NEC DIRECTION L - SERVICE User manual

First Printing — August 1997
Copyright 1997
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01719-2298
All Rights Reserved
PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related
materials, is the valuable property of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard
Bell NEC, Inc. (hereinafter “NECCSD”) and/or its licensors. NECCSD and/or its
licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights
to this document, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and
sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to
others.
The NECCSD product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance
with the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However,
actual performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system
configuration, customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by
customers of each product may vary, the suitability of specific product
configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not
warranted by NECCSD.
To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this
document is subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this
document or portions thereof without prior written approval of NECCSD is
prohibited.
FaxFlash and Direction are trademarks of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell, NEC.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation; MultiSync is a registered trademark of NEC
Technologies, Inc.; these trademarks are used under license by NEC Computer Systems Division,
Packard Bell, NEC.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

Contents iii
Contents
Using This Guide
Text Conventions...................................................... xiii
Related Documents................................................... xiv
1 Introducing Your Computer
Front Features .......................................................... 1-2
System Controls and Lamps................................. 1-3
Diskette Drive A.................................................. 1-4
CD-ROM Reader................................................. 1-5
Back Features........................................................... 1-7
External Connectors............................................. 1-9
Power Supply Features ........................................ 1-12
Zip Drive............................................................. 1-12
Microphone ......................................................... 1-14
Speakers.............................................................. 1-14
Mouse ................................................................. 1-15
2 Using Your Computer
System Operation ..................................................... 2-1
Starting Up.......................................................... 2-2
Shutting Down..................................................... 2-3
Setting the Date and Time.................................... 2-4
Using Diskettes.................................................... 2-4
Using CDs........................................................... 2-5
Handling Compact Discs................................. 2-6
Loading a CD................................................. 2-7
Removing a CD.............................................. 2-8
Using Your System’s Audio Functions................. 2-8
Power Management ............................................. 2-8
Protecting Your System ....................................... 2-9
Setting a Password.......................................... 2-9
Using a Password ........................................... 2-10

iv Contents
Productivity.............................................................. 2-11
Saving Your Work............................................... 2-11
Backing Up Your Work....................................... 2-12
Printing a Document............................................ 2-12
Display Properties .................................................... 2-13
System Care ............................................................. 2-15
Protecting Your System from Damage.................. 2-15
Keeping Your System in Good Condition ............. 2-16
Moving or Shipping Your System ........................ 2-17
Battery Replacement................................................. 2-18
Online Documentation............................................... 2-21
Where to Go from Here............................................. 2-21
3 Understanding System Features
Standard Features..................................................... 3-1
System Chassis......................................................... 3-2
System Board Components ....................................... 3-2
Processor............................................................. 3-2
Drive Interfaces................................................... 3-2
Ports.................................................................... 3-3
System Memory................................................... 3-3
Intel Xcelerator Multifunction Controller.............. 3-3
Flash ROM.......................................................... 3-3
Plug and Play ...................................................... 3-4
Graphics and Multimedia Features....................... 3-4
Accelerated Graphics Port interface (AGP) ..... 3-4
Video Support ................................................ 3-4
Audio ............................................................. 3-5
Super I/O Controller............................................ 3-5
USB Ports ........................................................... 3-6
Dual IDE Channels.............................................. 3-6
Power-Saving Feature.......................................... 3-6
Options and Upgrades............................................... 3-7
Network Interface Card........................................ 3-7
Modem................................................................ 3-7
Removable Storage.............................................. 3-7
Keyboard............................................................. 3-8

Contents v
Audio .................................................................. 3-8
Power Backup ..................................................... 3-8
4 System BIOS and Utilities
System BIOS and the Setup Utility............................ 4-1
The Setup Utility ................................................. 4-2
When to Use Setup ......................................... 4-2
How to Start Setup ......................................... 4-3
How to Use Setup........................................... 4-3
Maintenance Menu .............................................. 4-4
Processor Speed.............................................. 4-4
Clear All Passwords........................................ 4-4
Main Menu.......................................................... 4-4
Processor Type............................................... 4-5
Processor Speed.............................................. 4-5
Cache RAM ................................................... 4-5
Total Memory................................................. 4-5
BIOS Version................................................. 4-6
Language........................................................ 4-6
System Time and Date.................................... 4-6
Floppy Options Submenu................................ 4-6
IDE Devices ........................................................ 4-7
Primary/Secondary IDE Master/Slave
Submenus...................................................... 4-8
Advanced Menu................................................... 4-11
Resource Configuration Submenu ................... 4-12
Peripheral Configuration Submenu.................. 4-13
Keyboard Configuration Submenu .................. 4-15
Video Configuration Submenu ........................ 4-16
DMI Event Logging Submenu......................... 4-16
Security Menu..................................................... 4-18
How to Set a Password................................... 4-19
How to Disable Password Protection............... 4-20
Unattended Start............................................. 4-20
Power Menu........................................................ 4-21
Boot Menu........................................................... 4-22
Hard Drive Submenu...................................... 4-24

