NEC Versa ® VXi Notebook Computer VERSA VXi U S E R ’ S G U I D E
Proprietary Notice and Liability Disclaimer The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the valuable property of NEC Computers Inc. (hereinafter “NECC”) and/or its licensors. NECC 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.
Contents Using This Guide Text Conventions...................................................................................................................x Related Documents................................................................................................................x 1 Introducing the NEC Versa Before You Begin...............................................................................................................1-2 About Your NEC Versa VXi Notebook .............................
System Care......................................................................................................................2-13 Precautions ................................................................................................................2-13 Storage Requirements................................................................................................2-15 Routine Cleaning.......................................................................................................
Updating the BIOS ...........................................................................................................3-27 Obtaining the BIOS Update.......................................................................................3-27 Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette.........................................................................3-27 Performing the BIOS Update ....................................................................................3-28 Identifying the Switch Settings......
5 Using the System Drives and Bays 24X CD-ROM Drive ..........................................................................................................5-2 CD Loading .................................................................................................................5-3 CD Care.......................................................................................................................5-3 Changing the Auto Play Setting .............................................................
8 Using External Devices Monitor ...............................................................................................................................8-2 Parallel Devices ..................................................................................................................8-3 Serial Devices.....................................................................................................................8-4 Keyboard/Mouse ...............................................................
B Specifications System Components ..........................................................................................................B-2 Interrupt Controllers ..........................................................................................................B-8 Memory Map .....................................................................................................................B-9 C Frequently Asked Questions External Mouse...........................................................
Using This Guide The NEC Versa® VXi User’s Guide gives you the information you need to maximize the use of your NEC Versa notebook computer. Read this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa and its features. For specific information see ! Chapter 1, “Introducing the NEC Versa,” to acquaint yourself with system hardware. ! Chapter 2, “Getting Started,” for instructions on how to connect, power on, and care for your system.
! Appendix C, “Frequently Asked Questions,” (FAQs) for a look at questions that users commonly ask and the answers to those questions. Text Conventions To make this guide as easy as possible to use, text is set up as follows. ! Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following meanings: Warnings alert you to situations that could result in serious personal injury or loss of life. Cautions indicate situations that can damage the hardware or software. Note Notes give important information, etc.
1 Introducing the NEC Versa ! Before You Begin ! About Your NEC Versa VXi Notebook ! Around the Front of the System ! Around the Back of the System ! Around the Left Side of the System ! Around the Right Side of the System ! Around the Bottom of the System ! About the Port Replicator
Before You Begin Prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use your computer in the manner described in Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment.
About Your NEC Versa VXi Notebook The NEC Versa VXi notebook computer offers you a portable system filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include a powerful Intel® Celeron™ or Pentium® III microprocessor that works together with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) architecture. In addition, your system provides a high-performance hard disk drive, diskette drive, PC card support and a 24X CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, or a CD read/write drive.
Around the Front of the System The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the front of the system. The following sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. LCD Panel The NEC Versa VXi comes with a color LCD panel that you can adjust for a comfortable viewing position. The LCD panel can be a 12.1-inch Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) color display, or a 13.3/14.1-inch Extended Graphics Array (XGA).
— Power LED — lets you know that power to the system is turned on. This LED is positioned so that you see the power state whether the LCD panel is opened or closed. – Lights green when the system is powered on using the AC adapter, battery, or auto adapter. – Lights green when on and has normal battery power. Lights yellow when on and low (8% to 4%) battery power. Lights amber when in Windows 98/2000 Standby mode or Windows NT Suspend mode and very low (3% or less) battery power.
! CD Control Buttons — controls the CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, or CD read/write drive (stop, reverse, play/pause, and fast forward). Available on some systems. ! Personal Code Buttons — sets a personal code for security. Available on some systems. ! Status LEDs — keeps you informed of your NEC Versa VXi’s current operating status. Descriptions of the status icons appear in the following section. ! Email Button — accesses your email software. ! Internet Button — accesses the Internet.
Status Icons The NEC Versa VXi system uses status lights marked with icons to communicate system status. See the following figure and list for each icon’s meaning. Status LED icons A – Hard Drive Access B – Diskette Drive Access C – Caps Lock D – Scroll Lock E – Num Lock ! Hard Drive Access — lights when the NEC Versa VXi accesses the hard disk drive, CD-ROM drive, or DVD-ROM drive. ! Diskette Drive Access — lights when the NEC Versa VXi writes data to or retrieves data from the diskette drive.
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit The NEC Versa VXi keyboard panel and base unit contain the following features. The keyboard panel and base unit features are described after the figure.
! Keyboard — standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models shipped outside of the U.S. are equipped with country-specific keyboard layouts.) The keyboard is equipped with many features. These include: — Function keys — Windows keys — Cursor control keys — Typewriter keys — Numeric keypad — Control keys. Key features and operations are described after the figure.
Fn-Left Ctrl — Simulates pressing the right control key to support IBM 327X connections. Fn-F3 — Toggles the video mode between LCD only, CRT only, Simultaneous mode, and TV out. Fn-F4 — Sets standby power management mode on, in Windows NT. — In Windows NT, press any key to resume from Standby mode. — No function when Windows 98/2000 configured for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). In Windows 98/2000, Standby is equivalent to Windows NT Suspend mode.
The keypad lets you type numbers and mathematical operands (+, –) as you would on a calculator. The keypad is ideal for entering long lists of numbers. When you press Num Lock again, the keys revert to their normal functions as typewriter keys. ! Typewriter keys — Typewriter keys (also called alphanumeric keys) are used to enter text and characters. Keys with blue print on them behave differently when combined with control keys or the Fn key.
Around the Back of the System You’ll find system ports for connecting your NEC Versa VXi to optional devices (like a printer or external monitor) on the back of your NEC Versa VXi. The ports are described after the figure.
! Modem/LAN Port — NEC includes a 56K fax/data modem or mini-PCI LAN. It keeps you connected to the outside world! Around the Left Side of the System The left side of your NEC Versa VXi provides the features shown in the following figure. The left side features are described after the figure.
Around the Right Side of the System The right side of the NEC Versa VXi offers the features shown in the following figure. The right side features are described after the figure. Right side features A – Battery Bay B – Fan C – PC Card Slots D – TV Out ! Battery Bay — Depending upon the model, the battery bay contains a rechargeable Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack. ! Fan — Allows your system to cool properly and maintain a safe operating environment.
Around the Bottom of the System The bottom of the NEC Versa VXi offers the following features. The features are described after the figure. Bottom of the system A – Battery Bay B – Battery Release Latch C – Memory Module Bay Cover D – Tilt Foot ! Battery Bay — Equipped with a rechargeable Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or (depending on the model) Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. ! Battery Release Latch — Slide the latch to the other end and hold it.
