Digital Equipment HiNote VP 700 Series User manual

DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 Series
User's Guide
Part Number: ER-PJ1WW-UA. A01
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September 1997
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, RoamAbout and the Digital logo are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.
DIGITAL HiNote VP is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
MS-DOS and Windows are 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.

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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.

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Table of Contents
1 About Your Notebook
Features ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1–2
Components, Controls and Indicators------------------------------------------------------------1–4
Front and Side Components (Panel Closed) -----------------------------------------------------1–4
Rear View --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1–6
Left Side Components ------------------------------------------------------------------------------1–8
Right Front View (Panel Open) ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1–10
Installation and Initial Setup--------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–12
Plugging In and Turning On --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–12
Turning Off and Unplugging -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–17
Controlling Power--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–18
LCD Status Display ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–19
Battery Charge Gauge (in LCD Status Display)----------------------------------------------- 1–20
Keyboard Hot Keys ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–21
Using the Touch Pad (Internal PS/2 Mouse)--------------------------------------------------- 1–22
Touch Pad On-line Help -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–23
Creating a Comfortable Working Environment ----------------------------------------------- 1–24
Optional Expansion Devices--------------------------------------------------------------------- 1–26
2 Power and Your Computer
General Battery Information-----------------------------------------------------------------------2–2
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Care---------------------------------------------------------------2–2

Preface
vi
Memory Effect ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------2–2
NiMH Battery Life -----------------------------------------------------------------------2–2
LiIon Battery-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2–4
Greater Life Span and No Memory Effect--------------------------------------------------2–4
LiIon Battery Conditioning-------------------------------------------------------------------2–4
Main Battery Pack -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------2–5
Removing the Main Battery Pack -----------------------------------------------------------------2–6
Installing the Main Battery-------------------------------------------------------------------------2–7
Charging the Battery Pack -------------------------------------------------------------------------2–8
Low Battery Activity --------------------------------------------------------------------------2–9
Replacing and Disposing of Batteries -------------------------------------------------------2–9
Power Management-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–10
Good Power Management Habits --------------------------------------------------------------- 2–10
The Standby/Resume Feature -------------------------------------------------------------- 2–10
The Suspend/Resume Feature -------------------------------------------------------------- 2–10
Screen Brightness ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–10
20X CD-ROM/FDD Drive------------------------------------------------------------------ 2–11
PC Cards -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–11
The Serial and Infrared Ports--------------------------------------------------------------- 2–11
AC Power ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–11
Power Management Modes ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–12
Standby Mode -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–12
Suspend Mode-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–13
Save to Disk Mode--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–13
A Power Management Example ----------------------------------------------------------- 2–14
Power Management Summary------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–16
Using Power Panel --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2–17

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3 Setup Program
Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3–1
Navigating through the Setup Program----------------------------------------------------------3–2
Accessing the 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 Hard Disk Submenu----------------------------------------------------------------------3–7
The System Devices Menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------3–8
The Security Menu--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–12
Setting System Password------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–13
Changing System Password---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–13
Deleting System Password ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–13
The Power Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–14
The Boot Menu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–17
The Exit Menu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3–18
4 Peripheral Devices
Peripheral Equipment------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-1
Connecting An External Monitor ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4-2
Connecting a Printer to the Parallel Port --------------------------------------------------------- 4-4
Parallel Port Data Transfers ------------------------------------------------------------- 4-4
Connecting a Serial Mouse------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-6
Connecting an External Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse-------------------------------------------- 4-7
Fast Infrared Port------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-8

Preface
viii
Connecting a USB Device-------------------------------------------------------------------------4-10
External Mic, Line In and Line Out--------------------------------------------------------------4-11
5 PC Cards
Inserting and Ejecting PC Cards------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-1
Using Windows 95 PC Card Support------------------------------------------------------------- 5-4
Installing PC Modem Cards in Windows 95------------------------------------------ 5-4
Installing PC Network Cards in Windows 95----------------------------------------- 5-4
Installing PC Cards in Windows NT 4.0 --------------------------------------------------------- 5-5
Installing PC Modem Cards in Windows NT 4.0------------------------------------- 5-6
Installing PC Network Cards in Windows NT 4.0 ----------------------------------- 5-6
6 Expansion and Option Devices
System Memory Expansion------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-2
Memory Configuration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-2
Installing Memory (DIMMs)----------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-2
Installing and Removing Expansion Modules -------------------------------------------------- 6-5
Module Swapping In Windows 95----------------------------------------------------------- 6-5
Module Swapping In Windows NT 4.0 ----------------------------------------------------- 6-5
Removing the Modules----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-6
Installing Modules----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-7
Installing the Optional Secondary LiIon Battery------------------------------------------- 6-7
Installing the 20X CD-ROM/FDD Combination Module -------------------------------- 6-8
Loading a Disc into the Combination Module---------------------------------------- 6-9
Manually Ejecting the CD-ROM Tray------------------------------------------------6-10
Enabling CD-ROM and Touch Pad for DOS Real Mode --------------------------6-11
Removing and Installing HDD -------------------------------------------------------------------6-12

