Digital Equipment HiNote VP 500 Series User manual

DigitalHiNoteVP500Series
User'sGuide
Part Number: ER-PB1WF-UA. A01
Digital Equipment Corporation

July 1996
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Digital
Equipment Corporation.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that might appear in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms
of such license. No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by Digital
Equipment Corporation or its affiliated companies.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)
(1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1996. All Rights Reserved.
DEC, ThinWire, and the Digital logo are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Digital HiNote VP is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation.
ESS is a registered trademark of ESS Corp.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
MS-DOS and Windowsare registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Sound Blaster is a registered trademark of Creative Labs Corporation
The ENERGY STARemblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or service.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Preface
The FCC wants you to know...
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.
Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void the user's authority to operate
this equipment.
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 into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
All external cables connecting to this basic unit must be shielded. For cables connecting to
PCMCIA cards, see the option manual or installation instructions.
Canadian DOC Statement
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Table of Contents
1 Getting to Know Your Notebook
Features-------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- -1–1
Components, Controls and Indicators-------------------------------- ---------------------------- 1–4
Front and Side Components (Panel Closed)-----------------------------------------------------1–4
Rear View --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1–5
Left and Side Components-------------------------------------------------------------------------1–6
Right Front View (Panel Open) -------------------------------------------------------------------1–8
Installation and Initial Setup-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----- 1–10
Plugging In and Turning On --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–10
Controlling Power--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–14
Battery Charge Gauge (in LCD Status Display) ---------------------------------------------- 1–15
LCD Status Display------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–16
Keyboard Hot Keys------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–17
Using the Touch Pad------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1–18
Optional Expansion Devices-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------ 1–21
2 Power and Your Computer
General Battery Information-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------2–2
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Care---------------------------------------------------------------2–2
Memory Effect ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------2–2
NiMH Battery Life -----------------------------------------------------------------------2–2
Forming a Battery ------------------------------------------------------------------------2–3
LiIon Battery-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2–4
Greater Life Span and No Memory Effect -------------------------------------------------2–4

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ii
The Main Battery Pack -------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------2–5
Installing the Main Battery-------------------------------------------------------------------------2–6
Removing the Main Battery Pack-----------------------------------------------------------------2–8
Charging the Battery Pack ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–10
System LEDs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–12
Low Battery Activity------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2–12
Replacing and Disposing of Batteries ---------------------------------------------------------- 2–12
Power Management-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------- 2–13
Good Power Management Habits--------------------------------------------------------------- 2–13
The Standby/Resume Feature -------------------------------------------------------------- 2–13
The Suspend/Resume Feature-------------------------------------------------------------- 2–13
Screen Brightness ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–14
The Floppy Disk/CD-ROM Drive --------------------------------------------------------- 2–14
PC Cards--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–14
The Serial/ Infrared Port -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–14
AC Power ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–14
Power Management Modes ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–15
Standby Mode -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–15
Suspend Mode-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–15
A Power Management Example----------------------------------------------------------------- 2–16
Power Management Summary------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–18
3 The BIOS Setup Program
Introduction-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------- 3–1
Navigating through the BIOS Setup Program-------------------------------- ------------------3–2
Accessing the BIOS Setup Program --------------------------------------------------------------3–3
Menu Bar----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3–3
Item Specific Help-----------------------------------------------------------------------------3–3
Legend Bar--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3–4
Launching Submenus -------------------------------------------------------------------------------3–5
General Help -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3–5
The Main Menu-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------- 3–6
The Peripherals Menu-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------3–8
Integrated Peripherals (Peripherals submenu)-------------------------------- --------------- 3–10