vi Contents
Removable Devices Submenu.......................... 4-24
Exit Menu ........................................................... 4-25
BIOS Flash Utility.................................................... 4-26
Video Drivers ........................................................... 4-27
5 Installing Options
Option Installation.................................................... 5-1
Safety Precautions............................................... 5-2
Cover Removal and Replacement.............................. 5-3
Removing the Access Cover................................. 5-4
Replacing the Access Cover................................. 5-7
Expansion Boards..................................................... 5-8
Installing an Expansion Board.............................. 5-10
Removing an Expansion Board ............................ 5-12
DIMM Upgrade........................................................ 5-12
Removing a DIMM.............................................. 5-15
Installing a DIMM............................................... 5-16
Video Upgrade.......................................................... 5-17
Data Storage Devices................................................ 5-18
Locating Device Slots.......................................... 5-18
Preparing the Device............................................ 5-19
Device Cables...................................................... 5-20
Diskette Drive Signal Cable ............................ 5-21
IDE Signal Cables .......................................... 5-22
System Power Cables...................................... 5-23
Cabling Storage Devices...................................... 5-23
Cabling an IDE Device ................................... 5-24
Cabling a Diskette Drive................................. 5-25
Installing Storage Devices.................................... 5-26
Removing the Front Panel............................... 5-27
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Device.......................... 5-28
Installing the 5 1/4-Inch Device....................... 5-31
Accessing the CD-ROM Reader...................... 5-33
Replacing the Front Panel ............................... 5-33
Adding External Options........................................... 5-34
Connecting a Parallel Printer................................ 5-34
Connecting a Serial Device .................................. 5-36

Contents vii
6 Setting System Board Jumpers
Locating the Jumper.................................................. 6-1
Clearing Your Password ........................................... 6-2
Recovering the BIOS ................................................ 6-4
7 24-Hour Information Services
NECCSD FaxFlash Service...................................... 7-2
NECCSD Bulletin Board Service.............................. 7-3
America Online Service............................................. 7-6
Compuserve Online Service ...................................... 7-7
E-Mail/Fax Technical Support Service...................... 7-8
Internet..................................................................... 7-9
NECCSD Technical Support Services....................... 7-10
8 If You Have a Problem
Problem Checklist..................................................... 8-2
Solutions to Common Problems................................. 8-3
System Problems ................................................. 8-3
Diskette Drive Problems ...................................... 8-5
Monitor Problems................................................ 8-6
Keyboard/Mouse Problems.................................. 8-7
CD-ROM Problems............................................. 8-7
Speaker Problems................................................ 8-8
Microphone Problems.......................................... 8-8
Getting Help............................................................. 8-8
Getting Help from Your Company........................ 8-9
Getting Help from Your NECCSD Dealer............ 8-9
Getting Help from NECCSD Technical Support... 8-9
NECCSD Warranty/Non-Warranty
Repair Service.................................................... 8-10
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You...................... A-1
Arrange Your Equipment.......................................... A-3
Adjust Your Chair .................................................... A-4
Adjust Your Input Devices........................................ A-6