ix
Optional Devices-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-13
The External Battery Charger---------------------------------------------------------------------6-13
Using the External Charger -----------------------------------------------------------------------6-14
The Airline/Car Adapter---------------------------------------------------------------------------6-16
Adding the Minidock -------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-17
Identifying the Features, Ports and Connectors-------------------------------------------------6-18
Rear View--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-18
Left View---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6-20
Connecting the AC Adapter-----------------------------------------------------------------------6-21
Hot-Plug Peripheral Devices----------------------------------------------------------------------6-21
External Monitor, Printer, Serial Mouse, and Audio Components ---------------------6-21
MIDI/Joystick Device ------------------------------------------------------------------------6-21
PS/2 Mouse Connection---------------------------------------------------------------------------6-21
Docking the Notebook-----------------------------------------------------------------------------6-22
Undocking 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
A Troubleshooting
The Power System-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-1
CMOS Battery ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-2
LCD Status Display ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-2
Battery-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-2

Preface
x
The LCD Display------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-3
Keyboard ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-3
I/O Connections---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-3
External Monitor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-3
Audio--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-4
B System Configuration

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About This Guide
This guide describes how to operate, configure, and troubleshoot the DIGITAL HiNote
VP 700 Series notebook computer.
Audience
This guide is written specifically for anyone using or configuring the DIGITAL HiNote
VP 700 Series notebook computer.
Organization
This guide contains the following:
• Chapter 1: About Your Notebook – This chapter identifies the notebook’s external
components, overviews the various advanced features and provides a quick reference
to the notebook’s functions.
•
Chapter 2: Power and Your Computer – This chapter provides information on
operating the notebook on AC and battery power. It also covers some of the
advanced power management features designed to increase battery run time.
• Chapter 3: The 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 using and configuring
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 modules that can be
inserted in the notebook’s expansion bay.

Preface
xii
• Chapter 7: Caring for Your Notebook – This section overviews some general
maintenance and cleaning techniques.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting – In a questions and answer format, this section
provides you with solutions to possible problems that may arise.
• Appendix B: System Configuration – A detailed listing of system specifications.

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Acronyms Meaning
BIOS Basic Input/Output System
CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-
conductor
DIMM Dual In-line Memory Module
DSTN Dual Scan Twisted Pneumatic
DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory
FDD Floppy Disk Drive
FIR Fast Infrared
GB Gigabyte
HDD Hard Disk Drive
IDE Integrated Drive Electronics (internal hard
disk drive interface)
ISA Industry Standard Architecture
K 1K = 1024 bytes
KB Kilobyte
LAN Local Area Network
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LiIon Lithium-ion
MB Megabyte
MS-DOS Microsoft Disk Operating System
MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface
NiMH Nickel-Metal Hydride
PC Card (PCMCIA) Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association
POST Power On Self-Test
ROM Read Only Memory
SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
Memory
SVGA Super Video Graphics Array
TFT Thin Film Transistor
USB Universal Serial Bus
VGA Video Graphics Array
XGA Extended Graphics Array

Preface
xiv
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.
________________________________________________________________

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Related Documentation
AQuick Setup Guide is available as a supplement to the information provided in this
User's Guide.
AQuick Reference Card is provided, the perfect accompaniment when you travel.
An On-line User’s Guide located on the DIGITAL System CD which came with your
system.
Digital Web Site
Please visit the Digital Windows Enterprise Computing Center Web site to download the
latest HiNote VP 700 Series operating system drivers and On-line system and expansion
User Guide Information. To navigate to the Drivers/ User Guide Information location:
1. Type in the Web site address: http://www.windows.digital.com
2. Click on [Service and Support].
3. Scroll down to the Firmware and Drivers bullet and change [Select Library] to
X86-based systems. Click on the [Go] button.
4. Scroll to the HiNote Portables Table of Contents and click on HiNote VP 700
notebook.
Click on the desired Driver or User Information to download the data to your hard drive.
The HiNote VP 700 Series User Guide Information can be browsed without downloading
the data to your hard drive by using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Adobe Acrobat Reader is
not installed on your hard drive, you can download this piece of free shareware from the
Adobe web site at www.adobe.com

Preface
xvi

1–1
1
About Your Notebook
Congratulations on your purchase of the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 Series notebook
computer. The HiNote VP 700 series notebook features innovative advances in portable
computing technology. The ergonomic design and sophisticated architecture provides
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 700 series notebook has a Combination Module located in
the expansion bay. The Combination Module features both a Floppy Disk Drive and a
20X CD-ROM. It can be easily removed from its housing and replaced with the optional
light-weight lithium-ion secondary battery pack. A high performance Pentium CPU and
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.
The USB port, a new industry standard, provides a single port to which you can attach
numerous USB devices, such as a digital cameras, monitors, keyboards, or mice.
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.