Preface
iii
The Security Menu-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------- 3–13
Setting Admin. Password------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–14
Changing Admin. Password --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–14
Disabling Admin. Password --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–14
The Power Menu-------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------- 3–16
The Exit Menu -------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------- 3–18
4 Peripheral Devices
Peripheral Equipment-------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------- 4-1
External Monitor------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-2
Parallel Device --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-2
Serial Device------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-2
Serial Infrared Port----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-2
External Keyboard or PS/2 Mouse ---------------------------------------------------------- 4-2
External Mic and Speaker Out (selected models only)----------------------------------- 4-2
Connecting An External Monitor ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4-3
Connecting a Printer to the Parallel Port--------------------------------------------------------- 4-4
Parallel Port Data Transfers------------------------------------------------------------- 4-5
Connecting a Serial Mouse ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-5
Connecting An External Keyboard --------------------------------------------------------------- 4-6
Connecting a PS/2 Mouse-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-7
The Infrared Port (Selected models only)-------------------------------- ----------------------- 4-8
5 PC Cards
Using Win 95 PC Card Support------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-1
Using Workgroups PC Card Support------------------------------------------------------------- 5-2
Windows NT----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-2
Inserting and Ejecting PC Cards------------------------------------------------------------------ 5-2
6 Expansion and Option Devices
System MemoryExpansion-------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------- 6-1
Memory Configuration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-2
Installing MemoryCards -------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------- 6-2

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iv
Installing and Removing Modules-------------------------------- -------------------------------- - 6-5
Module Swapping------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6-5
Removing the Modules----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-5
Installing FDD and Optional Modules ----------------------------------------------------------- 6-8
The CD-ROM Module (Standard on selected models) ---------------------------------------- 6-9
Installing a CD-ROM Module---------------------------------------------------------------- 6-9
Loading a Disc into the CD-ROM Module------------------------------------------------6-10
Removing and Installing HDD -------------------------------------------------------------------6-11
Partitioning the Hard Disk-------------------------------------------------------------------6-13
PHDISK Auto Partitioning-------------------------------------------------------------6-14
PHDISK Customized Partitioning-----------------------------------------------------6-14
Optional Devices-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------6-15
The External Battery Charger --------------------------------------------------------------------6-15
The Car Adapter-------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-17
Adding the MinidockPort Replicator-------------------------------- --------------------------- 6-18
Identifying the Ports and Connectors------------------------------------------------------------6-18
Connecting the AC Adapter ----------------------------------------------------------------------6-19
Hot-Plug Peripheral Devices----------------------------------------------------------------------6-19
The External Monitor-------------------------------------------------------------------------6-19
The Printer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-19
The MIDI---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-19
Serial Mouse Connection --------------------------------------------------------------------6-20
The Keyboard----------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-20
Other Peripheral Devices--------------------------------------------------------------------------6-20
Mouse (PS/2) Connection--------------------------------------------------------------------6-20
The Audio-In Connection -------------------------------------------------------------------------6-20
Connecting the Notebook -------------------------------------------------------------------------6-21
Removing the Notebook---------------------------------------------------------------------------6-24
7 Caring for Your Notebook
General Maintenance-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------- 7-1
Cleaning The Notebook-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------- 7-1
Cleaning The Case ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-1
Cleaning The LCD Display------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7-2
Caring for Diskettes--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-2

Preface
v
System Window Patterns--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-3
Standard Accessories ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-3
A Troubleshooting
The Power System---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A-1
LCD Status Display-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A-2
Battery------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A-2
The LCD Display----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A-2
Keyboard -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A-2
I/O Connections-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------- A-3
External Monitor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A-3

About This Guide
This guide describes how to operate, configure, and troubleshoot the Digital HiNote VP 500
Series notebook computer. This guide, along with the on-line help in the Windows95 Digital
Folder, should familiarize you with all aspects of the notebook computer.
Audience
This guide is written specifically for anyone using or configuring the Digital HiNote VP 500
Series notebook computer.
Organization
This guide contains the following:
•Chapter 1: Getting to Know Your Computer –This chapter identifies the Notebook’s
external components, overviews the various advanced features and provides a quick
reference to the Notebook functions.
•Chapter 2: Power and Your Computer –This chapter provides information on operating
the notebook on AC and batterypower. It also covers some of the advanced power
management features designed to increase battery run time.
• Chapter 3: The BIOS Setup Program– This section introduces the Setup Program,
discusses how to navigate in the Program, as well as how to specify and save your new
settings. A detailed list of the optional settings is also provided.
•Chapter 4: Peripheral Devices –This chapter overviews the peripherals that can be
connected and instructions on how to connect these devices to your notebook.
•Chapter 5: PC Cards – This chapter provides information on how to use PC Cards under
different operating environments.
•Chapter 6: Expansion and Option Devices –This chapter describes the optional
equipment that can be added to the basic Notebook system. Also covered in this chapter is
step by step information on installing and removing the optional modules that can be
inserted in the notebook’s expansion bay.
•Chapter 7: Caring for Your Notebook- This section overviews some general maintenance
and cleaning techniques.
• Appendix A: Technical Specifications –This appendix lists your notebook notebook’s
operating specifications.

