropriate port on the back of your NEC Versa.

For more information about Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks refer to the online manual.

McAfee VirusScan

The McAfee VirusScan software detects, identifies, and disinfects known computer viruses. It checks memory as well as both system and data areas of your disks for virus infections. In most cases, it eliminates and fully repairs infected programs or system areas to their original condition.

Access McAfee VirusScan through the Start, Programs menu.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer makes finding information on the Internet easy.

Built-in webcasting features give you the content you want, when you want it.

An integrated set of tools provides services ranging from basic email to exciting conferencing, broadcasting, and web-authoring capabilities.

Netscape Navigator

Netscape Navigator is a popular software for browsing information on intranets or the Internet. Information tools simplify access to favorite sites and provide one-click access to Internet searches.

Navigator’s features include technology that allows you directly manipulate and move images and Java applets to create visually exciting, fully interactive pages.

In addition, Navigator lets you customize for individual preferences and bookmark favorite web sites to facilitate repeated access.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to view, navigate, and print PDF files from your local hard drive, your local network, or the Internet. For Windows NT only, Adobe Acrobat Reader is installed with the installation of Intel LANDesk

Client Manager.

Enabling the IR Port

Procedures for enabling the IR port for Windows 95 and Windows NT systems differ. See the instructions appropriate for your system.


Windows 95 Systems

In Windows 95, enable the IR port using the IR port setup utility accessible through the NEC Customize icon. Follow these steps to enable the IR port.


2. From the display window, select Install IR Setup utility.

3. Click Launch to initiate the IR Setup utility.

The IR Setup utility window displays.

4. Select Enable and click OK.

A message displays indicating that you must reboot your system TWICE to fully enable the IR port.

5. Click OK to reboot your system. Be sure to reboot your system a second time before attempting to use the IR port for infrared communication.

6. Click Exit to close the NEC Customize utility window.

Windows NT Systems

In Windows NT, enable the IR port using the hardware BIOS setup utility.

Follow these steps to enable the IR port.

1. Access the BIOS Setup utility at power-on. Just press F2 when a prompt similar to the following appears.

Press <F2> to enter Setup

The BIOS Setup main menu appears.

2. Use the down arrow key to select the Peripheral Setup menu.

3. Use the down arrow key to select the IR Serial Port.

4. Use the PgUp/PgDn keys to change the default value to COM4, IRQ3. (Be sure to check your available resources before making a selection.)

5. Press ESC to return to the BIOS main menu.

6. Save your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.

For the infrared technology to work, you need to follow these guidelines:

Position the NEC Versa no more than three feet way from the IR peripheral device you are using.

Make sure there is no greater than a 30° angle between the computer and the device.


Disassembly and Reassembly

3

Required Tools and Equipment

Disassembly

Reassembly

Required Tools and Equipment

All NEC Versa LX corrective maintenance procedures can be performed using the following tools:

Tweezers

Small flat-head screwdriver

Small Phillips screwdrivers (# 1 and # 0)

Right-angled dentist style probe.

Disassembly

This section contains step-by-step disassembly procedures for the system.

Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. Each procedure is supported by a simplified disassembly illustration to facilitate removal. The Illustrated Parts

Breakdown and parts lists for the system unit are shown in Chapter 5.

For complete disassembly of the system, follow the disassembly instructions that follow.

Note: The following instructions cover two slightly different disassembly procedures. Some earlier units did not have a user-removable hard drive. Follow the instructions carefully to properly disassemble the systems.

When disassembling the system unit, follow these general rules.

Turn off the system and disconnect all power and all options, including the AC adapter (if connected) and battery packs (see the procedures that follow).

Do not disassemble the system into parts that are smaller than those specified in the procedure.

Label all removed connectors. Note where the connector goes and in what position it was installed.

Note: Do not interchange boards between non-AGP and AGP systems.

Battery

Remove the battery pack installed in the NEC Versa LX system as follows.

Note: Use the batteries in the NEC Versa computer for which they are designed. Also, installing another manufacturer’s battery, or using a combination of very old and new batteries can deteriorate battery and equipment performance.

3-2 Disassembly and Reassembly

1. Slide the battery release latch toward the back of the system and hold firmly.

Battery Release Latch

A – Battery Bay Release Latch

2. Continue to hold the battery release latch as you slide the battery out of the system.

Removing the battery

Disassembly and Reassembly 3-3

Removing a Device from the VersaBay III

Use the following steps to remove a device from the VersaBay III.

1. Locate the VersaBay III release lock and release latch on the bottom of the unit.

VersaBay III release lock

A – VersaBay Release Lock B – VersaBay Release Latch

2. Slide the lock to the unlocked position before releasing the latch.

3. Slide the latch toward the battery bay and hold it.

4. Slide the device from the system.


Note: If you release the latch before completely removing the device, the device casing catches on the inside of the latch.

Releasing the device

Keyboard, Memory Module, Switch Settings

Use the following steps to access/remove keyboard, memory and switch settings.

1. Open the LCD panel.

2. Locate the two keyboard retainers, apply pressure to the ridged area and slide each one toward the outside edge of the system and remove.

Removing the keyboard retainers


3. Gently lift up the edge of the keyboard nearest the LCD and slide the keyboard toward the LCD screen to release the tabs that secure it.

Positioning the keyboard

4. Carefully turn over the keyboard and place it face down on the VersaGlide.

Be careful not to twist the keyboard cable. Remove the keyboard cable from the main board by pulling up on the inserts on both sides of the cable connector.

To remove an installed SO-DIMM, follow these instructions.

Press the locking tabs away from the sides of the SO-DIMM and hold while gently lifting on the edge of the SO-DIMM.

When the edge of the SO-DIMM pops up and is at approximately a 60 degree angle, pull the SO-DIMM from the socket.

Removing an installed SO-DIMM


Note: The system switches are also located underneath the keyboard. Therefore, if you need to set any system switches, do it while the system is already disassembled.

Switch Settings for Non-AGP Models

The non-AGP system has a four-position dip switch dip switch. Follow the instructions below for changing dip switch settings.

A four-position dip switch is located underneath the keyboard. The following list identifies each switch setting and its function.

Switch 1, Password Override Switch — The default setting is “OFF.” If you forget your password and cannot access the data on your NEC Versa, change the setting to “ON” and your current password dissolves.

Switch 2 — Keyboard select; Default is “ON” for U.S. and Canada 85 key keyboard.

Switch 3 — Reserved for factory use; Default is “OFF.”

Switch 4 — Reserved for factory use; Default is “OFF.”

Default Switch Settings (Non-AGP Models)

Switch Settings for AGP Models

The AGP system has a six-position dip switch. Follow the instructions below for changing dip switch settings.

A six-position dip switch is located underneath the keyboard. The following list identifies each switch setting and its function.

Switch 1, Password Override Switch — The default setting is “OFF.” If you forget your password and cannot access the data on your NEC Versa, change the setting to “ON” and your current password is erased.

Switch 2 — Keyboard select; Default is “ON” for U.S. 85-key keyboard.

Switch 3 — Reserved for factory use; Default is “ON.”

Switch 4 — Keyboard select; Default is “ON” for U.S. 85-key keyboard.

Switch 5, BIOS Flash Enable Switch — Default is “OFF”(disable).

Before updating the BIOS, change the setting to “ON.”

Switch 6 — Logo select; Default is “OFF” for U.S.


Default Switch Settings (AGP Models)

Changing Switch Settings

Use the following steps to change switch settings.

1. Make sure the system is powered off and that no peripheral devices are attached.

2. Open the LCD panel.

3. Locate the two keyboard retainers, slide each one towards the outside edge of the system, and remove them.

4. Gently lift up the edge of the keyboard nearest the LCD and slide the keyboard toward the LCD screen to release the tabs that secure it.

!

CAUTION

Never use a pencil to change switch settings. Residue from the pencil can damage the system.

5. Gently rest the keyboard on top of the base unit to view and access the dip switch block. Be careful not to twist or disconnect the keyboard cable.

6. Locate the dip switch block. Using a fine-tipped object, change the appropriate switch to the required setting. See “Switch Settings” for dip switch functions and settings.


Password Override Switch set to On (AGP Models)

Note: The system memory expansion slots are also located underneath the keyboard. If you need to install/replace SO-DIMM modules, do it while the system is already disassembled.

Disassembly Differences

You must determine at this time, if the system you are servicing has a user removable hard disk drive. Determine if the hard disk drive is user replaceable by comparing the system with the following illustration.

A - Screw B - Hard disk drive lever


If the system you are servicing has both the screw ( A ) and hard disk drive lever

( B ) as shown in the previous illustration you have a user replaceable hard disk drive. Continue the disassembly process by going to the next set of instructions.