Power and Your Computer
1–2
Features
Your HiNote VP 700 Series notebook is a high-performance portable computer designed
for the mobile professional; the notebook is equipped with the following features.
CPU
The central processing unit (CPU) performs all computing functions and directs the
actions of the system. Your notebook’s architecture supports an Intel MMX Pentium
166MHz or faster CPU. Intel Pentium CPUs consume less energy, for maximum battery
life.
Hard Drive
Your notebook comes supplied with a user-upgradeable Hard Disk Drive (HDD) with a
data capacity of 2.1 GB or higher.
RAM
Your Digital notebook is equipped with 16 MB or greater of on-board low power
consuming 3.3V SDRAM, expandable up to144 MB. Please contact you Digital
notebook dealer for information on purchasing additional dual in-line memory modules
(DIMMs).
L1 Cache
L1 Cache memory resides inside the CPU chip. It holds the data more frequently used by
the CPU. By holding it in cache, the CPU can access the data at a much faster rate than if
it was held in RAM. Your system is equipped with a 32 KB Internal L1 Cache.
L2 Cache
The notebook’s L2 Cache functions basically in the same way as the L1 Cache. It does
not, however, reside inside the CPU. Like L1 Cache, it is faster than RAM, but slower
than L1 Cache itself. Your system is equipped with a 256 KB or 512 KB L2 Cache,
depending on the system purchased.
20X CD-ROM/FDD Combination Module
The 20X CD-ROM/ Floppy Disk Drive Combination module can be removed from the
notebook’s expansion bay and replaced with the optional LiIon secondary battery
module.
LCD Display
Your notebook’s display is one of the following types:
• 64K-color DSTN LCD with a 1024x768 XGA back-lit display.
• 64K-color TFT LCD with a 1024x768 XGA back-lit display.

Power and Your Computer
1–3
Zoomed Video
The HiNote VP 700 Zoomed Video feature allows you to display full motion video
without constricting the performance of the system. A section of the LCD can be
reserved as a video window while the other portion of the LCD remains occupied by
running applications. As a result of the Zoomed Video feature, the performance of other
running applications will not be hampered by the video.
USB
USB is a new standard that is destined to replace both the serial and parallel ports. It
provides a single connector that can be connected to a maximum of 127 daisy chained
peripheral devices. It is Plug-and-Play compatible, offers hassle free configuration and
supports peripheral hot plugging.
Advanced Power Management
With Advanced Power Management, you will be able to customize the notebook’s power
consumption based on your individual work needs.
PC Card Interface
Your notebook’s PC Card socket supports two Type II cards, or one Type III card. It is
equipped with Card Bus support as well as support for Zoomed Video. Card Bus allows
full-size 32-Bit PCI peripheral type performance in a PC Card form factor. It is
Advanced Power Management aware -therefore providing superior power management.
Fast Infrared (FIR) Interface
The FIR Port provides you with the hardware needed to perform wireless high speed data
transfer between the notebook and other infrared equipped devices, such as a printer or
another computer.
Video Chip
Your notebook is equipped with a 128 bit NeoMagic video chip that supports:
• XGA 1024x768 at 64K colors on the
external monitor • PCI Local Bus
• Simultaneous display of LCD and
external monitor • 2 MB Video RAM
Audio
Your notebook’s audio system includes the following features:
• Two built-in stereo speakers • Wave Table (selected models only)
• Built-in microphone • 16-bit stereo FM sound generator
• Two audio ports for input/output stereo
interface • SoundBlaster compatible
• One external Microphone port

Power and Your Computer
1–4
Components, Controls and Indicators
This section shows the locations and provides detailed description of the different
components, controls, and indicators on your DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 Series notebook
computer.
Front and Side Components (Panel Closed)
Component Description
➊Lid Release Slide this latch to the right to open the LCD panel.
➋Main Battery Module Removable battery module that can be replaced with
a charged battery.
➌Expansion bay Supports the 20X CD-ROM/FDD Combination
module and optional lithium-ion secondary battery
module.
Minidock Locking Tab Used to secure the notebook to the Minidock.
Power/Charge LED Indicates the power and charge status of notebook.
System plugged into AC Power
• LED is solid, then battery is charging.
• LED is blinking (fast speed), then battery
is not charging.
System running on Battery Power
• LED is blinking (slow speed), then the
notebook is in suspend.