Preface
viii
•Appendix B: Troubleshooting –In a questions and answer format, this section provides
you with solutions to possible problems that may arise.
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Meaning
BIOS Basic Input/Output System
CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-
conductor
DIMM Dual In-line MemoryModule
DMA Direct MemoryAccess
DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory
FDD Floppy DiskDrive
HDD Hard DiskDrive
IDE Integrated Drive Electronics (internal hard
diskdriveinterface)
IR Infrared
ISA Industry Standard Architecture
K1K = 1024 bytes
KB Kilobyte
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
MB Megabyte
MS-DOS Microsoft Disk Operating System
MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface
PC Card (PCMCIA) Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association
POST Power On Self-Test
ROM Read Only Memory
VGA Video Graphics Array
SVGA Super Video Graphics Array

Preface
ix
Special Notices
Three kinds of special notices are used in this guide to emphasize specific information.
___________________________ WARNING ___________________________
Warning: Indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause
personal injury if the hazard is not avoided.
________________________________________________________________
____________________________ Caution ____________________________
Caution: Indicates the presence of a hazard that might cause damage to
hardware or that might corrupt data.
________________________________________________________________
______________________________Note _____________________________
Note: Provides additional information.
________________________________________________________________

Preface
x
Related Documentation
AQuick Setup Guide is available as a supplement to the information provided in this User's
Guide.
AWhen You Travel Cardis available as a supplement to the information provided in this User's
Guide.

1
Getting to Know Your
Notebook
Congratulations on your purchase of the Digital HiNote VP 500 series notebook computer. The
HiNote VP 500 series notebooks feature innovative advances in portable computing technology.
Their ergonomic design and sophisticated architecture provide you with a portable computer
that is compact, powerful and easy to use.
The notebook’s modular design provides maximum expandability without compromising
portability. Your HiNote VP 500 series notebook has a Floppy DiskDrive (FDD) module
located in the expansion bay. It can be easily removed from its housing and replaced with a
CD-ROMgiving you access to a greater variety of graphics and multimedia software. The
expansion bay also supports an optional light-weight lithium-ion secondary batterypack
providing you with additional battery run timewhile away from AC power. A high
performance Pentium CPUand IDE hard drive provide you with the extra processing power
needed to handle complex graphics and large sound files. Two PC Card(PCMCIA) slots give
you the ability to use standard PC Cards, such as fax/modem, hard drive, memory, and network
interface cards.
This chapter identifies and describes the features, components, controls, and indicators of your
Digital notebook computer. Also provided is an overview of your notebook’s expansion
options.
Features
Your HiNote VP 500 series notebook is a high-performance portable computer designed for the
mobile professional; the notebook is equipped with the following features.

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Your Notebook Computer
1–2 Digital HiNote VP 500 Series
CPU
The central processing unit (CPU) performs all computing functions and directs the actions of
the system. Your notebook’s architecture supports the Intel Pentium family of CPUs which
operates at 3.3 volts or less. This family of CPUs consumes less energy, for maximum battery
life.
Hard Drive
Your notebook comes supplied with a user-upgradable Hard DiskDrive (HDD) with a data
capacity of 1.08 GB or higher.
RAM
Your Digital notebook is equipped with 8 MB of on-board low power consuming 3.3V EDO
memory, expandable up to 40MB. Please contact you Digital notebook dealer for information
on purchasing optional memory dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs).
Floppy Drive
The Floppy DiskDrive (FDD) module can be removed from the notebook’s expansion bayand
replaced with a CD-ROMmodule or the optional secondary lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery
module.
CD-ROM
The 6x CD-ROMmodule is a standard device on selected models. It can be removed from the
notebook’s expansion bayand replaced with the FDD or optional Li-Ion secondary battery
module. The 6x CD-ROM module can also be purchased separately as an optional device.
Please contact your Digital notebook dealer for purchasing information.
LCD Display
Depending on which model you purchased, your notebook’s display is one of the following
types: • 256-color DSTN LCD with a 800x600 SVGA back-lit display
• 64K-color TFT LCD with a 800x600 SVGA back-lit display
Advanced Power Management
With Advanced Power Management, you will be able to customize the notebook’s power
consumption based on your individual work needs.