If the system does not have both of these items you have a system with a nonuser replaceable hard disk drive. Skip to the section titled, “Disassembly of a

Non-User Replaceable Hard Disk Drive.”

Note: The system model number, on the back of the system, can identify a system with a user-replaceable hard disk drive. If the model number has the letter “A” in the next to last position of the number, the unit has a userreplaceable hard disk drive.

Disassembly – User Replaceable Drive System

Use the following procedures to disassemble the user-replaceable hard disk drive system.

CPU Assembly

Remove the CPU assembly as described below. It is recommended to use a special insertion/extraction tool to remove the CPU assembly. For information about this tool contact your Intel representative.

1. Remove two screws ( A ) from the CPU bay cover on the bottom of the NEC

Versa as shown in the following figure.

A – CPU Bay Cover Screws

2. Remove the CPU cover.


3. Remove three screws ( A) as shown in the following figure.

A – Screws

4. Lift and disconnect the CPU assembly from the unit.

File Bay Assembly

Remove the file bay assembly as described below.

1. Remove one screw ( A ) from the bottom of the NEC Versa as shown in the following figure.

A – File Bay Screw

2. Slide the file bay assembly to the right and remove from the NEC Versa.


Hard Disk Drive Assembly

Remove the hard disk drive assembly as described below.

1. Remove the screw ( A ) that secures the hard disk drive.

2. Place your finger in the center notch of the hard drive lever ( B ) and pull up the lever. Be sure that both sides of the lever are raised.

Hard Disk Drive in the drive bay

A – Screw B – Hard Disk Drive Lever C – Hard Disk Drive

3. With the lever raised, place your fingers on the inside edge of the lever and on each side of the center notch. Pull the drive toward the open side of the battery bay. Do not apply pressure to the drive surface as you pull.

Disconnecting the drive


4. Once the drive is disconnected, use the lever to lift the drive out of the system. Once removed, only handle the drive by its sides.

Lifting the drive out of the bay

Front Cover

The following describes the steps to remove the front cover.

1. The file bay retaining screw ( B ) on the bottom of the system should have been removed in a prior step. If not, remove it now.

2. Remove a total of 9 screws.

5 from the bottom surface (

1 from the VersaBay III (

1 from the file bay ( A )

2 from the battery bay ( A )

A )

A )

A – Bottom Screws B – File Bay Screw

3. Turn the system over and open the LCD panel.


4. Disconnect the VersaGlide cable from connector P11 (next to the dip switches) and speaker assembly cable from connector P10. Both are located on the main board.

5. Carefully separate and lift the front cover from the bottom assembly, starting on the right and working left.

At this point in the disassembly sequence you can remove the speaker assembly,

VersaGlide assembly or LCD panel latch switch assembly, if necessary. If these items do no need replacing, skip the next section.

Speaker Assembly, VersaGlide Assembly, LCD Panel Latch Switch Assembly

1. Position the front cover assembly as shown in the following illustration.

A – Speaker Assembly Screws

2. Remove the screws and lift the speaker assembly from the front cover assembly.

VersaGlide Assembly

Remove the VersaGlide and cable assembly instructions as follows.

1. Disconnect the LCD panel switch cable from connector CP16 ( A ) on the

VersaGlide assembly.

2. Remove the four screws ( B ).


3. Lift the VersaGlide assembly from the front cover assembly.

A – Connector CP16 B – VersaGlide Screws

LCD Panel Switch Board

Remove the LCD panel switch board as follows.

1. Disconnect the LCD panel switch cable from connector CP17 ( B ) on the

LCD panel latch switch board.

2. Remove 2 screws ( A ) and lift from the front cover assembly.

A – LCD Cover Panel Switch Board Screws B – Connector CP17

This completes the disassembly of the front cover assembly. Reverse this procedure to properly reassemble.

LCD Panel Assembly

Remove the LCD panel assembly as follows.

1. Disconnect cables from the LCD cable at P4 on the main board and the LED sub-assembly cable at connector P2.


2. Remove two screws ( A ) and lift and separate the LCD panel assembly from the remainder of the system.

A – LCD Panel Assembly Screws

LED Sub Assembly

The LED sub assembly consists of a board that contains three connectors and status LEDs. The connectors are for the LCD panel switch, main board, and microphone.

A – Connector CP13

C – Connector CP11

B – Connector CP12

D – Microphone

LCD Panel Switch

1. Remove two screws on the hinge bracket.

2. Disconnect the cable at connector CP13 on the LED board.


Microphone

1. Disconnect the microphone cable at connector CP11.

2. Remove the microphone and cable by gently pulling from the LCD assembly.

LED Board and LED Board Cable

1. Remove two screws and disconnect the cable from connector CP12 on the

LED board.

2. Lift the LED board to remove.

3. Remove one screw to release the LED cable and anchor from the LCD panel assembly.

PC Card Assembly, CMOS Battery, Buzzer, and

Audio Board

The PC card assembly, CMOS battery, buzzer, and audio board may be removed and replaced individually if need be, but all must be removed to continue the disassembly sequences to the next level.

PC Card Assembly

1. Remove three screws ( A ).

2. Lift and disconnect the PC card assembly from connector P14 on the main board. Start by lifting on the right side of the PC card assembly and slide to the right.

A – PC Card Assembly Screws


CMOS Battery

1. Disconnect the CMOS battery cable from connector P28 on the main board.

2. The CMOS battery is held in place by double-sided pressure tape. Gently pry up to remove.

Buzzer

1. Disconnect the buzzer cable from connector P29 on the main board.

2. Pry up to remove the buzzer assembly from its location.

Main Board Assembly

1. Disconnect the bridge battery cable at connector P1 ( A ).

2. Remove one screw ( B ) and lift and remove the port cover plate.

3. Remove two screws ( C ) and disconnect the audio board ( D ) by gently lifting the front edge of the audio board and disconnecting from the main board.

4. Lift the main board from the remainder of the system.

A – Connector P1

D – Audio Board

B – Port Cover Plate Screw C – Audio Board Screws

E – Main Board Screws

Fan Assembly

The fan assembly is made up of a bracket and fan. Follow the steps below to remove.

1. Disconnect the fan cable at connector P5 on the main board.

2. Remove two screws ( E ) on the main board to release the fan assembly.


3. Slide the fan duct away from the fan to remove.

4. Remove two screws to release the fan from the bracket.

CPU Assembly

If the CPU assembly was not removed, as described earlier you can remove it now as described next.

1. Turn the main board over so the bottom is facing up.

2. Remove three screws.

3. Lift and disconnect the CPU assembly from the main board. The heat shield and CPU board come off as two layered pieces.

Bracket/Insulator Assemblies, Bridge Battery, Power Switch

1. The bridge battery ( A ) is now accessible on the bottom assembly.

2. To remove the Power switch, simultaneous slide it to the front and gently lift the Power switch from the bottom assembly.

3. Remove both Bracket/Insulator assemblies by removing four screws ( B ) and lifting the Bracket/Insulator assemblies from the bottom assembly.

A – Bridge Battery B – Bracket/Insulator Assembly Screws

Connector Board, Switch/Cable Cover, Switch/Cable

1. Remove one screw ( A ) to release the switch/cable cover.

2. Lift the switch/cable cover.

3. Disconnect the cable at connector CP8 ( B ) on the connector board and lift the switch/cable from the two locating pins.


4. Remove one screw ( B ) to release the connector board from the bottom assembly.

A – Screws B – Connector CP8

Bottom Base Assembly

There are doors and tilt feet on the bottom assembly.

All doors snap in and out.

To remove the tilt feet open the foot and slightly compress the four sections together and snap out.

Disassembly – Non-User Replaceable Drive System

Use the following procedures to disassemble the non-user replaceable hard disk drive system.

CPU Assembly

Remove the CPU assembly as described in the following procedure.


1. Remove two screws ( B ) from the CPU bay cover on the bottom of the NEC

Versa as shown in the following figure.

A – CPU Bay Cover Screws

2. Remove the CPU cover.

3. Remove three screws ( A) as shown in the following figure.

A – Screws

4. Lift and disconnect the CPU assembly from the unit.

Front Cover

The following describes the steps to remove the front cover.

1. Turn the system over with the bottom facing up.

2. Remove a total of 11 screws.

6 from the bottom surface (A)


1 from the VersaBay III (A)

1 from the File Bay (A)

3 from the battery bay (A)

A – Bottom Screws

3. Turn the system over and open the LCD panel. Disassembly Sequence 1

(Battery Pack, VersaBay III Device and File Bay Device) and 2 (Keyboard) should be completed as described in previous sections of this chapter.

4. Disconnect the VersaGlide cable from connector P11 and speaker assembly cable from connector P10 both located on the main board.