About the Port Replicator The NEC Port Replicator is an accessory that duplicates some of the ports found on the back of your NEC Versa VXi system. It also has a LAN port for a network connection and a Kensington lock. The lock secures the NEC Versa VXi to the Port Replicator and secures the Port Replicator to the desk. Keep the NEC Port Replicator in your office connected to peripherals while you take your NEC Versa VXi on the road. The ports on the Port Replicator are as follows.
2 Getting Started ! NEC VersaGlide ! Power Sources ! System Care
NEC VersaGlide The NEC VersaGlide is an easy way to control the cursor with your finger. Lightly glide your finger across the NEC VersaGlide and the cursor follows. To use the VersaGlide, you can ! Single tap to the touchpad, equivalent to a single click of the primary mouse button. ! Double tap to the touchpad, equivalent to a double click of the primary mouse button. ! Click and hold, then drag your finger across the VersaGlide touchpad, equivalent to a click and drag of the primary mouse button.
Note If you install another mouse driver over the shipping default, the double-tap capability may be lost. Making VersaGlide Adjustments The NEC VersaGlide offers a number of options that let you customize how it functions. To access these options, locate the Control Panel and double click on the Mouse icon. The options let you control the size and color of the cursor, cursor speed, the accepted double-click speed, and selection button orientation.
Using the AC Adapter Use the AC adapter and power cable that came with your NEC Versa VXi 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. When connected, the AC adapter charges the battery whether or not the NEC Versa VXi is powered on. Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no user-replaceable or serviceable parts inside.
2. Plug one end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter and the other end into a 120- or 240-volt wall outlet. Connecting the AC adapter Do not cover or place objects on the AC adapter. Doing so can cause the adapter to overheat. Powering the System On and Off To power on, locate the Power button on the upper right hand side of the notebook above the keyboard and press it. To power off the system, press the Power button.
4. Check the box to enable Hibernate support. 5. Click OK and close Control Panel. Using the Battery The NEC Versa VXi system comes with a rechargeable Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. Battery packs are easy to install and remove. Note Although the battery is fully charged at the factory, transit and shelf time may reduce the initial battery charge. We recommend that the first time you use your system, connect it to AC power using the AC adapter.
3. Remove the battery as follows: ! Locate the battery release latch. ! Slide the battery release latch towards the back of the system and hold firmly. ! Continue to hold the battery release latch as you slide the battery out of the system.
4. Insert the new battery as follows: ! Locate the alignment groove on the edge of the battery. ! Locate the alignment groove inside the battery bay. ! Align the grooves on the battery with the grooves in the bay. ! Slide the battery into the bay until securely locked into place. Installing the battery 5. Turn over the system. Low Battery Power When battery power gets low, connect your system to the AC adapter.
Handling the Battery Review the following before handling the system battery. Use the NiMH or Li-Ion batteries only in the NEC Versa VXi computer for which they are designed. Mixing other NEC Versa VXi batteries, 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. ! Clean the battery terminals with a dry cloth if they get dirty.
Conserving Battery Power In the Windows 2000 environment, the default setting for a critical low battery state is Standby. Standby does not power down your system to conserve battery power. NECC recommends that you change the Windows 2000 Standby default setting for a critical low battery state to Hibernate to prevent data loss during battery-powered system operation.
For maximum battery performance, fully discharge the battery before recharging it. To do so, unplug the AC adapter, turn off power management features (through BIOS Setup and Windows power management), and turn on the system. Once the battery is fully discharged, plug in the AC adapter and recharge the battery. The warning beep that sounds when battery power becomes critically low is always a true indicator that battery power is low.
! During charging, keep the environmental temperature between 41°F and 95°F (5°C to 35°C). ! Read the instructions that came with the battery charger before charging the battery. Disposing of the Battery Before disposing of the battery, put adhesive tape on the terminals. Depending upon the NEC Versa VXi model, the main battery is made of Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion).
System Care The NEC Versa VXi is a durable, dependable system built for extensive use and travel. Follow these guidelines to maintain the condition, performance and safety of your computer. Please read these safety instructions carefully and keep this user’s guide for reference. Immediately turn off and unplug the NEC Versa VXi under the following conditions: The power cord is damaged or frayed. Liquid spills on or into the NEC Versa VXi. System is dropped or casing is damaged.
! Keep liquids and food away from the system. ! Turn computer power off before cleaning it. ! If the AC adapter becomes extremely hot, unplug the adapter and let it cool. ! The electrical outlet and any extension cords should be rated to support the total current load of all connected devices. ! Be sure to follow these power cord safety tips: — Unplug by the plug only; do not pull on the cable.
Storage Requirements Store the computer and AC adapter in an environment that meets the following conditions: If the temperature of the NEC Versa suddenly rises or falls (for example, when you move the system from a cold place to a warm place), vapor condenses inside the system. Turning on the system under this condition can damage the internal system components.
3 Using the BIOS Setup Utility ! Introducing BIOS Setup ! Entering BIOS Setup ! Checking/Setting System Parameters ! Managing System Power ! Updating the BIOS ! Identifying the Switch Settings
Introducing BIOS Setup Your NEC Versa VXi 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.
BIOS Setup Main Menu After you press F2, the system displays the BIOS Setup Main Menu screen, similar to the following. BIOS Setup Main Menu Use the up and down arrow keys (located on the lower right corner of the keyboard) to toggle through the BIOS Setup menu items.
Looking at Screens BIOS setup screens have three areas as shown next. Advanced CMOS Setup ! Parameters — The left side of the screen. This area lists parameters and their current settings. ! Available Options and Help — The right side 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.
Using Keys The following table lists the BIOS Setup keys and their functions. BIOS Setup Key Functions Key Function ↑↓ Moves the cursor between the displayed parameters. PgUp/PgDn Toggles through the current parameter settings. Tab For some parameter settings, moves 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. ESC Exits the current screen and returns to the Main Menu screen.
Resetting System Parameters To reset all parameters to the default settings, select Auto Configuration with Defaults from the BIOS Setup Main Menu, press the arrow keys to select Yes and press Enter. Standard CMOS Setup Use the Standard CMOS Setup screen to view the System Time, System Date and to modify drive parameters and related settings.
! Internal Drives — Assigns devices to the internal drives in your system. ! Boot Sector Virus Protection — Write protects the boot sector of the hard disk drive to avoid infection by some virus types. Advanced CMOS Setup Use the Advanced CMOS Setup to set the following functions.
System Security Setup Use the System Security Setup to establish system passwords. System Security Setup Parameter Default Setting Assign Supervisor Password Press Enter Assign User Password Alternate Setting(s) Press Enter 1 Boot Password Required No Yes Resume Password 2 Required No Yes Assign HDD Password Press Enter Internal HDD password Disabled 1 2 Enabled Option is not available until supervisor password is set up. Only active when Boot Password is set to Yes.