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Your Notebook Computer
Digital HiNote VP 500 Series 1–3
Win95 Enhanced Keyboard
Your notebook’s keyboard emulates a full-size desktop 101-key keyboard, featuring special
function keys and an embedded numeric keypad.
Take advantage of some of the time-saving features of Windows95 keys within the Win95
environment. These keys have no function within other Microsoft Windows operating systems.
PC Card Interface
Your notebook’s PC Cardsocket supports two Type I or Type II cards, or one Type III card.
Infrared (IR) Interface (selected models only)
The IR Port allows wireless data transfer between the notebook and other IR equipped devices
such as a printer or another computer.
Video Chip
Your notebook is equipped with a NeoMagic video chip that supports:
• PCI Local Bus
• Simultaneous display of LCD and external monitor
• 256 colors at a resolution of 1024x768 on the external monitor
• 1 MB Video RAM
Audio (selected models only)
Your notebook’s audio system includes the following features.
• Two built-in speakers, stereo or mono
• Built-in microphone
• Two audio ports for input/output stereo interface
• 16-bit stereo FM sound generator
• ESS and SoundBlaster compatible

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Your Notebook Computer
1–4 Digital HiNote VP 500 Series
Components, Controls and Indicators
This section shows the locations and provides a description of the different components,
controls, and indicators on your Digital notebook computer.
Front and Side Components (Panel Closed)
Component Description
➊Removable Hard Drive Easily removable and upgradable.
➋Lid Release Slide the two latches located on either side of the
notebook toward you to open the LCD panel.
➌Main BatteryModule Removable batterymodule that can be replaced with
a charged battery.
➍Expansion bay Supports the FDD, CD-ROM and optional lithium-
ion secondary batterymodule.
Figure 1-1: Right Front View (Panel Closed)

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Your Notebook Computer
Digital HiNote VP 500 Series 1–5
Rear View
Component Description
➊Infrared Interface Allows wireless data transfer between the notebook
and other IR devices. (Selected models only)
➋Serial (COM) Port A serial device connects to this port.
➌Parallel LPT Port A parallel device, such as a printer, connects to this
port.
➍Reset Button Using a pen or paper clip, press this button to reboot
the system. All unsaved data will be lost.
➎VGA Display Port An external VGA or SVGA monitor connects to this
port.
➏MinidockPort This 240-pin port allows you to connect the
notebook to the MinidockPort Replicator.
➐External Keyboardor
PS/2 Mouse Port An external keyboard or PS/2 mouse connects to this
port.
Figure 1-2: Rear View

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Your Notebook Computer
1–6 Digital HiNote VP 500 Series
Left and Side Components
Component Description
➊Speaker-outPort External speakers or headphones connect to this port.
(Selected models only)
➋External Mic Port An external microphone connects to the notebook.
(Selected models only)
➌PC Card Lower Socket
Eject Button Ejects a PC Card Type I or Type II from the lower
socket.
➍PC Card Socket Insert PC Card Type I, Type II or Type III cards into
this socket.
➎PC Card Upper Socket
Eject Button Ejects a PC Card Type I or Type II from the upper
socket or to eject a Type III card.
➏AC Power Port The AC Adapter power cord connects to this port.
➐Kensington Lock Port A Kensington Lock cable connects to this port.
AC Power LED Lights green when the notebook is operating on AC
power.
Battery Charger LED Lights amber when the battery is being charged.
When the battery is fully charged the amber LED turns
off.