5. Carefully separate and lift the front cover from the bottom assembly, starting on the right and working left.

At this point in the disassembly sequence you can remove the speaker assembly,

VersaGlide assembly or LCD panel latch switch assembly, if necessary. If these items do no need replacing, skip the next section and go to the following sequence.


Speaker Assembly, VersaGlide Assembly, LCD Panel Latch Switch Assembly

1. Position the front cover assembly as shown in the following illustration.

A – Screws

2. Remove the speaker assembly by removing 6 screws. Lift the speaker assembly from the front cover assembly.

VersaGlide Assembly

Remove the VersaGlide and cable assembly instructions as follows.

1. Disconnect the LCD panel switch cable from connector CP16 ( A ) on the

VersaGlide assembly.

2. Remove the four screws ( B ).

3. Lift the VersaGlide assembly from the front cover assembly.

A – Connector CP16 B – Speaker Assembly Screws


Remove the LCD panel switch boards instructions as follows.

1. Disconnect the LCD panel switch cable from connector CP17 ( B ) on the

LCD panel latch switch board.


2. Remove 2 screws ( A ) and lift from the front cover assembly.

A – LCD Cover Panel Switch Board Screws B – Connector CP17

This completes the disassembly of the front cover assembly. Reverse this procedure to properly reassemble.

LCD Panel Assembly

Remove the LCD Panel assembly as follows.

1. Disconnect cables from the LCD cable at P4 on the main board and the LED sub-assembly cable at connector P2.

2. Remove two screws ( A ) and lift and separate the LCD panel assembly from the remainder of the system.

A – LCD Panel Assembly Screws


LED Sub Assembly

The LED sub assembly consists of a board that contains three connectors and status LEDs. The connectors are for the LCD panel switch, main board, and microphone.




D – Microphone

LCD Panel Switch

1. Remove two screws on the hinge bracket.

2. Disconnect the cable at connector CP13 on the LED board.

Microphone

1. Disconnect the microphone cable at connector CP11.

2. Remove the microphone and cable by gently pulling from the LCD assembly.

LED Board and LED Board Cable

1. Remove two screws and disconnect the cable from connector CP12 on the

LED board.

2. Lift the LED board to remove.

3. Remove one screw to release the LED cable and anchor from the LCD panel assembly.

Hard Drive and PC Card Assemblies, CMOS Battery, Buzzer,

Audio Board

The hard drive assembly, PC card assembly, CMOS battery, buzzer, audio board may be removed and replaced individually or all must be removed to continue the disassembly sequences.


Hard Drive Assembly

1. Disconnect the hard drive cable at connector P9 on the main board.

2. Remove three screws ( A ) and lift the hard drive assembly from the system.

A – Hard Disk Drive Screws

PC Card Assembly

1. Remove three screws ( A ).

2. Lift the PC card assembly from the right side of the system.

A – CPU Assembly Screws

CMOS Battery

1. Disconnect the CMOS battery cable from connector P28 on the main board.

2. The CMOS battery is held in place by double-sided pressure tape. Gently pry up to remove.


Buzzer

1. Disconnect the buzzer cable from connector P29 on the main board.

2. Pry up to remove the buzzer assembly from its location.

Main Board Assembly

1. Remove the main board screws ( A ).

2. Disconnect the bridge battery cable at connector P1 ( B ).

3. Remove the one screw ( D ) and port cover plate.

3. Disconnect the audio board ( C ) by gently lifting the front edge of the audio board and disconnecting from the main board.

4. Lift the main board from the remainder of the system.

A – Main Board Screws

C – Audio Board

B – Connector P1

D – Port Cover Plate Screw

Fan Assembly

The fan assembly is made up of a bracket and fan. Follow the steps below to remove.

1. Disconnect the fan cable at connector P5 on the main board.

2. Remove two screws ( D ) on the main board to release the fan assembly.

3. Remove two screws to release the fan from the bracket.

CPU Assembly

The CPU assembly may also be removed from the bottom on the system, as described in Disassembly Sequence 3 (CPU Assembly).


1. Turn the main board over so the bottom is facing up.

2. Remove three screws.

3. Lift and disconnect the CPU assembly from the main board. The heat shield and CPU board comes off as two layered pieces.

Bracket/Insulator Assemblies, Bridge Battery, Power Switch

1. The bridge battery ( B ) is now accessible on the bottom assembly.

2. To remove the Power switch, slide it to the front while at the same time gently lifting the power switch from the bottom assembly.

3. Remove the Bracket/Insulator assemblies by removing three screws ( A ) and lifting the Bracket/Insulator assemblies from the bottom assembly.

A – Bracket/Insulator Assembly Screws B – Bridge Battery

Connector Board, Switch/Cable Cover, Switch/Cable

1. Remove one screw ( A ) to release the switch/cable cover.

2. Lift the switch/cable cover.

3. Disconnect the cable at connector CP8 ( B ) on the connector board and lift the switch/cable from the two locating pins.


4. Remove one screw ( A ) to release the connector board from the bottom assembly.

A – Screws B – Connector CP8

Bottom Base Assembly

There are doors and tilt feet on the bottom assembly.

All doors snap in and out.

To remove the tilt feet open the foot and slightly compress the four sections together and snap out.

Reassembly

Reassembly is the reverse of the disassembly process. Use care to insure that all cables and screws are returned to their proper positions.


System Board Layout

Audio Board

Connector Board


LED Status Board

Main Board

4

Audio Board

A – Connector P31 (underside)

Connector Board


C – Connector CP8

B – Connector CP9

D – Connector CP7

4-2 System Board Layout

LCD Panel Switch Board


LED Status Board




D – Microphone

System Board Layout 4-3

Main Board

A – Connector P5

D – Connector P1

G – Connector P28 (underside)

B – Connector P4

E – Connector P8

H – Connector P29 (underside)

C – Connector P2

F – Connector P9

I – Connector P14

4-4 System Board Layout

Illustrated Parts Breakdown

5

!"

Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Non-AGP Models)

!"

Parts List (Non-AGP Models)

!"

Illustrated Parts Breakdown (AGP Models)

!"

Parts List (AGP Models)

Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Non-AGP Models)

5-2 Illustrated Parts Breakdown

Parts List (Non-AGP Models)

The following table contains a listing of the field-replaceable parts and corresponding part numbers for non-AGP models.

Field-Replaceable Parts List

Item Description

1

8

9

6

7

10

11

2

3

4

LCD Panel Sub Assembly

12.1 - inch

13.3 - inch

14.1 - inch

LCD Lock Spring

LCD Lock Shaft

LCD Lock Lever

Tilt Unit (left)

Tilt Unit (right)

Corner Cap (L)

Corner Cap (R)

LCD Rubber Cushion

Screw Hole Cover

158-057557-000

158-057558-000

158-057559-000

136-628895-A

136-636754-A

136-639307-001A

136-639511-001A

808-811158-001A

808-811158-002A

136-639512-001A

136-639512-002A

136-639309-001B

136-639310-001A

136-243483-001A includes items # 23 & 24

16

17

18

13 Hard Drive Assembly

2GB

3GB

5GB

808-877280-304A

808-877329-124A

808-877329-304A

14 G l ide Point Sub Assembly FRU 158-057555-000

808-897300-501A

Front Cover Assembly without Glide Point

Speaker Cable Assembly

LED/Glide Point Cable

136-243484-001A

808-878090-001A

808-742980-002A

19

20a

20b

24

LED Package (Front) Sub Assembly

Bottom Base Assembly

136-243472-001A

136-243458-001A

Bottom Base Assembly (removable hard disk drive) 136-243684-001A

136-639509-001A

TV Cap Assembly

136-639531-001A

136-243477-001A

136-243476-001A

136-639508-001A

Illustrated Parts Breakdown 5-3

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*



26

28

Connector Board (VersaBay III, File Bay)

TM200

TM233

MD233

MD266

MD300

LED Package for Sub Assembly (F)

136-243459-001A

158-057553-003

158-057553-004

158-057553-002

158-057553-001

158-057553-005

136-243472-001A

136-639510-001A

136-639492-A

804-021205-004A

136-243655-001A

136-243655-002A 32MB SO-DIMM

64MB SO-DIMM

32

33

Main Board Assembly

Battery Lithium VL23205 (CMOS)

34 Buzzer

36

37

I/O Cap Assembly

Docking Station Cap Assembly

38 Fan 25 (2510-5V)

39 Microphone

40 PCMCIA Package Sub Assembly

Battery Li-Ion BL108362


CD-ROM (24X Toshiba) Pack Assembly

DVD Drive Pack

FDD Pack FRU Assembly

Hard Drive FPC Assembly

Heat Sink (T)

Heat Sink (DF)

* Logo Name Plate (Versa LX)

* SuperDisk FDD Pack

* Item not shown on IPB.