Password Protection Your NEC Versa supports a password for system security on several levels. Keep in mind that you must set the supervisor password before the BIOS Setup utility allows you to set a user password. 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 or Save-to-File, depending on your configuration selection.
Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords To establish password protection for your system’s hard disk drive you must establish a master password, establish a user password, and enable the established passwords for the internal HDD. Follow these steps to establish HDD passwords and to enable HDD password protection. 1. Enter the BIOS setup, highlight and select the System Security Setup. 2. Highlight Assign HDD Password and press Enter. The system prompts you to enter a master password. 3.
If you set the master and user password on a hard drive, the passwords can never be removed. They can be changed. If the master password is forgotten and the drive is installed in another system, you cannot access the data on the hard drive. If the hard drive is installed in another NEC Versa system with hard disk drive security enabled, the password must be entered to allow access to the hard drive.
Use the Power Management Setup to balance high performance and energy conservation. Power Management Setup Parameter Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) System Switch Power Button Sleep Button Power Management under AC Off On Power Savings Level Longest Life High Perform/Custom/Off CPU Speed Control 100% 12.5, 25, 50% 2 minutes 5/30/45 sec; 1/4/6/8/10/15 min. Off 2 minutes 30/45 sec.; 1/4/6/8/10/15 min. Off On Off On Off 4 minutes Off/1/2/6/8/10/15 min.
! System Switch — Sets the Power 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 — Specifies one of four levels of power management.
Custom Timeout Options Option Definition CPU Speed Control Sets CPU performance at one of four levels. Hard Disk Timeout Sets the time delay before your hard disk powers down. Video Timeout Sets whether to timeout the video or not. Peripheral Timeout Sets whether to timeout the peripheral or not. Audio Device Timeout Sets the time delay before your audio device powers off. Standby Timeout Selects the system standby timeout period.
Boot Device Setup Boot Device Setup allows you to define the following functions. Boot Device Setup Parameter Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) Quick Boot Enabled Disabled Silent Boot Enabled Disabled, Black Boot Display Device Simul.
Peripheral Setup The Peripheral Setup menu displays the connection locations between the system and the Input/Output (I/O) ports and lets you specify different port assignments as needed.
Other BIOS Setup Options BIOS Setup offers other options, including the following: ! Change Language Setting — Controls the BIOS setup language display. English, French, and Japanese are the available options. ! Refresh Battery — Launches the Refresh Battery utility. 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. To recharge the battery, connect your NEC Versa to AC power.
The Power Management Properties features are broken down as follows: ! Power Schemes ! Alarms ! Power Meter ! Advanced ! Hibernate Windows 98 Power Schemes Use the Power Schemes options to define the appropriate Power scheme for your system, and to set timeouts for standby, LCD panel, and hard disk. Define parameters for your system when running under AC (plugged in) or DC (running on batteries) power.
! Power Schemes — Defines the most appropriate power scheme for your computer. ! System standby — Selects the system standby timeout period for your system when running under AC or DC power. ! Turn off monitor — Selects the time delay before your LCD panel turns off. ! Turn off hard disks — Selects the time delay before your hard disk(s) power down. Windows 98 Alarms Use the Alarms screen to define the point at which the battery alarm activates.
Windows 98 Advanced The Advanced window allows you to select behaviors for the taskbar icon, standby password, LCD panel, when closed, and the Power button.
Windows 2000 Power Options Properties In Windows 2000, most ACPI power management settings are controlled through Windows Power Options Properties, not through the BIOS Setup utility. To access Windows 2000 Power Options Properties, go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double click Power Options.
Power Schemes Parameter Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) System Standby (Plugged In) After 20 Minutes 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45 minutes; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 hours; Never System Standby (Running on batteries) After 5 Minutes 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45 minutes; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 hours; Never ! Power Schemes — Defines the most appropriate power scheme for your computer. ! Turn off monitor — Selects the time delay before your LCD panel turns off.
! Critical battery alarm — Allows you to define a critical battery alarm percentage, notification, and system action. ! Run a program — Allows you to run a specific program when an alarm occurs. Windows 2000 Power Meter The Power Meter screen displays the remaining battery power and charging status for the primary and secondary batteries. Choose to display either a percentage progress bar or a battery icon with percentage indicator for your battery status information.
Windows 2000 Hibernate Use the Hibernate window to enable hibernate support, see the amount of free disk space, and the amount of disk space required to hibernate. When your system hibernates it performs a save-to-disk or save-to-file (STF). Your current working environment is saved to the hard disk. Use the Power button to resume from hibernation and your system returns to its previous state. Windows 98/2000 Power Management States ACPI uses different levels or states of power management.
Windows 98/2000 Power Management Behavior LCD Timeout Standby (STR) Hibernate (STF) 2 Minutes, DC power 5 Minutes, DC power 30 minutes after Standby. 15 Minutes, AC power 20 minutes, AC power Manually Invoke Close LCD panel. Go to Start, Shutdown, Standby. Close LCD panel. System behavior LCD panel is blank. LCD panel is blank. LCD panel is blank. Status LED lights green. Status LED blinks green. Status LED turns off. Press any key. Press Power button.
Recognizing the Windows NT Power Management States It is important to recognize your system’s behavior when in each of these power management states. The following table describes the system behavior for each power management state.
Updating the BIOS The BIOS is code transmitted onto your system’s Flash ROM. As indicated in this chapter, you use the BIOS Setup utility to configure your system’s software and hardware features. Use the BIOS Update Diskette, for your specific model, only, to update your NEC Versa system BIOS. Note You only need to update the BIOS if NECC makes significant improvements or fixes to the current system BIOS. Your authorized NECC dealer or NECC Support Services representative can help you determine this.
5. Scan the BIOS Update Diskette for computer viruses. The diskette is ready for use. Performing the BIOS Update Follow these steps to perform the BIOS update. 1. Make sure that the computer is operating under AC power and that the power is off. Insert the BIOS Update diskette into the diskette drive. 2. Power on the computer with the diskette in the drive. The computer boots and automatically loads the utility.
Identifying the Switch Settings A six-position dip switch is located on the bottom of the system. The switch is accessible by removing the access panel beneath the CD-ROM drive. The following list identifies each switch setting and its function. ! Switch 1, Password override — 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.
4 Using the Operating System and Utilities ! Windows Introduction ! NEC Utilities ! SpeedStep Applet ! SoftDVD Player ! NEC CD-RW CD ! Application and Driver CD ! Personal Code Setting Utility ! NEC Info Center ! Partition Magic ! Product Recovery CD
Windows Introduction Your NEC Versa comes pre-installed with either the Windows 2000, Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), or Windows NT operating system. These Microsoft® operating systems provide a means of running applications, navigating through your file structure, and using your notebook computer. Each operating system offers its own look and employs its own tools through an easy-to-use graphical interface.