viii Contents
Adjust Your Monitor ................................................ A-8
Vary Your Workday................................................. A-10
Preexisting Conditions and Psychosocial Factors....... A-11
Checking Your Comfort: How Do You
Measure Up?........................................................... A-12
Checking Your Chair........................................... A-12
Checking Your Keyboard..................................... A-12
Checking Your Mouse ......................................... A-12
Checking Your Monitor ....................................... A-12
Checking You...................................................... A-13
B Limited Warranty
How Long is the Warranty? ...................................... B-1
Who is Protected?..................................................... B-1
What is Covered And What is Not Covered?............. B-1
What We Will Pay for and What We Will
Not Pay For............................................................. B-2
How You Can Get Warranty Service......................... B-3
Year One........................................................ B-3
Years Two and Three...................................... B-3
For Customer Service And Other Information,
Telephone [phone]...................................... B-4
Limitation of Damages and Implied Warranties......... B-5
How State Law Relates to the Warranty.................... B-5
C System Specifications
Standard Features..................................................... C-1
Processor............................................................. C-1
Second Level Cache............................................. C-2
Memory............................................................... C-2
Chipset................................................................ C-5
Intel 82443LX PCI/A.G.P. Controller (PAC).. C-5
Intel 82371AB PCI ISa IDE
Xccelerator (PIIX4)....................................... C-6
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP).................... C-8
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Support .................... C-8

Contents ix
IDE Support........................................................ C-9
Super I/O Controller............................................ C-9
Serial Ports.......................................................... C-10
Parallel Port......................................................... C-10
Floppy Controller ................................................ C-10
Keyboard & Mouse ............................................. C-10
Interrupt Requests (IRQs).................................... C-11
Audio Support..................................................... C-12
OPL3-SA3 Audio System............................... C-12
OPL4-ML Wavetable Synthesizer................... C-12
Audio Connectors........................................... C-13
CD-ROM Audio Connector ............................ C-13
Expansion Slots................................................... C-13
BIOS................................................................... C-13
Video Support and Monitor.................................. C-14
Power Supply...................................................... C-14
Power Consumption........................................ C-15
DC Voltage .................................................... C-15
Environmental Specifications ............................... C-16
Ambient Temperature ..................................... C-16
Humidity ............................................................. C-16
D System Board, Connectors, and Error Messages
System Board ........................................................... D-1
Connectors ............................................................... D-2
Rear Panel Connectors......................................... D-3
Internal Connectors.............................................. D-4
Error Messages......................................................... D-6
Beep Codes............................................................... D-11
Index

Using This Guide xi
Using This Guide
The NEC Direction L-Series User Manual provides a quick
reference to information about your computer.
This manual contains the following information:

Chapter 1, Introducing Your Computer, provides a look
at system components. See this chapter to familiarize
yourself with your system.

Chapter 2, Using Your Computer, explains how to start
up and shut down your system, use your system
components, and care for your system.

Chapter 3, Understanding System Features, provides a
quick overview of the various features of your system.
 Chapter 4, System BIOS and Utilities, describes the
system BIOS Setup utility program and other utilities
you can use to configure your system. This chapter
provides detailed information about BIOS settings,
including security and power management parameters.

Chapter 5, Installing Options, provides installation
instructions and in some cases, removal procedures for
the options.
 Chapter 6, Setting System Board Jumpers, provides
information on changing jumper settings when
reconfiguring your system.
 Chapter 7, 24-Hour Information Services, lists the
services available to you for information and help, and
describes how to access the services.

xii Using This Guide

Chapter 8, If You Have a Problem, contains
troubleshooting tips for solving simple problems and
provides information on where you can find help when
you cannot solve a problem yourself.

Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,
contains guidelines to help you use your computer
productively and safely. This appendix also instructs
you on how to set up and use your computer to reduce
your risk of developing nerve, muscle, or tendon
disorders.
!
WARNING
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.
 Appendix B, Limited Warranty, provides warranty
information, policies, and restrictions.

Appendix C, System Specifications, provides a technical
description of your computer and its components.
 Appendix D, System Board, Connectors, and Error
Messages provides a technical description of the system
board, connectors, and describes system error messages.

Using This Guide xiii
TEXT CONVENTIONS
This manual uses the following text conventions.

Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following
meanings:
!
WARNING
Warnings alert you to situations that could result in
serious personal injury or loss of life.
!
CAUTION
Cautions indicate situations that can damage the
hardware or software.
NOTE
Notes give important information about the
material being described.
 Names of keyboard keys are printed as they appear on
the keyboard, for example, Ctrl, Alt, or Enter.

Text or keystrokes that you enter appear in boldface
type. For example, press Enter.
 Filenames are printed in uppercase letters.

xiv Using This Guide
RELATED DOCUMENTS
In addition to this guide, the following printed
documentation ships with your NEC Direction L-Series
system:

NEC Direction L-Series Quick Setup
Quick Setup contains information for quickly getting
your system up and running. Read this information to set
up the system for the first time.