136-243463-001A

804-020804-009A

802-870076-001A

136-639535-001A

136-243478-001A

136-243479-001A

808-876290-002A

808-876316-001A

136-243464-001A

808-892246-002A

158-057544-000

808-877610-001A

804-201458-002A

804-021456-001A

136-243444-001A or

OP-260-69001

OP-270-69001

158-057556-000A

808-877607-001A

136-639477-A

136-639545-A or

136-243661-001A

136-640395-001A

136-243475-001B


Illustrated Parts Breakdown (AGP Models)


Parts List (AGP Models)

The following table contains a listing of the field-replaceable parts and corresponding part numbers for AGP models.



1

6

7

8

9

10

11

2

3

4

LCD Panel Sub Assembly

13.3 - inch

14.1 - inch

LCD Lock Spring

LCD Lock Shaft

LCD Lock Lever

Tilt Unit (left)

Tilt Unit (right)

Corner Cap (L)

Corner Cap (R)

LCD Rubber Cushion

Screw Hole Cover

136-243683-005B

136-243683-004B

136-628895-A

136-636754-A

136-639307-001A

136-639511-001A

808-811158-001A

808-811158-002A

136-639512-001A

136-639512-002A

136-639309-001B

136-639310-001A

136-243483-002A

16

17

18

19

20

13 Hard Drive Assembly

3 GB

4 GB

6 GB

10 GB

050-01649-000

050-01651-000

050-01650-000

050-01652-000

14 Glide Point Sub Assembly FRU 158-057555-000

808-897300-501A

Front Cover Assembly without Glide Point

Speaker Cable Assembly

LED/Glide Point Cable

LED Package (Front) Sub Assembly

Bottom Base Assembly

136-243484-001D

808-878090-001A

808-742860-008A

136-243472-001A

136-243684-001A

136-639509-001A

24

26

TV Cap Assembly

Connector Board (VersaBay III, File Bay)

136-639531-001A

136-243477-001A

136-243476-001A

136-639508-001C

136-243459-001A




28

32

33

32MB SO-DIMM

64MB SO-DIMM

Main Board Assembly

Battery Lithium VL2320-S7F (CMOS)

34 Buzzer

35 Power Switch Button

36

37

38

I/O Cap Assembly

Docking Station Cap Assembly

Fan 25 (2510-5V)

39 Microphone

40 PCMCIA Package Sub Assembly

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

MMC2 300

MMC2 333

MMC2 366

MMC2 400

LED Package for Sub Assembly (F)


CD-ROM (24X Toshiba) Pack Assembly

DVD Drive Pack

FDD Pack FRU Assembly

Hard Drive FPC Assembly

Heat Sink Assy

Logo Name Plate (Versa LX)

SuperDisk FDD Pack

Close Off Switch

FDD Plate Assembly

802-143380-705A

802-143380-706A

802-143380-707A

802-143380-708A

136-243472-001A

136-639510-001A

136-639492-A

804-021205-004A

136-243655-001A

136-243655-002A

136-553998-001B

804-020804-009A

802-870076-001A

136-639535-001A

136-243478-001A

136-243479-001C

808-876290-003A

808-876316-003A

136-243464-101A

808-892246-002A

158-057544-000

808-877610-001A

804-021456-001A

136-243444-002A or

OP-260-69001

136-243283-001A or

OP-270-69001

158-057556-000A

136-244455-001A

136-243661-001A

136-640395-001A

136-243475-002D

808-743156-001A

136-639544-A

136-243460-001A


*

*



* Bay Plate Assembly 136-243461-001B

Top Cover Assembly

LED Cable Assembly

* Weight Saver Pack

* Item not shown on IPB.

136-639527-A

136-243469-002A

808-743297-001A

050-01648-000

136-641008-001A


Preventive Maintenance

Cleaning the Notebook Exterior

Cleaning the Notebook Interior

Protecting Disk Drive

Handling the Battery Pack

Maintaining the LCD Quality

6

Preventive maintenance is limited to cleaning the plastic case, the keyboard, the display screen, and the diskette drive heads, as required.

Note: Remove the battery and disconnect the AC adapter before performing any maintenance. Voltage is present inside the system unit and LCD even after the system is turned off.

Cleaning the Notebook Exterior

Use the steps below to clean the outer surface of the system.

1. Power off the system and remove all battery packs. Unplug all cables connected to the system.

2. Wipe the outside of the system, keyboard, and display with a soft, clean cloth. Remove stains with a damp, almost dry cloth. Use glass cleaner to clean the LCD. Apply the glass cleaner directly to the cloth and then wipe the LCD. Do not use solvents or strong, abrasive cleaners on any part of the system.

3. Clean the keys with a damp cloth. A small, soft-bristle brush may be used to clean between the keys. Make sure to use a damp cloth (not wet) to prevent moisture from seeping between the keyboard and the metal plate, possibly damaging the components under the keys. If the keyboard gets wet, thoroughly dry it before reassembling the system unit.

Cleaning the Notebook Interior

When servicing the inside of the notebook, remove dust and other foreign particles from inside the system unit as follows:

1. Remove the top cover and keyboard using the disassembly procedures discussed in the section, Disassembly and Reassembly, in Chapter 3.

2. Dust or vacuum (with a rubber-tipped nozzle) the inside of the system, particularly the motherboard surface. Use care to avoid damaging or dislodging any components or cables.

3. Inspect all cables connectors for damage. Ensure that connectors are seated properly before replacing the cover.

Protecting the Disk Drives

To protect the disk drives and data, back up the system disk periodically on diskettes. Periodically use a head-cleaning diskette in the disk drive to prolong the life of the drive and to help maintain data integrity.

Here are some maintenance procedures to use when servicing a hard disk:

Always back up the data files from the hard disk.

6-2 Preventive Maintenance

Run a virus detecting program to check for possible virus infected areas on the hard disk.

Use the preinstalled ScanDisk program to correct any errors found in the directory and File Allocation Table (FAT). This also frees up space from any unused sectors.

Never turn the computer off when the hard disk is being accessed.

Never move or raise the computer while the hard disk is being accessed.

Be especially careful not to jar the hard disk during access, this can cause a hard disk crash.

Use hard disk maintenance program like DEFRAG under DOS, or acquire Norton Utilities SPEEDISK programs. These programs reorganize your hard disk by eliminating fragmentation and improve the hard disk access time.

Handling the Battery Pack

The battery pack furnished with the computer requires reasonable care and handling to ensure efficient operation and maximum life. Periodically inspect the battery terminals and the batteries for evidence of corrosion and oxide build-up.

To ensure that the battery pack endures for a normal life cycle, always observe the following precautions when handling the battery packs:

Do not drop the battery packs or subject them to excessive shock and vibration.

Do not expose the battery packs to direct sunlight, moisture, chemical compounds, or extreme heat.

Do not disassemble the battery packs.

Do not use the battery packs to power other devices.

Do not short the battery leads or connect the battery with reversed polarity.

Never attempt to charge the battery packs in any way other than as described in this manual and the user’s guide.

Always charge the battery packs as soon as possible after a low battery indication.

Maintaining the LCD Quality

When it comes to screen problems, heat plays a big part. After a good working session, the typical routine is to shut the machine and close the cover. The display surface (no matter what type it is) radiates heat. When you close the cover, you trap the heat against the screen. Make sure to leave the computer's cover open for about ten minutes while the heat disperses, before closing the

LCD.

6-4 Preventive Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Quick Troubleshooting

Helpful Questions

7

Quick Troubleshooting

This section summarizes problems that may develop during system operation and lists suggested corrective actions.

Problem

No power

Data on the LCD is unreadable

Battery power does not last long

System halts during boot sequence

I/O processing malfunctions


Corrective Action

Diskette or SuperDisk does not work

Check that the AC adapter is plugged into the power connector of the system. Also, check that the AC adapter is plugged into a properly grounded AC power outlet.

If using the battery as the main power source, check if the battery pack is the right type, is charged, and is inserted correctly.

Check the main board of the system. Is it inserted into the CPU board connector properly?

Otherwise, replace the main board.

Check LCD Panel View Expansion in BIOS,

Press Fn-F10 to toggle Panel View Expansion for

DOS mode.

Check if installed VGA driver is correct.

Check the VGA controller chip on the main board for any loose soldering.

Replace the main board.

Make sure that the power management features are enabled.

Recharge the battery pack for 2 hours or up to

100% before using again.

Replace the battery pack.

Check condition of selected boot device (diskette, hard disk or CD-ROM) for bad boot track or incorrect O/S files.

Try booting from a new bootable diskette and recopy or repartition hard disk.