Note Before choosing and registering for an online service, you must connect an optional modem to your system and to a working phone line. The phone line must be analog. If you are unsure what type of line you have, call your local phone company. If you are using this product outside of the United States or Canada, some online services may require a long-distance or international call. ! NEC Customize — Gives you the option to launch the Application and Driver CD.
! Setup MSN Internet Access — Provides a setup program that allows you to sign-up for the Microsoft Network. If you already have an account, use this interface to sign-on to the Microsoft Network. ! Network Neighborhood — Appears when your computer is connected to a network. Use the network neighborhood to browse through the computers in your workgroup and the computers in the entire network. ! My Briefcase — Provides a mechanism for file synchronization between the NEC Versa and another system.
Taskbar Icons With Windows 98, a number of icons appear on the taskbar. Use the cursor to hover over the icon and display its function, right click the icon to display its menu options, or double click the icon to launch it. The following icons normally appear on the left side of the Windows 98 taskbar. ! Internet Explorer — Allows you to browse the internet or view local HTML files. Also access Internet Explorer under Start, Programs, Internet Explorer.
Windows NT Windows NT allows you to run applications created specially for Windows NT and Windows 95. You can also run applications created for other versions of Windows, MS-DOS®. Windows NT gives you a variety of features offered by Microsoft, including a desktop to maneuver, a taskbar for quick navigation between open windows, and more. The following icons appear on the desktop. ! My Computer — Provides access to drives, printers, the Control Panel, and network 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.
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.
5. Highlight your geographical region and click Next. 6. The installation completes. Click Finish to restart the system. To run SoftDVD Player, select Start, Programs, Multimedia, and DVD Player. NEC CD-RW CD If your NEC Versa system comes with a CD read/write drive preinstalled, you have the NEC CD-RW CD. The CD read/write drive lets you load and start programs from a CD and write information to a CD. The NEC CD-RW CD provides a driver, CDINIT, and two applications, Easy CD Creator and DirectCD.
Installing Easy CD Creator Easy CD Creator is an application that allows you to create data and audio CDs. Follow these steps to install Easy CD Creator. 1. In Windows 98, double click on My Computer. In Windows 2000 and Windows NT, insert the NEC CD-RW CD into the CD read/write drive. The Adaptec Master Setup screen appears. If the CD does not load automatically, do the following. ! Double click on My Computer on the Windows desktop. ! Double click on the CD drive.
5. The Choose Destination Location dialog box appears. Click Next. 6. The Select Program Folder dialog box appears. Click Next. 7. DirectCD is installed. When installation completes, the Adaptec Master screen appears. Click Exit. 8. Click Finish to restart the system. Application and Driver CD A variety of third-party software applications, drivers, utilities, internet browsers, and the NEC Info Center are provided on the Application and Driver (A&D) CD that ships with your NEC Versa VXi system.
3. Select Application and Driver CD. 4. Click Install to launch the CD. The Application and Driver CD dialog box appears. Note If the NEC Customize icon is not available, double click My Computer on the desktop and then click the CD icon. The Application and Driver CD dialog box appears. Application and Driver CD Dialog Box The Application and Driver CD dialog box consists of the following components. ! Selection Tabs — Located just below the title bar, each tab represents a software category.
Installing the Personal Code Setting Utility Use the following steps to install the Personal Code Setting utility. 1. Double click the Personal Code Setting utility icon on the desktop. The Personal Code Setting Utility Setup screen appears. 2. Click Next to start setup. The Target Folder dialog box appears. 3. Click Next to select the default target folder. A prompt to create the default target folder appears. Click Yes. 4. Click Finish to exit Setup.
NEC Info Center The Application and Driver CD contains the NEC Info Center, a fully navigational online document that provides information for the traveling professional and an online version of this printed user’s guide. Installing the NEC Info Center To install the NEC Info Center simply follow the instructions, presented earlier in this chapter, for launching the A&D CD and installing the software. For the most current version of the NEC Versa VXi User’s Guide, check our web site at http://www.
Your NEC Versa ships with an internal hard disk drive consisting of a single FAT 32 partition, drive C:. Use Partition Magic if you want to create multiple partitions and convert your hard disk drive to FAT 16 partitions. For systems running the Windows NT operating system, use the Disk Administrator in the Administrative Tools menu to repartition the hard disk. To use Partition Magic, you must create and use the Emergency Disk.
Product Recovery CD Options The Product Recovery CD utility provides you with a number of choices. Move the cursor over each selection on the NEC Product Recovery utility screen to display a description of the selection in the window on the right side of the screen. ! Restore System — Select this option to restore your hard disk drive to its initial installation state. Restore System allows you to restore your system in one of the following ways.
The Full Disk Drive restore option deletes all files on the hard drive and replaces them with the original factory installed files. Only use the Full Disk Drive restore option if the preinstalled software is unusable. Use the Product Recovery utility to perform a Full Disk Drive restore as follows: 1. Check the Product Recovery CD title and make sure that it is the correct CD for your NEC Versa computer and operating system. 2.
8. Press Enter, click Reboot, or press Alt-R to reboot your system. A series of hardware detection screens display, the system reboots and the Windows Setup screen appears. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows. You are required to reenter your Microsoft license number.
Choose your restore option carefully to prevent losing data and applications installed on your system. If the hard disk is configured with multiple or extended partitions you may have to reinstall some software to restore configuration settings and shared files. 5. Read the Warning screen. A warning displays indicating that drive C: (the primary drive/partition) is about to be erased and formatted.
5 Using the System Drives and Bays ! 24X CD-ROM Drive ! DVD-ROM Drive ! CD Read/Write Drive ! Memory Modules
24X CD-ROM Drive Your NEC Versa may ship with a 24X CD-ROM drive that features the latest in CD-ROM technology. The CD-ROM drive is assigned an available drive letter. Use the CD-ROM drive to load and start programs from a compact disc (CD). You can also use the CD-ROM drive to play your audio CDs. The 24X CD-ROM drive is fully compatible with Kodak Multisession Photo CDs™ and standard audio CDs. The CD-ROM drive operates at different speeds depending on whether the CD you are using contains data or music.
CD Loading To insert a CD into the CD-ROM drive, follow these steps. 1. Press the Release button. The CD tray emerges a short way out of the drive door. 2. Gently pull the tray out until you can easily position a disc in the tray. 3. Put your CD, printed side up, into the circular impression in the tray. 4. Push the CD tray in until it clicks shut. Note Some CDs vibrate when playing. This does not affect the CD-ROM drive. CD Care When handling CDs, keep the following guidelines in mind.