How Does Your Workplace Measure Up?
This brochure provides information for setting up and
using your computer productively and safely.
Information includes guidelines to reduce the risk of
injury associated with using a computer.
 NEC Direction L-Series Release Notes
This document provides you with additional information
about your computer that was not available at the time
your user’s guide was printed.
Your system ships with additional documentation depending
on your configuration and any options you selected. See the
documentation specific to devices such as your monitor,
speakers, and video graphics board for detailed information
about them.
In addition to the documentation that ships with the system,
the following documentation is available from NECCSD:
 NEC Direction L-Series Service and Reference Manual
This manual provides information for maintaining,
troubleshooting, and repairing NEC Direction L-Series
systems. This guide also includes hardware and interface
information for programmers, engineers, and others who
need to know how the systems are designed.

Using This Guide xv

NECCSD FaxFlash™ Service
NECCSD FaxFlash is an automated service that sends
the latest information about NECCSD and its products
directly to a fax machine. The service is available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
With FaxFlash, you can obtain product literature and
technical information bulletins. By using FaxFlash, you
can be kept up-to-date on the latest technical information
for your system.
See Chapter 7 for information about using FaxFlash.

Introducing Your Computer 1-1
Introducing Your
Computer
!
WARNING
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.
Your NEC Direction L-Series multimedia computer comes
with state-of-the-art, high-performance components for
delivering years of service. Based on an Intel®
Pentium II®processor with MMX™ technology, your
system has the power and speed to tackle all today’s
computing needs and most of tomorrow’s.
After setting up your system, take the time to familiarize
yourself with your computer. This chapter provides a brief
look at the features of your system.
NOTE
This guide covers both desktop and minitower
models of the NEC Direction L-Series system.
Features are identical for desktop and minitower
systems; only their orientation differs.
1

1-2 Introducing Your Computer
FRONT FEATURES
Daily contact with your system is through the controls on
the front panel. The following figures show the control
features on the front of the system.
Front features — desktop models

Introducing Your Computer 1-3
Front panel features — minitower models
System Controls and Lamps
System controls let you select specific system operations;
the lamps let you know the status of system operation. Your
computer has the following controls and lamps:
 Power button
Turns the system on and off.
 Reset button
Lets you restart your system manually when it does not
respond to keyboard commands.

1-4 Introducing Your Computer
!
CAUTION
Resetting your system can result in the loss of data.
Press the reset button only when all other methods
of restarting your computer fail.

System power lamp
Lights when the system is turned on.
 Disk lamp
Lights when the hard disk drive is active, reading or
writing data.
!
CAUTION
Do not turn off the system, unless absolutely
necessary, while the disk lamp is lit. To do so can
damage your hard disk or data.
Diskette Drive A
Your diskette drive has the following features:
 Diskette drive busy lamp
Lights when the diskette drive is active, reading or
writing data on a diskette.
!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to your diskette drive and data,
do not turn off the system or remove a diskette
while the diskette drive busy lamp is lit.

Introducing Your Computer 1-5

Diskette drive eject button
Lets you remove a diskette from the diskette drive.
Diskette drive features
CD-ROM Reader
Your computer comes with a high-speed ATAPI CD-ROM
reader. The CD-ROM reader operates at different speeds
depending on whether the CD you are using contains data
or music. High-speed operation lets you get your data faster
and see smoother animation and video.
NOTE
The CD-ROM reader in your system might
look different from the one shown in the following
figure. The features depend upon the model you
purchased.

1-6 Introducing Your Computer
CD-ROM reader features
 Headphone jack
Allows the connection of an optional set of stereo
headphones through a mini-jack plug.

Volume control knob
Controls the volume of the optional headphones.

Open/close button
Opens and closes the CD tray. Press this button when
the computer power is on to insert or remove a CD.
 CD tray
Provides a surface for loading a CD into the reader.
Press the open/close button to open or close the CD tray.
 CD busy lamp
Lights when reader is retrieving data, music, or
graphics/audio from a CD. Do not eject the CD or turn
off the system when the lamp is on.
 Emergency eject hole
Allows you to remove a CD manually if normal methods
fail with the open/close button or through sound
software.

Introducing Your Computer 1-7
BACK FEATURES
Setting up your system is mainly done through external
connectors on the back of the computer. The following
figures show these connectors.
Note that the minitower and desktop models differ only in
orientation.
Rear features — desktop models