Check for any BIOS error messages on the display screen.

Replace the CPU board or main board.

Check the connections of all internal devices.


Check diskette type is correct or not faulty.

Replace the diskette drive.


7-2 Troubleshooting

Problem

Hard disk drive malfunction

Memory malfunction

External keyboard or PS/2 mouse does not work

Serial device does not work

PC card does not work

NEC VersaGlide does not work



Check if hard disk drive is set properly on CMOS

Setup.

Check the drive connections.

Check if the disk drive is good.


Check if the memory module is inserted properly.

Replace the memory module.

Replace the CPU board.

Check if keyboard or mouse is connected properly. Check Y adapter if it is being used.

Power off system first before plugging in the device.

Replace the keyboard or mouse.


Check if device driver is installed properly.

Check if serial device is connected properly.

Check the device drive installation for any IRQ or

I/O address conflict.

Replace serial device.

Check the I/O controller chip on the main board for any cold or loose soldering.

Replace the I/O board.

Check the PC card driver installation for any IRQ or I/O address conflict.

Check if the PC card is inserted properly and all connections are set.

If the PC card is a Type II card, install it in the system’s other PC card slot.

Replace the PC card.


Check if PS/2 or Alps mouse driver is properly installed.

Check VersaGlide cable inside the system if it is inserted properly.

Clean VersaGlide surface.

Check the keyboard controller chip for any cold or loose soldering.


Troubleshooting 7-3

Problem

Parallel device does not work



Check all connections.

Check if external device is turned on.

Check the device drive installation for any IRQ or

I/O address conflict.

Test another parallel device.

Check I/O controller chip on the main board for any cold or loosed soldering.


Helpful Questions

Here are some helpful questions to ask when troubleshooting the notebook:

Is there any external power source connected to the computer?

Is the battery fully charged?

Is the computer turned on and the Power LED activated?

Is the LCD display switched to the external monitor?

Are all cables and devices connected properly and securely?

Are all needed device drivers installed properly?

Have you checked the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files for errors?

Is the Suspend Mode activated? Press any key or press the Power switch to power on the system.

7-4 Troubleshooting

Getting Services and Support

8

!

Services and Support Contact Information

!

NEC CSD Web

!

NEC CSD FTP Sites

!

Email/Fax to Support Services

!

NEC CSD Bulletin Board

!

NEC CSD Support Services

!

NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center

Services and Support Contact Information

NEC CSD Services and Support

Service Contact Information

NEC CSD Web and FTP Sites Web address: www.nec-computers.com

Email to NEC CSD Support

Services through a commercial online service or the Internet.

Fax Service to NEC CSD Support

Services

NEC CSD Bulletin Board System

NEC CSD Support Services

NEC CSD Customer Assistance

Center

FTP site: ftp.neccsdeast.com

Internet email address: [email protected]

801-981-3133

916-379-4499

U.S. and Canada: 800-632-4525

International: 801-578-5103

888-632-9128

Note: If you purchased your computer outside of the

U.S. or Canada, please contact the local NEC office or their dealers for support and service.

See the booklet, “Getting Service and Support in Asia,

Australia, and Europe" to find out how to contact the local office in your country.

If you have access to a telephone, modem, and/or fax machine, you can use these services to obtain information about your system at any time, day or night, seven days a week.

Not only do these services provide information about your NEC system, they can also be used to answer your questions and help solve any problems you may have with your system, should that ever be necessary.

NEC CSD Web Site

If you have a modem or a network board, you can access the NEC CSD web site. You can do this through a commercial online service or through your

Internet account. The NEC CSD web site contains general information about

NEC CSD and its products, an online store, press releases, reviews, and service and support information.

Look in the Service and Support area for the following:

!

technical documentation, including Frequently Asked Questions, reference manuals, and warranty information

!

BIOS updates, drivers, and Setup Disk files to download

8-2 Getting Services and Support

!

contact information, including telephone numbers for Technical Support and links to vendor Web sites

!

Click, the NEC CSD Customer Service newsletter

!

an automated email form for your technical support questions

!

a Reseller’s area (password accessible).

To access NEC CSD’s Home Page, enter the following Internet Uniform

Resource Locator (URL) in your browser: http://www.nec-computers.com/

NEC CSD FTP Site

You can use the Internet to access the NEC CSD FTP (file transfer protocol) site to download various files (video drivers, printer drivers, BIOS updates, and

Setup Disk files). The files are essentially the same files as on the NEC CSD

Web site and the NEC CSD Bulletin Board System.

To access the NEC CSD FTP site, enter the following Internet ftp address through your service: ftp.neccsdeast.com/

Once in the file menu, follow the prompts to choose and download the file(s) you want.

Email/Fax to Support Services

The NEC CSD Support Services offers technical support by email over the

Internet network if you have a modem. The Internet address is: [email protected]

You can also fax technical questions to the NEC CSD Support Services if you have access to a fax machine or fax/modem. The fax number is:

(801)-981-3133

When using the email or fax support service, you should include the following words in the subject field for prompt response from the appropriate technical person:

!

Desktop

!

Monitor

!

Notebook.

Getting Services and Support 8-3

You should provide as much specific information about your questions as possible. Also, if you are sending a fax, please include your voice telephone number and your fax number with the question. You will receive a response to your questions within one business day.

NEC CSD Bulletin Board

If you have access to a modem, you can use the NEC CSD Bulletin Board

System (BBS) to get the latest information on hardware and software. The BBS allows you to download files (video drivers, printer drivers, BIOS updates, etc.) to a diskette for system enhancements and upgrades.

Log onto the BBS as follows.

1. From the Windows desktop, click the Start button.

2. Point to Programs. Point to Accessories and then click HyperTerminal.

3. Double click the Hypertrm icon. The HyperTerminal program appears.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen to set up your modem. Click the

HyperTerminal help button for information about dialing the phone number.

If you need to check communications settings, check that the settings match the following BBS parameters.

!

!

!

!

!

Baud rate: select any baud rate that matches your modem

Parity: none

Data bits: 8

Stop bits: 1

Flow control: Xon/Xoff (select Hardware if using 14.4 bps or higher).

5. Following the HyperTerminal instructions, enter the BBS phone number

(916-379-4499). Your business phone system and/or location might require a 9 1 or 1 prefix.

Note: The first time that you use the BBS, you are requested to provide information for a new user questionnaire.

6. Press Enter twice.

7. Enter your first name, last name, and password. Press Enter after each.

8. Follow the screen prompts until the Main menu appears.

9. At the Main menu, select J to join a conference. Select Conference 2 for the laptop and portable PC conference.

10. From the Main menu, press F for the File menu.


11. Press L twice to list the file areas (47 for BIOS, 48 for drivers, and 49 for video drivers. Press Enter to list the available files. Follow the prompts to select a file for downloading.

CAUTION

Executable files automatically format your diskette when you download files from the BBS. Formatting destroys any data on the diskette. Before you download files from the BBS, check that you do not have information on the diskette that you need.

After you complete downloading your file, log off the BBS as follows:

1. Press Enter (to continue).

2. Press G (command for Goodbye/Hangup).

3. Press Enter .

NEC CSD Support Services

NEC CSD also offers direct technical support through Support Services. (NEC

CSD Support Services is for U.S. and Canadian customers only; international customers should contact the local NEC office or dealer for the support and service available in your country.)

Direct assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the NEC CSD

Support Services, 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 standard warranty.

For hardware support after the standard warranty, get system hardware support for a fee.

!

Preinstalled software — toll-free phone support for 90 days from the time of your first call to the NEC CSD Support Services.

After the initial 90 days, get preinstalled software for a fee.

Please have available your system’s name, model number, serial number, and as much information as possible about your system’s problem before calling.

For outside the U.S. or Canada, please contact your local NEC office or dealer for the support and service available in your country.

Getting Services and Support 8-5

NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center

NEC CSD offers Customer Service for extended warranty and contract information, spare parts ordering, warranty claims, repair services, and service authorizations.

Direct assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m. to 8:00p.m.

EST. Call the NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center, toll free, at 1-888-632-

9128 (U.S. and Canada only).


Specifications

!

System Components

!

Pin Assignments

!

Connector Locations

!

Memory Map

!

Interrupt Controllers

9

System Components

The following system component specifications are standard except where noted.

System Processor

Intel Pentium MMX — 200-MHz, 233-MHz

Intel Pentium II — 233-MHz, 266-MHz, 300-MHz

Intel Pentium II — 300PE, 333-MHz, 366-MHz; 400-MHz, all with

AGP

Architecture

64-bit Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)

Random Access Memory

!

Standard Main Memory — 32- or 64-MB SDRAM SO-DIMM

!