3. Select the Device Manager tab. 4. Locate and open the CD-ROM folder. 5. Highlight the appropriate CD-ROM line. 6. Press the properties button at the bottom of the window and select the Settings tab. 7. Proceed as follows: ! To enable Auto Play, click to add a check mark next to the line “Auto insert notification.” ! To disable Auto Play, click to remove the check mark next to the line “Auto insert notification.” 8.
2. Turn the system over and locate the screw on the memory bay. Memory bay cover and screw A – Memory Bay Cover B – Screw 3. Remove the screw and lift off the memory bay cover. 4. Locate the alignment notch on the module.
5. Locate the memory module slot.
6. Align the notch with the notch in the slot connector and install the module as follows: ! Hold the SO-DIMM at a 60-degree angle and align the SO-DIMM connector with the slot in the system. Push the connector into the slot. ! Press down on the edge of the SO-DIMM until the locking tabs on the sides snap into place, securing the module. Installing the memory module 7. To remove a SO-DIMM, press the locking tabs away from the sides of the module until the module pops up. Then, remove the SO-DIMM.
8. Reassemble the NEC Versa VXi components as follows. ! Replace the memory bay cover. ! Replace the screw. ! Turn the system over.
6 Communicating with Your NEC Versa ! Mini-PCI Modem ! Mini-PCI LAN ! Mini-PCI Modem/LAN ! PC Cards ! Internet Connections ! IR Port
Mini-PCI Modem The NEC Versa VXi comes equipped with a 56K capable fax/data modem that allows you to communicate with others via fax, email, or connect to an online service or bulletin board. (The modem is only available on some models.) Note Due to FCC regulations in effect at the time that this document was printed, the 56K modem transmits at a maximum speed of 52K. The speed of data transmission is dependent on the quality of telephone lines.
Mini-PCI LAN Your NEC Versa VXi system may ship with mini-PCI LAN that allows you to connect your system to a local area network. The mini-PCI LAN is a 10/100Base-TX interface that supports both Wake-on-LAN and Network Boot functions. To take advantage of the LAN, simply connect an RJ-45 cable to the LAN port on the rear of the system.
Type II Cards Type II cards have a thickness of 5.0 millimeters (mm). Type II cards are often storage or communications devices such as battery backed Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Flash Memory, LAN, and Small Computer System Interface (SCSI). Typical Type II cards include input/output (I/O) features such as modems and LANs. Type II Extended Cards Many PC cards are Type II extended cards.
Always insert the fax/modem card before using your fax/modem software application. If you start the application before inserting the fax/modem card, the application typically does not find the card. Storage Cards When you insert a memory or storage card in an NEC notebook computer, it appears as a unique drive as long as the system has an available interrupt for the card. Interface Cards You can connect most Standard Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) devices using the optional NEC PC card-SCSI card.
Inserting a PC Card Follow these steps to insert a PC card in your system. Some PC cards require additional system resources. Before inserting a PC card you may have to disable either the IR port, USB port, or the 56K internal modem. Check the Windows device manager to ensure that one of these devices is disabled before inserting a PC card. For information about enabling and disabling devices on your NEC Versa VXi, see “Enabling and Disabling Devices,” later in this chapter. 1.
Removing a Card Follow these steps to remove a PC card in Windows 98. 1. Double click My Computer, double click Control Panel, and double click the PC card icon or simply double click the PC card icon from the taskbar. 2. Select the PC card to remove, and select Stop. The Windows operating system alerts you if any applications are still using the card. If all applications using the card are closed, services for that card are shut down. You receive a message saying that it is safe to remove the card. 3.
! Manually configure an internet account or connect through a local area network (LAN). Launch the connection wizard and follow the on-screen prompts to configure your system for internet access. Accessing the Internet Your NEC Versa VXi system is equipped with an Internet shortcut key, located just above the keyboard. The first time that you press the Internet shortcut key, the Internet Connection Wizard launches, allowing you to configure your system for internet access.
5. To modify the application to launch when pressing the Internet shortcut key, change the variable Btn7_AP1=iexplore.exe to the *.exe of your choice. Be sure to use the full path name, for example, C:\Program Files\Netscape\Netscape.exe. In addition, modify the variable Btn7_Name=Internet to an appropriate and corresponding identifier. 6. Click File, Save, then File, Exit to save your changes. You are now ready to use your shortcut keys to launch the applications of your choice.
Using the IR Port Follow these guidelines when using the IR port to communicate with another infrared device. ! Position the NEC Versa VXi no more than three feet away from the IR peripheral device you are using. ! Make sure that there is no greater than a 30º angle between the computer and the device.
7 Traveling Tips ! Preparing for Travel ! Packing for Travel ! Using Power Connections ! Getting Through Customs ! Using Your Modem
Preparing for Travel The NEC Versa VXi computer makes a natural traveling companion. With a little preparation you can use the computer anywhere you go, to prepare your business documents, confirm your travel plans, surf the internet, or simply stay in touch with those back home! Here is what you should do before you leave home: Note Speed the trip through airport security by carrying a charged system. Inspectors want to see the screen display a message. The boot message is usually sufficient.
! Copy of proof of purchase for your computer and other equipment or customs registration form for customs check ! Customer support phone numbers for your software ! NEC Versa Quick Reference card ! AC extension cord. Using Power Connections With the right accessories, you can run your NEC Versa almost anywhere! Your system self-adjusts to various power sources. The United States, Canada, and most of Central and South America use 120-volt alternating current (AC).
Using Your Modem Whether you are on a business trip or vacation, connecting to the Internet while you travel can be expensive and frustrating unless you are prepared. Here are some tips on how to avoid frustration and expense while on the road. 1. 2. Before leaving home, check with your Internet Service Provider to see if it has: ! a local access number at your point of destination. ! a toll-free number that can also save you money.
8 Using External Devices ! Monitor ! Parallel Devices ! Serial Devices ! Keyboard/Mouse ! Television Connection ! USB Device ! Audio Options ! Port Replicator
Monitor You can add a standard external monitor to your NEC Versa VXi. You need a display signal cable (usually provided with the monitor). One end of the cable must have a 15-pin connector for the system. Follow these steps to connect an external monitor to your NEC Versa VXi. 1. Check that the NEC Versa VXi is powered off and the monitor Power switch is turned off. Note The NEC Versa VXi must be powered off or suspended while the monitor is being connected. 2.
Parallel Devices To install a parallel device such as a printer, you need a cable with a male 25-pin connector for the system and, for most parallel printers, a Centronics®-compatible 36pin connector. Note When you connect a printer, be sure to install the appropriate printer driver through the Windows control panel. Connect a parallel device to your NEC Versa as follows. 1. Check that power to both the NEC Versa and the device is off. 2.