Optional Expansion — 1 slot



Expandable in 32-MB, 64-MB, or 128-MB increments



Maximum 192 MB (Pentium MMX) or 256 MB (Pentium II)

!

Video RAM — 4 MB SVRAM (non-AGP) or 8 MB SDRAM (AGP)

!

L2 Cache RAM — 512-KB (non-AGP) or 256-KB (AGP)

Read-Only Memory

256 KB x 8 bit, Flash ROM (non-AGP)

512 KB x 8 bit, Flash ROM (AGP)

Calendar Clock

Year/month/day/hour/minute/second maintained by internal back-up battery

Input/Output (I/O) Facilities

Integrated industry-standard interfaces

!

Parallel — 1 port, 25-pin D-sub (ECP and EPP support)

!

Serial — 1 port, 9-pin D-sub

!

Infrared — 1 port, IrDA-1 compatible

!

VGA — 1 port, 15-pin high-density D-sub

!

External Keyboard/External Mouse — 1 port, PS/2, 6-pin MiniDIN; exclusionary use or both supported with optional Y-cable adapter

!

Expansion — 1 port, 240-pin for optional NEC Versa Dock or optional

NEC Versa PortBar

!

Microphone — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini Pin Jack

9-2 Specifications

!

Stereo Headphones/Line-out — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini Pin Jack, .5 watts per channel

!

Stereo Line-In — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini Pin Jack

!

TV Out



1 port; 2-pin RCA Jack



1 port, 7-pin S-Video Jack

!

DC In — 1 port, for AC adapter cable

!

USB port — 1 port, 6 pin

Speakers

Two built-in, 1.4 watts (W) each with a maximum 3W output

!

16-bit stereo, 48 KHz

!

Sound BlasterPRO compatible

!

MIDI Roland: MPU401, UART Mode compatible

!

ESS Maestro2E (PCI Audio) + ESS 1918 (non-AGP) or ESS 1920 (AGP)

(AC97 Link)

PC Card Slots

!

Two 32-bit card slots for two Type II PC cards or one Type III PC card,

5 V or 3.3 V interface

!

32-bit CardBus support

LCD Panel

The LCD panel varies, depending on the model.

!

12.1-inch high resolution active matrix Thin Film Transistor (TFT),

Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) color display



Resolution — 800 x 600



Colors — 16.8 Million, max

!


Extended Graphics Array (XGA) color display







!


Extended Graphics Array (XGA) color display







Specifications 9-3

Keyboard

Membrane 85 keys (both U.S. and International) with standard QWERTY-key layout (International keyboards are country-specific)

!

Function keys — 12 keys

!

Cursor Control keys — 4 keys; arrow keys arranged in inverted T layout

!

Numeric keypad — embedded

!

Fn key — function key for ROM-based key functions

!

Stroke — 3 mm

Diskette Drive

!

Size — 3.5-inch

!

Capacity — 1.44 MB (formatted), 2 MB (unformatted)

!

Transfer Rate — 250 to 500 K/bps

!

Interleave 1:1

!

Controller — NS PC87338VJG (non-AGP) or NS PC97338VJG (AGP)

SuperDisk™ Drive

!

Formatted Capacity:



Optical diskette — 120 MB



High Density floppy diskette — 1.44 MB



Double Density floppy diskette — 720 KB

!

Data Transfer Rate



120-MB: 680 KB/S (max)



1.44-MB: 150 KB/S (max)



720-KB: 75 KB/S (max)

!

Track to track seek rate



120-MB: 20ms (typ)



1.44-MB/720-KB: 25ms (typ)


Hard Disk Drive

Specifications vary depending upon model:

!

Ultra DMA/33 support

!

Capacity — Internal 2.1 GB, 3.2 GB, 4.0 GB, 5.1 GB, 6.0 GB, or 10 GB

!

9.5 mm, 12.5 mm,or 12.7 mm

!

Read/write track-to-track seek rate — 3 ms - 4.5 ms

!

Average seek time — 12 ms - 14 ms

!

Revolutions per minute — 4000 - 4200

!

Data transfer rate



16.6 MB/sec (PIO mode4/DMA mode2)



33.3 MB/sec (ultra DMA)

!

Media data rates — 82.4 bit/sec - 118.0 bit/sec

!

Mean Time Between Errors (MTBF) — 300,000 hours

24X-speed CD-ROM Drive

!

Type — 5-inch CD-ROM Pack

!

Average Data Transfer Rates



2550 KB/second (mode 1)



2907 KB/ second (mode2)

!

Read Rate — 3600 KB/sec max, 2550 KB/sec avg

!

Burst Transfer Rate — 16.7 MB/sec, PIO mode4/DMA mode

!

Average Access Time



120 ms (Random)



250 ms (Fullstroke)

!

Memory Buffer — 128 KB

!

Interface — IDE (ATAPI)

!

Photo CD Compatibility — Multisession Photo CD,

Video CD (CD-1, CD-I Ready, CD-G, CD-Plus, CD-DA,

CD-EXTRN, and CD-ROM XA)


Power

AC Adapter

!

Input Voltage — 100 to 240 volts (V) AC, 50 or 60 Hz, 1.5 A

!

Output Voltage — 15.0 V DC, 60 Watt

!

Australia, Europe and Asia use an AC power cable specific to each country's standards.

Battery Pack

!

Type — twelve-cell Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)

!

Output Voltage — 10.8 V

!

Capacity — 4,800 mAH

!

Battery Life — Approximately 2-4 hours, under typical operating conditions.

!

Recharging Time —- Approximately 2.7 hours when the system is on or off.

Bridge Battery

When fully charged, backs up memory contents and system status for up to 5 minutes under Suspend mode.

Dimensions

System

!

Width — 12.1 in. (309 mm)

!

Depth — 10.0 in. (254 mm)

!

Height — 1.85 in. (47 mm)

Battery Pack

!

Width — 4.47 in. (114 mm)

!

Depth — 6.19 in. (158 mm)

!

Height — 0.72 in. (18.5mm)

Weight

!

NEC Versa



5.65 lb (2.57 kg) to 5.83 lb (2.65 kg) without primary battery or

VersaBay III device installed



7.7 lb (3.4 kg) to 7.9 lb (3.59 kg)

!

Battery Pack — 1.12 lb (.51 kg)


Recommended Environment

Operation

!

Temperature — 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)

!

Relative Humidity — 20% to 80% (Noncondensing)

Storage

!

Temperature — -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C)

!

Relative Humidity — 20% to 80% (Noncondensing)

Pin Assignments

Keyboard/Mouse Connectors

Pin Signal

4

5

6

1

2

3

Keyboard Data

Mouse Data

Ground

+5V

Keyboard Clock

Mouse Clock

Serial Port Connector Pin Assignments

Pin Signal

7

8

9

3

4

5

6

1

2

Data Carrier

Receive Data

Transmit Data

Data Terminal Ready

Ground

Data Set Ready

Request to Send

Clear to Send

Ring Indicator



1

2

3

Pin

Power Connector

Signal

ADP IN

Ground

Ground*

* Connect to pin 2 when using the AC adapter.

Parallel Printer Pin Assignments

Pin Signal

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

2

3

4

11

12

13

14

Strobe

Data Bit 0

Data Bit 1

Data Bit 2

Data Bit

Data Bit 4

Data Bit 5

Data Bit 6

Data Bit 7

Acknowledge

Busy

PE

Select

Auto Feed XT

15

16

17

Error

Initialize

Select In

18 -25 Ground

Pin

Hard Disk Drive Connector

Signal

23

24

25

26

27

19

20

21

22

31

32

33

34

28

29

30

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Not Used

Not Used

Not Used

Not Used

+5V

+5V

Not Used

Ground

+5V

+5V

Ground

HDD Access LED

Chip Select 0

Chip Select 1

Address 2

Address 0

Diagnostic

Address 1

Not Used

IRQ

Ground

DMA Acknowledge

Ground

I/O Channel Ready

Ground

I/O Read

Ground

I/O Write

Ground

DMA Request

Not Used

Ground

Data15

Data0



Pin

Hard Disk Drive Connector

Signal

48

49

50

42

43

44

45

46

47

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

Data4

Data10

Data5

Data9

Data6

Data8

Data7

Ground

RESET

Data14

Data1

Data13

Data2

Data12

Data3

Data11

Pin

CRT Connector Pin Assignments

Signal

12

13

14

15

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

3

4

1

2

Red

Green

Blue

OPT1

Ground

Ground

Ground

Ground

+5V PnP VESA Vcc

Ground

OPT2

PnP VESA Data

Horizontal Sync

Vertical Sync

PnP VESA Clock


Connector Locations

Connector Locations

P23

P24

P28

P29

P31

P5

P10

P11

P12

P13

P14

Connector

P1

P2

P4

CP13

CP14

CP15

CP16

CP17

CP7

CP8

CP9

CP10

CP11

CP12

Location

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Main Board

Audio Board

Connector Board

Connector Board

Connector Board

Connector Board

LED Status Board

LED Status Board

LED Status Board

VersaGlide

VersaGlide

VersaGlide



Memory Map

The system supports system and video shadowing, both controlled through complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The system supports BIOS as a cacheable area with write protection. The following table shows the system's memory map.

System Memory Map

Memory

Space Size Function

000000-

0002FFh

000300-

0003FFh

000400-

0004FFh

000500-

09FFFFh

0A0000-

0AFFFFh

0B0000-

0B7FFFh

0B8000-

0BFFFFh

0C0000-

0CBFFFh

0D0000-

0DFFFFh

0E0000-

0EFFFFh

0F0000h-

0FFFFFh

100000h-

1FFFFFF (non-

AGP)

768 bytes

256 bytes

256 bytes

BIOS Interrupt Vector Table

BIOS Stack Area

BIOS Data Area

639 KB Applications Memory (used by the O/S, device drivers, TSRs, and all

DOS applications

64 KB Video Buffer (EGA and VGA)

32 KB

32 KB

64 KB

64 KB

64 KB

64 KB

32 MB

(non-

AGP)

Video Buffer (monochrome, CGA color, VGA monochrome)

Video Buffer (CGA, EGA color, and VGA color)

Video ROM (EGA and VGA)

Used by Adapter ROMs (i.e., network controllers, hard disk controllers,

SCSI host adapters)

Used by System ROM adapters (i.e., network controllers with boot capability)

System AMIBIOS (includes Setup and hard disk drive utilities)

Built-In Extended Memory

100000h-

3FFFFFF

(AGP)

2000000-

5FFFFFF (non-

AGP)

64 MB

(AGP) up to

256 MB

(both)

4000000-

FFFFFFF

(AGP)

Extended Memory


Interrupt Controllers

Using interrupts, hardware can request software services. If non-Plug and Play software is being used, the interrupt may need to be moved for software application or driver compatibility. Some interrupts cannot be moved. Fifteen interrupts can be used with a cascade connection of 8259INTC x 2. The table shows default interrupt level assignments 0 through 15, in order of decreasing priority.

System Interrupt Controllers

Controller

Master/Slave Priority Name Device

Master

Master

Master

Slave

Slave

Slave

Slave

Slave

Slave

Slave

Slave

Master

Master

Master

Master

Master

4

5

6

7

8

2

3

0

1

12

13

14

15

9

10

11

IRQ00

IRQ01

IRQ02

IRQ08

IRQ09

IRQ10

IRQ11

IRQ12

IRQ13

IRQ14

IRQ15

IRQ03

IRQ04

IRQ05

IRQ06

IRQ07

System Timer 1

Keyboard

Programmable Controller

Real-time Clock

USB Port

PC Card Bus Controller/Video (AGP)

VersaBay in Versa Dock

PS/2 Mouse/NEC VersaGlide

Math Coprocessor (built into CPU)

Hard Disk Controller 1

VersaBay III

Infrared Port, when enabled

Serial Port

Sound/PC CardBus Controller (AGP)

Diskette Drive Controller

Parallel Port


Glossary

A

applications programs

Software designed to perform specific functions, like solving business or mathematical problems.

AC Adapter

A device that connects an NEC Versa portable computer and an AC wall outlet to provide AC power for running the system or recharging the battery.

AGP

Advanced Graphics Port is an interface specification designed for the throughput demands of 3D graphics. AGP introduces a point-to-point channel allowing the graphics controller direct access to main memory, increases bandwidth to

266-MBps, and supports throughputs of 533-MBps and 1.07-GBps.

B

base RAM

Area of system memory between 0 and 640 kilobytes available to the user for operating system and application programs.

BIOS

Basic Input Output System. A collection of primitive computer routines, usually burnt into ROM, that controls the real-time clock, keyboard, disk drives, video display, and other peripheral devices.

bit

Binary digit. The smallest unit of computer data.

bits per second

(bps) A unit of transmission. Also called baud rate.

board

Printed circuit board. Board onto which computer components are soldered and thin wires are printed to connect the components.

boot

To start up a computer. See cold boot and warm boot.

bus

An electronic circuit within a computer used for transmitting data or electrical power from one device to another.

byte

Group of eight contiguous bits.

Glossary 1

C

clock

Electronic timer used to synchronize computer operations.

CMOS

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A chip that contains nonvolatile memory in the NEC Versa. CMOS is backed up by an internal lithium battery that preserves clock/calendar data and system configuration parameters stored in

CMOS.

cold boot

Process of starting up the computer by turning on the power. If power is already on, the process means to turn off the computer and turn it on again. A cold boot reinitializes all devices.

crt

Cathode-Ray Tube. A type of display screen used in desktop monitors. It forms the screen image using tiny dots called pixels. See also LCD.

cursor

A movable image on the display screen that indicates where the next entered data appears.

D

diskette

A thin flexible platter coated with a magnetic material for storing information.

diskette drive

A magnetic drive that writes on and retrieves data from a diskette.

DSTN

Double-Scan Super-Twisted Nematic. A type of technology used in some NEC

Versa LCD screen displays.

E

enhanced VGA

A video interface that offers more colors or higher resolution than VGA.

extended RAM

The area of RAM above the first megabyte of memory in the system available for enhancing system performance.

F

function key

The set of keys on the keyboard (usually F1 through F12) that let you get help and error message information or quickly select frequently used commands.

H

hard disk

A rigid magnetic storage device that provides fast access to stored data.

hardware

The electrical and mechanical parts from which a computer is made.

hertz

(Hz) A unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second.

hot key

Combination of two or three keys (such as Ctrl-Alt-Del ) that you press simultaneously for a particular function.

I

input/output

(I/O) The process of transferring data between the computer and external devices.

IDE

Intelligent Drive Electronics. A hard disk drive type that has controller electronics built into the drive and delivers high throughput.

interface

A connection that enables two devices to communicate.

interrupt

A special control signal from an I/O device that diverts the attention of the microprocessor from the program to a special address.

K

kilobyte

(KB) 1024 bytes.

L

LAN

Local Area Network.

Glossary 3

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display. An LCD consists of a thin sandwich of two glass plates with sealed edges, containing nematic liquid-crystal material that forms the screen image. The NEC Versa displays are LCD type.

load

To copy a program into the computer's memory from a storage device.

M

megabyte

(MB) 1,048,576 bytes.

memory

Electronic storage area in a computer that retains information and programs. A computer has two types of memory — read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM).

menu

A video display of programs or options.

microprocessor

A semiconductor central processing unit that is the principal component of a microcomputer. Usually contained on a single chip that includes an arithmetic logic unit, control logic, and control-memory unit.

mode

A method of operation; for example, the NEC Versa operates in either normal or power-saving modes.

modem

MOdulator-DEModulator. A device that links computers over a telephone line.

N

nonvolatile memory

Storage media that retains its data when system power is turned off. Nonvolatile memory in the NEC Versa is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip which is backed up by an internal battery. The backup battery preserves the clock/calendar data and system configuration parameters stored in

CMOS. See volatile memory.

O

operating system

Set of programs that manage the overall operation of the computer.

overwrite

Storing information at a location where information is already stored, thus destroying the original information.

P

page

A type of message transmission in which a message is sent or received via modem to a paging device from a computer (with paging communications software) or telephone.

parallel interface

Interface that communicates eight bits at a time.

parallel printer

A printer with a parallel interface.

parameter

A characteristic of a device or system.

password

A string of characters that the user must enter before the system allows access or system privileges.

PCMCIA

A credit card sized peripheral interface standard for portable devices. Types of

PCMCIA cards currently offered by major vendors include fax/modems, LAN, storage cards, and wireless communications devices.

peripheral

Input or output device not under direct computer control. A printer is a peripheral device.

pixels

Picture elements. Tiny dots that make up a screen image.

port

Provides the means for an interface between the microprocessor and external devices. A cable connector is usually plugged into the port to attach the device to the computer.

processor

In a computer, a functional unit that interprets and executes instructions.

prompt

A special symbol indicating the beginning of an input line. Also a message that appears on the screen indicating that the user must take a certain action.

Q

QWERTY

The QWERTY keyboard, designed in the 1800s for mechanical typewriters, refers to the first six keys (QWERTY) on the top row of letters on the standard keyboard.

Glossary 5

R

RAM

Random Access Memory. A storage device into which data is entered and from which data is retrieved in a nonsequential manner.

read

To extract data from a storage device such as a diskette.