Serial Devices To install a serial device such as a printer or an external modem, you need a cable with a female 9-pin connector. Note When you connect a printer or modem, be sure to install the appropriate driver through the Windows Control Panel. Follow these steps to connect a serial device to your NEC Versa. 1. Check that power to both the NEC Versa and the device is off. 2. Align and connect the 9-pin connector with the serial port on the system. Secure the connection with the screws provided.
Keyboard/Mouse You can add a full-size PS/2-style keyboard or PS/2-style mouse to your NEC Versa using the Plug and Play feature. The PS/2 style keyboard and the PS/2 style mouse are warm insertable allowing you to connect the devices while the NEC Versa is powered on. You can continue to use the system keyboard and VersaGlide touchpad while an external keyboard or mouse is connected.
Television Connection Your NEC Versa VXi is equipped with a RCA TV out port that allows you to use a television as an external display device in the Windows environment. The RCA TV out port requires an RCA-to-RCA cable and a television equipped with a standard RCA input jack. The TV out port supports 640x480, 800x600, and 1024x768 display settings. However, for optimal resolution when using the TV out port, select the following settings: ! 640x480 when the video output device is a television.
Note The default TV Out setting is for NTSC transmission. The U.S. and Japan use the default NTSC signal; Hong Kong and most European countries use the PAL signal. If you require the PAL setting, use the Advanced CMOS Setup section of the BIOS setup utility to change the setting. The NEC Versa does not support the SECAM signals used in some countries. USB Device Your NEC Versa VXi system is equipped with two USB ports that increase your connectivity choices.
Audio Options The NEC Versa comes equipped with built-in audio ports that let you record and play sound. Connect audio jacks, like a microphone, headphones, or external speakers to the audio ports as follows. 1. Locate the audio port that you want to use. 2. Plug the jack into the appropriate port on the front of the NEC Versa.
2. Push the docking lever on the right side of the NEC Port Replicator towards the rear of the replicator. Locating the docking lever A – Docking Lever 3. Open the port cover on the rear of the NEC Versa. Remove the expansion port cover by pulling it out of its slot in the port cover. Close the port cover.
4. Place the NEC Versa system’s rear bottom corners on the side guides of the NEC Port Replicator. Pull the docking lever of the replicator forward to securely dock the NEC Versa.
9 Using Multimedia ! Audio ! Video ! Multimedia Applications
With its fast processor and enhanced audio and video capabilities, you can perform fantastic multimedia feats with your NEC Versa VXi! This section describes the NEC Versa VXi’s multimedia features and how you can use them to create high-quality, powerful presentations. Multimedia combines audio, text, animation, photo images, and video sources into one presentation. Audio The NEC Versa VXi provides entertainment-level sound quality through the stereo speakers.
3. Speak into the microphone to create a sound file. 4. When you finish recording, press the Stop button. Be careful when recording; audio files can become quite large. Line-In Analog signals come in through the NEC Versa VXi’s Line-In port. The analog signals are converted into digital bits and bytes (digitized) through a converter known as an ADC (analog-to-digital converter). The resulting digital sound bytes can be stored, edited, processed, and transferred.
Playing Back You can play back your recorded soundtrack through stereo headphones, the internal NEC Versa VXi stereo speakers, or external stereo speakers. You can play .WAV and MIDI files as well as CD audio. Adjust the volume through the software (a volume control feature can be found in Accessories or on the system tray in the Toolbar) or with the volume control knob on the front of the system. Play audio from files or audio devices as follows.
Video Depending on the model, the NEC Versa VXi features a TFT panel with SVGA or XGA resolution. This enables color display for sharp effective visuals right on the system or projected onto an external CRT monitor. Use your NEC Versa VXi to run full motion, full-screen MPEG video. In Windows 98, the Active Movie Control gives you MPEG capabilities. In Windows NT, you must install Internet Explorer to use the Active Movie Control function. Access the Active Movie Control as follows: 1.
Multimedia Applications A growing number of multimedia applications are available for PC/notebook users. These multimedia software packages include graphics packages, animation software, and presentation authoring systems as follows: ! Animation software allows you to create 3-D effects and 3-D titles and add interest to an otherwise static presentation. ! Authoring packages let you pull all the elements of your design into an exciting, interactive multimedia presentation.
10 Solving System Problems ! Problem Checklist ! Startup Problems ! If You Need Assistance
Once in a while you may encounter a problem with your NEC Versa VXi. If the screen is blank, the instructions don’t help, or no error message appears, use the information here to determine and fix the problem. You still may be able to solve the problem yourself! Problem Checklist First check the items in the following list. If these items don't help, see the table that follows the list. ! Power is on to the computer. ! The electrical outlet to which your AC adapter is connected is working.
Troubleshooting Problem What to Do Battery power does not last long. Use power-saving modes. Fully charge and fully discharge the battery several times to recondition it. You may need to use Battery Refresh function under BIOS Setup.) Replace the battery. Information on the LCD screen is difficult to see. Adjust the brightness and contrast using the brightness and contrast controls. The Suspend/Resume function does not work. If the system does not Suspend, a disk drive might be busy.
POST Error Messages The NEC Versa VXi has a built-in checking program that automatically tests its components when you turn the system power on. This diagnostic test is called the Power-On Self-Test (POST). If the system finds a problem during POST, the system displays an error message. If this happens, follow the instructions in the POST error message table. POST Error Messages Error Message Explanation Diskette drive A error Drive A: is present but fails the BIOS POST diskette tests.
POST Error Messages Error Message Explanation Previous POST did not complete successfully. POST loads default values and offers to run Setup. If the failure was caused by incorrect values and they are not corrected, the next boot will likely fail. On systems with wait states, improper Setup settings can also terminate POST and cause this error on the next boot. Run Setup and verify that the wait-state configuration is correct. This error is cleared the next time the system is booted.
11 Getting Service and Support ! Service and Support Contact Information ! NECC Web Site ! NECC FTP Site ! NECC Support Services ! Email/Fax to Support Services
Service and Support Contact Information Service Contact Information NECC Web and FTP Sites Web address: www.nec-computers.com FTP site: ftp.neccsdeast.com NECC Support Services (U.S. and Canada customers only). 800-632-4525 Fax: 801-981-3133 Email to NECC Support Services through a commercial online service or the Internet. Internet email address: tech-support@neccsd.com Note If you purchased your computer outside of the U.S.
NECC Web Site If you have a modem or are connected to a network, you can access the NECC web site. You can do this through a commercial online service or through your Internet account. The NECC web site contains general information about NECC and its products, an online store, press releases, reviews, and service and support information.
Direct assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the NECC 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 NECC Support Services.
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment ! Making Your Computer Work for You ! Arrange Your Equipment ! Adjust Your Chair ! Adjust Your Input Devices ! Adjust Your Screen or Monitor ! Vary Your Workday ! Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors
Making Your Computer Work for You Computers are everywhere. More and more people sit at computers for longer periods of time. This appendix explains how to set up your computer to fit your physical needs. This information is based on ergonomics — the science of making the workplace fit the needs of the worker. Some nerve, tendon, and muscle disorders (musculoskeletal disorders) may be associated with repetitive activities, improper work environments, and incorrect work habits.