ROM

Read-Only Memory. Memory in which stored data cannot be modified by the user except under special conditions.

reset

The process of returning a device to zero or to an initial or arbitrarily selected condition.

resolution

The degree of screen image clarity. Video display resolution is determined by the number of pixels on the screen. Resolution is usually specified in pixels by scan lines, for example, 640 by 480. See pixels.

RS-232C

Standard interface for serial devices.

S

scanner

An optical device that reads printed material and converts it to a computer screen image.

serial interface

An interface that communicates information one bit at a time.

serial printer

A printer with a serial interface.

software

Programs that run on a computer, such as operating systems, word processors, and spreadsheets.

super video graphics array (SVGA)

A color bit-mapped graphics display standard, that provides a resolution of 1024x

768 with up to 256 colors displayed simultaneously.

system board

The main printed circuit board inside the system unit into which other boards and major chip components, such as the system microprocessor, are connected.

T

TFT

Thin Film Transistor. A type of NEC Versa LCD color screen that supports 256 colors and provides exceptional screen display.

V

VersaGlide

A small, touch-sensitive pad used as a pointing device on your NEC Versa notebook computer. With the VersaGlide, you can move your finger along the pad to move the cursor or simulate a mouse click by tapping the pad.

VGA

Video Graphics Array. Graphics technology that supports up to 256 K colors and a graphics resolution of 640 by 480 pixels.

volatile memory

Storage media that loses its data when system power is turned off. Standard memory and memory that you add to the NEC Versa are volatile memory. See nonvolatile memory.

W

warm boot

Process of resetting the computer without turning off the power through keyboard input (pressing Ctrl , Alt , and Del keys simultaneously) or the reset button. The system returns to an initial or arbitrarily selected condition.

write

To record or store information to a storage device.

Glossary 7

Index

A

AC adapter, 2-2 using, 2-2

AC outlet, 2-3

AC power cable types, 2-3

AC power port, 1-7

Adapter kit, 2-10

Application and Driver CD, 2-27 using, 2-27

Automatic Save to File, 2-19

B

Backup system disk, 6-2

Base unit, 1-5

Battery determining status, 2-6 handling, 2-7 recharging precautions, 2-10 removing, 1-12 when to change, 2-6

Battery charging LEDs, 1-6

Battery pack, 1-12 precautions, 2-9 using, 2-4

Battery status, 2-4

BBS, 8-5

BIOS setup, 2-11

BIOS setup utility advanced CMOS setup, 2-17 checking system parameters, 2-14 looking at screens, 2-13 main menu, 2-12 other options, 2-21 save to file, 2-22 standard CMOS setup, 2-16 using keys, 2-13

Boot device setup, 2-19

Bridge battery, 1-13, 2-11

Brightness control, 1-3

C

CD-ROM drive, 1-13

Cleaning internal components, 6-2 outer surface, 6-2

CMOS battery, 1-13, 2-10

Connecting the AC adapter, 2-3

Control panel, 1-4

Custom settings, power management, 2-18

D

Dimensions battery pack, 9-6 system, 9-6

Dip switch settings, 3-7

Diskette drive, 1-13

Diskette drives, 2-17

Docking port, 1-7

Docking Station drives, 2-17

E

Entering BIOS setup, 2-11

Expansion port, 1-7

F

File bay, 1-10

H

Handling battery packs, 6-3

Hard disk drive, 1-13

Headphones, 1-10

Height adjustment feet, 1-12

I

Internal hard disk drive, 2-17

Internal mouse, 2-17

Interrupt Controllers, 9-14

IR port, 1-8, 2-20 enabling, 2-31

IRQs, 9-14

K

Kensington Lock, 1-10

Keyboard panel, 1-5

Keyboard/mouse connectors, 9-7

L

LCD panel features, 1-3

LCD panel view expansion, 2-17

LCD status bar, 1-4

Line-In, 1-10

Lithium-Ion battery, 2-10

Low battery power, 1-12, 2-4

M

Main battery, 2-10

Maintaining LCD quality, 6-4

Index-1

Memory Map, 9-13

Microphone, 1-4, 1-10

Monitor port, 1-7

Mouse port, 1-8

N

NEC CSD bulletin board, 8-5

Customer Assistance Center, 8-7 email/fax, 8-5

FTP site, 8-3 support services, 8-7 web site, 8-2

NEC CSD utilities, 2-25

NEC Customize, 2-25

NEC Versa disassembly sequence, 3-2

NEC VersaBay, 1-7

NEC VersaGlide, 1-5

NTSC signal, 1-9

O

Optional battery charger, 2-4

P

PAL signal, 1-9

Panel brightness, 2-19

Parallel port, 2-20

Parallel port pin assignments, 9-7

Parts list (AGP models), 5-6

Parts list (Non-AGP models), 5-3

Password protection, 2-21

Pentium II microprocessor, 1-2

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), 1-2

Power button, 1-11, 2-18

Power management, 2-21 custom settings, 2-18

Power management under AC, 2-18

Power sources, 2-2

Power Status LED, 1-6

Powering on, 2-4

Power-on self test (POST), 2-11

PS/2 Hot Swap, 2-17

Q

Quick troubleshooting, 7-2

R

Recharging the battery, 2-4

Recommended operating environment, 9-7

Remote power on, 2-19

Replacing the battery pack, 2-7, 3-2

Resume Signal, 2-19

S

Save to file feature, 2-22

SECAM signal, 1-9

Serial port, 1-7, 2-20

Services and Support contact information, 8-2

Servicing the system required tools, 3-2

Setting boot devices, 2-20

Setting system parameters, 2-14 peripherals, 2-20 power savings, 2-18

Smart switch, 1-11

Software applications, 2-27

Specifications calendar clock, 9-2

CD-ROM drive, 9-5 diskette drive, 9-4 hard disk drive, 9-5 input/output facilities, 9-2 keyboard, 9-4

PC card slots, 9-3 power, 9-6

Random Access Memory, 9-2

Read-Only Memory, 9-2 speakers, 9-3

Stereo speakers, 1-5

Suspend mode, 2-19

Suspend warning tone, 2-19

Switch settings, 3-7 changing, 3-8

System date, 2-16

System features back, 1-7 bottom, 1-12 front, 1-3 left, 1-8 right, 1-10

System security setup, 2-17

System software, 2-27

System time, 2-17

T

Troubleshooting helpful questions, 7-4

TV signal types, 1-9

U

Updating the BIOS, 2-22

USB controller, 2-20

USB port, 1-9

Using the AC adapter, 2-2

Index-2

Using the battery pack, 2-4

V

VersaBay III removing a device, 1-12

Video out type, 2-17

Volume control, 1-10

W

Wake up, suspend alarm, 2-19

Weight battery pack, 9-6 system, 9-6

Y

Y-cable adapter, 1-8

Index-3

.

Battery Replacement

A lithium battery in some computers maintains system configuration information. In the event that the battery fails to maintain system configuration information, NEC CSD recommends that you replace the battery. For battery replacement information, call your NEC CSD dealer or the NEC

CSD Customer Assistance Center.

!

WARNING

There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

!

AVERTISSMENT

Il y a danger d’explosion s’il y a replacement incorrect de la batterie. Remplacer uniquement avec une batterie du même type ou d’un type recommandé par le constructeur. Mettre au rébut les batteries usagées conformément aux instructions du fabricant.

Battery Disposal

The main battery is made of Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) and the CMOS clock battery is made of Lithium.

Your bridge battery (not the main battery) is made of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH).

Contact your local waste management officials for other information regarding the environmentally sound collection, recycling, and disposal of the batteries. For additional information on the proper collection or disposal of rechargeable batteries, please call 1-800-8-BATTERY.

(For United States Use Only)

Federal Communications Commission

Radio Frequency Interference Statement

!

WARNING

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Note: This is a Class B Digital Device. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from the one to which the receiver is connected.

To meet FCC standards, shielded cables and power cords are required to connect this device to a personal computer or other Class B certified device.

Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement

This equipment does not exceed Class B limits per radio noise emissions or digital apparatus, set out in the Radio interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Avis de conformité aux normes du ministere des communications du Canada

Cet equipment ne depasse pas les limites de Classe B d'émission de bruits radioelectriques pour les appareill numerique, lelles que prescribes per le Reglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique elebil por le minisieredes Communications du Canada.

European Community Directive Conformance Statement

This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EC Council Directive 89/336/EEC on the approximation of laws of the

Member States relating to electro-magnetic compatibility. This product satisfied the Class B limits of EN 55022.



1 Packard Bell Way

Sacramento, California 95828-0903

1-916-388-0101



1 Packard Bell Way

Sacramento, CA 95828-0903

819-200064-000

%&(#

3/99

(

No results