Arrange Your Equipment Arrange your equipment so that you can work in a natural and relaxed position. Place items that you use frequently within easy reach. Adjust your workstation setup to the proper height (as described in this appendix) by lowering the table or stand that holds your computer equipment or raising the seat height of your chair. Position your notebook computer directly in front of you for increased safety and comfort. Adjust Your Chair Your chair should be adjustable and stable.
Adjust Your Input Devices Note the following points when positioning your notebook computer or any external input devices. ! Position your keyboard directly in front of you. Avoid reaching when using your keyboard or mouse. ! If you use a mouse, position it at the same height as the keyboard and next to the keyboard. Keep your wrists straight and use your entire arm when moving a mouse. Do not grasp the mouse tightly. Grasp the mouse lightly and loosely.
! If reflected light makes it hard for you to see your screen or external monitor, use an anti-glare filter. ! Clean your screen or external monitor regularly. Use a lint-free, non-abrasive cloth and a non-alcohol, neutral, non-abrasive cleaning solution or glass cleaner to minimize dust. ! Adjust the screen or external monitor’s brightness and contrast controls to enhance readability. ! Use a document holder placed close to the screen or external monitor.
Psychosocial factors associated with these disorders include: workplace stress, poor job satisfaction, lack of support by management, and/or lack of control over one’s work. Contact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning, cramping, stiffness, throbbing, weakness, soreness, tingling and/or numbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and/or legs. This appendix was prepared in consultation with Dr.
B Specifications ! System Components ! Interrupt Controllers ! Memory Map
System Components The following specifications are standard except where noted.
! VGA — 1 port, 15-pin high-density D-sub ! Infrared — 1 port ! Microphone — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini-Pin jack ! Line-In — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini-Pin jack ! Headphones — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini-Pin jack Main Battery ! Types: — Nickel-Metal-Hydride, (NiMH), eight cell – Output Voltage – 9.6v – Capacity – 3,800 mAh — Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), eight cell – Output Voltage – 14.
! Resolution — 800 x 600 pixels for SVGA — 1024 x 768 pixels for XGA Keyboard Membrane-type, with standard QWERTY-key layout (International keyboards are country specific) ! Function keys — 12 keys ! CD Control keys or Personal Code keys ! Internet and Email keys ! Cursor Control keys — 8 keys; arrow keys arranged in inverted T layout ! Numeric keypad — embedded ! Special Windows 95 keyset ! Fn key — function key for ROM-based key functions Diskette Drive Standard 1.44 MB ! Size — 3.
8X DVD-ROM Drive ! Burst Transfer Rate — 16.67 MB/sec, PIO/Multiword DMA ! Read Rate — CD, 3600 KB/sec max. — DVD, 8115 KB/sec max.
! Operating Conditions — Shock, 1G (11ms)/read, 0.5G (11ms)/write — Vibration, 0.2G/read, 0.1G/write Mini-PCI Modem ! K56 Flex compatible ! V.34 extended rate protocol ! V.90 compliant ! Enhanced AT command set ! Class 1 and 2 Fax protocols ! Built-in speaker with software controllable volume Mini-PCI LAN ! 10Base-T and 100Base-TX ! Resume-on-LAN support ! Full duplex support ! Auto-sensing ! Software support for management server Mini-PCI Modem/LAN Modem ! K56 Flex compatible ! V.
AC Adapter ! Input Voltage 100 to 240 volts (V) AC, 50 watt (max.) ! Output Voltage 19 volts DC, 2.6A Dimensions System ! Width — 12 in. (307 mm) ! Depth — 9.9 in. (252 mm) ! Height — 1.6 in. (40 mm) (max 44 mm) ! 6.6 lbs. (3.0 kg) 12.1-inch LCD ! 6.8 lbs. (3.1 kg) 13.3-inch LCD ! 7.0 lbs. (3.2 kg) 14.
Interrupt Controllers The following table shows default interrupt level assignments 0 through 15. Note These resources may change after this user’s guide goes to print. Please refer the NEC Versa VXi Release Notes that came with your NEC Versa VXi.
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.
C Frequently Asked Questions ! External Mouse ! Display ! PC Cards ! Diskette Drive ! Booting ! Power Management ! Miscellaneous
External Mouse How can a PS/2 mouse and an external keyboard be connected to the note book at the same time? The NEC Versa VXi computer has only one PS/2 port that accommodates either a mouse or a keyboard. You can get around this by purchasing an optional Y adapter or NEC Port Replicator. Both options provide two PS/2-style ports. Contact your NECC dealer for ordering information.
PC Cards In which slots do my PC cards go? Your PC cards can go into either slot if they are NEC-approved cards. Other software may not support the use of both slots. Type III cards only fit in the bottom slot (slot 0). Is there any instance when a modem or network card is only supported in one slot? This could be true in cases where the PC card firmware is being upgraded. Read the release notes that accompany the upgrade.
Why do certain PC cards cause my battery life to drop noticeably? Certain hard disk cards and wireless radio cards consume more power than others and can impact battery life. When not using any PC card, close all applications using the card and pop it part of the way out of the slot to save power.
What happens if I leave a diskette in my diskette drive? Shutting down your system with a diskette in the diskette drive can damage the data on your diskette and your diskette drive. You should remove the diskette before powering off. How do I format a diskette? In Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT, double click on the My Computer icon and then right click (click the right-hand mouse button) on the diskette drive icon. Select Format and choose the format process that best suits your needs.
Booting What is the difference between a warm boot and a cold boot? A warm boot restarts the system while system power is on. A warm boot is also a software reset. A warm boot clears volatile system memory and reloads the operating system. To use a warm boot, press and hold the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys. When all three keys are pressed, the system resets. In Windows 98, press Ctrl, Alt, and Del twice to restart the system or go to Start, Shut Down, Restart the computer.
What is the function of Suspend-to-RAM? (Standby in Windows 98/2000) You can initiate full Suspend-to-RAM in Windows 98/2000 by accessing Start, Shut Down, Standby. This places the system in a deeper state of “sleep” and requires that you press the Power button to resume operation. Putting your system into Standby initiates the Standby power-saving mode and is a convenient way of conserving energy when you are going to be away from your system for a short period of time.
What is the function of Suspend-to-File? (Hibernation in Windows 98/2000) Suspend-to-File (Hibernation) provides the greatest power savings by putting the system into a maximum power shutdown. When the system goes into STF mode, it saves data and system status and then shuts off power to all components. STF mode lets you save power without first saving your work. Resuming from STF mode requires less time than performing a cold boot. Your system must be configured for STF/Hibernation.
What is a time-out? A time-out is the amount of time your system or a particular component is inactive. Miscellaneous How do I set the time and date? You can change the time and date in Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT as follows. ! Double click the time in the lower right corner of the screen. ! Change the date and time as needed. How do I speed up my application? If the application you are using runs really slow, close any other applications you are not using - this should speed things up.
Why do I get a message “Insufficient memory” when I run some games? I have 64 MB of memory. The “Insufficient memory” refers to the 640 kilobytes of base memory. Since there are drivers being loaded at power on, the amount of memory can be lower than the game requires. Contact the game manufacturer and request advice to create a boot disk. This loads only the drivers necessary to run the game.
I'm having a problem using the IR port. What can I do? Verify that the IR port is enabled. Enter the BIOS Setup utility and access the Peripheral Setup menu. Check that both the sending and receiving system and device are using the same transmission software. If you are transmitting underneath a fluorescent light, try repositioning the system and device so that they are not directly under the fluorescent light.
Glossary A AC adapter A device that connects an NEC Versa notebook computer and an AC wall outlet to provide AC power for running the system and recharging the battery. A/D conversion The process of converting an analog signal into a digital signal. animation The art of making things appear to move in two-dimensional (2-D) or threedimensional (3-D) space and making events happen over time.
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. C CardBus A 32-bit high-performance bus defined by the new PC Card Standard and released by the PCMCIA standards body and trade associations. CardBus offers wider and faster 32-bit bus and bus mastering operation for improved adapter performance and can operate at speeds up to 32-MHz.
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.
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 FIR Fast Infrared, an infrared technology that sends data at 4.0 Mbit/second (4 million bits per second). FM synthesis A technique for synthesizing sound that uses a combination of modulated sine waves to produce different waveforms.
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. infrared communication Technology that uses infrared waves to communicate data between the IR-equipped devices without the use of cables. The IR port on the NEC Versa is Infrared Data Association (IrDA) compatible.
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.
MPEG (1, 2, 3) The MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) standard is used to encode motion images. The MPEG player program in Windows lets you play back MPEG files. multimedia Integrated forms of electronic media such as sound, text, graphics, and video. N nonvolatile memory Storage media that retains its data when system power is turned off. Nonvolatile memory in the Versa is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip which is backed up by an internal battery.
partition Process of dividing mass storage (hard disk drive) into isolated or separate sections. Partitioning a hard drive creates additional logical drives, e.g., a 5.1-GB hard drive partitioned into three logical drives creates drives C, D, and E. Partitioning facilitates file management by allowing you to isolate the computer’s operating system to drive C while storing applications and data files on separate drives D and E (also referred to as partitions).
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.
software Programs that run on a computer such as operating systems, word processors, and spreadsheets. SpeedStep technology Intel’s SpeedStep technology provided with some Pentium III processors lets you customize high-performance computing on your notebook computer. When powered by a battery, the processor drops its computing speed to lower power consumption and conserve battery life. Standby (Windows 98/2000) or Suspend (Windows NT) mode A state of power management that puts the system to “sleep.
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 colors and a graphics resolution of 640 by 480 pixels. volatile memory Storage media that loses its data when system power is turned off.
Z zoomed video A direct high-speed connection between the video, audio, and graphics subsystems within the computer that provides the high-quality path required for smooth video playback or TV tuner transmission. Zoomed video technology allows data transfer directly between a PC card and VGA controller allowing notebook computers to connect via PC card to real-time multimedia devices such as video cameras.
Index A AC adapter, 2-4, 7-2 specifications, B-7 AC outlet, 2-4 Accessing the internet, 6-8 ACPI, 3-11, 3-17, 3-21 advanced power settings, 3-20, 3-23 hibernation, 3-20, 3-24 ACPI alarms, 3-19, 3-22 ACPI power meter, 3-19, 3-23 ACPI power schemes, 3-18, 3-21 Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, 3-11, 3-17, 3-21 Advanced power settings, 3-20, 3-23 Alarm critical battery, 3-19, 3-23 low battery, 3-19, 3-22 Alarms, 3-19, 3-22 Ambient sound effects, 9-3 Application and Driver CD installing, 4-12 launchin
numeric keypad, 1-9 specifications, B-4 typewriter keys, 1-9 Function keys, 1-9 combinations, 1-9 H Hard disk turning off, 3-19, 3-22 Hard disk drive moving, 3-11 specifications, B-4 HDD password, 3-8 HDPREPEZ utility using in Windows 98, 4-7 Hibernate mode, 3-20, 3-24 Hibernation, 3-20, 3-24 L LCD panel closing, 3-20, 3-23 specifications, B-3 Suspend, 3-14 view expansion, 3-7 Line-In, 9-3 Low battery alarm, 3-19, 3-22 Low battery power, 2-6 M I Infrared, 6-9 Input/output facilities, B-2 Installing mode
N NEC CD-RW CD, 4-9 NEC customize utility using, 4-7 NEC Customize utility, 4-6 NEC Info Center, 4-14 installing, 4-14 uninstalling, 4-14 NEC utilities, 4-6 NEC VersaGlide, 2-2 NECC email/fax, 11-4 FTP site, 11-3 support services, 11-3 web site, 11-3 Numeric keys, 1-10 O Operating environment, B-7 Operating systems Windows 2000, 4-2 Windows 98, 4-3 Windows NT, 4-6 P Panel brightness, 3-14 Parallel port, 3-16 Partition restore, 4-18 Password establishing, 3-9 hard disk drive, 3-8 Standby, 3-20, 3-23 superv
precautions, 2-13 processor, B-2 RAM, B-2 ROM, B-2 Standby, 3-19, 3-22 switch, 3-13 T Taskbar icon, 3-20, 3-23 Technical support, 10-5 Television connection, 8-6 TV out RCA, 8-6 Typewriter keys, 1-11 U Upgrading memory, 5-4 USB controller, 3-16 USB port, 8-7 User password, 3-8 Using the battery, 2-6 the TV out port, 8-6 V VersaGlide tips, 2-3 Video out type, 3-7 W Weight specifications, B-7 Windows 2000, 4-2 2000 power options, 3-21 2000, taskbar icons, 4-3 98, 4-3 98, taskbar icons, 4-5 introduction, 4
Regulatory Statements The following regulatory statements include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement, compliance statements for Canada and Europe, battery disposal and replacement information, and the Declaration of Conformity. FCC Statement for United States Only 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.
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 EN55022. Battery Replacement A lithium battery in some computers maintains system configuration information.
NEC Computers Inc. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY We, the Responsible Party NEC Computers Inc. 15 Business Park Way Sacramento, CA 95828 declare that the product NEC Versa VXi is in compliance with FCC CFR47 part 15 for Class B digital devices.
