NEC POWERMATE CT 815 - RELEASE NOTES User manual

First Printing — February 2001
Copyright 2001
NEC Computers Inc.
15 Business Park Way
Sacramento, CA 95828
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 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.
The NECC 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 NECC.
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
NECC is prohibited.
NEC, PowerMate, and MultiSync are registered trademarks and AccuSync is a trademark of
NEC Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. All are used under license.
Intel, Pentium, and LANDesk are registered trademarks and Celeron is a trademark of Intel
Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
trademark owners.

Contents iii
Contents
Using This Guide
Text Conventions........................................................................................... x
Related Documents ....................................................................................... xi
1 Reviewing System Features
Front Features..............................................................................................1-2
System Controls and Lamps...............................................................1-3
Diskette Drive.....................................................................................1-4
Universal Serial Bus Port ...................................................................1-4
CD-ROM Drive..................................................................................1-5
DVD-ROM Drive...............................................................................1-5
CD-RW Drive.....................................................................................1-5
Zip Drive ............................................................................................1-5
Rear Features...............................................................................................1-6
External Connectors ...........................................................................1-9
Power Supply Features.....................................................................1-10
Inside Features ..........................................................................................1-11
System Board....................................................................................1-12
Power Management..........................................................................1-12
Hard Drive........................................................................................1-13
Network Board .................................................................................1-13
Fax/Modem Board............................................................................1-13
AGP Video Board.............................................................................1-14
Chassis ......................................................................................................1-14
Speakers....................................................................................................1-14
System Overview......................................................................................1-15
Hardware ..........................................................................................1-15
Software............................................................................................1-16
Preloaded Software..................................................................1-16
NEC OS Restore CD................................................................1-17
NEC Application and Driver CD.............................................1-17
Security.............................................................................................1-17

iv Contents
2 Setting Up the System
Chassis Orientation......................................................................................2-2
Cable Connections.......................................................................................2-2
Startup .........................................................................................................2-3
Shutdown.....................................................................................................2-4
Power-Saving Operation..............................................................................2-5
System Care.................................................................................................2-5
Protecting Your System From Damage ..............................................2-6
Keeping Your System in Good Condition ..........................................2-7
Moving or Shipping Your System ......................................................2-7
More Information ........................................................................................2-8
3 Configuring the System
Configuration Tools and Utilities................................................................3-2
BIOS Setup Utility ......................................................................................3-4
How to Start BIOS Setup....................................................................3-4
How to Use Setup...............................................................................3-5
Main Menu..........................................................................................3-6
Advanced Menu................................................................................3-10
Security Menu...................................................................................3-19
Exit Menu .........................................................................................3-21
Hard Drive Security...................................................................................3-21
Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords .........................................3-21
Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords..............................................3-22
Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection....................................3-23
Moving the Hard Drive.....................................................................3-24
FLASH Utility...........................................................................................3-24
NEC INFO Center.....................................................................................3-25
NEC Application and Driver CD...............................................................3-26
NEC OS Restore CD .................................................................................3-28
System Board Jumper Settings..................................................................3-29
Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility ..........................................3-34
System Requirements........................................................................3-34
Installation ........................................................................................3-34
Processor Serial Number...................................................................3-35
Frequently Asked Questions.............................................................3-35
Technical Support.............................................................................3-36

Contents v
4 Installing Options
General Rules..............................................................................................4-2
Safety Precautions.......................................................................................4-3
System Unit Covers.....................................................................................4-4
Removing the Cover...........................................................................4-4
Replacing the Cover ...........................................................................4-6
Removing the Front Panel ..................................................................4-7
Replacing the Front Panel...................................................................4-9
Expansion Boards......................................................................................4-10
Removing the Expansion Board Retainer Bar..................................4-11
Installing an Expansion Board..........................................................4-12
Removing an Expansion Board ........................................................4-14
Installing the Expansion Board Retainer Bar....................................4-15
System Board Options...............................................................................4-16
Memory Upgrade..............................................................................4-17
Checking System Memory.......................................................4-18
Installing a DIMM Module......................................................4-18
Removing a DIMM Module.....................................................4-20
Processor Upgrade............................................................................4-21
Removing the Processor...........................................................4-21
Installing an Upgrade Processor...............................................4-23
Data Storage Devices................................................................................4-25
Device Bays......................................................................................4-25
Device Preparation ...........................................................................4-26
5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device Upgrade ............................................4-29
Installing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device................................4-29
Removing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device ..............................4-32
3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Upgrade ............................................4-35
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device................................4-35
Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device ..............................4-38
Internal Hard Drive Upgrade............................................................4-39
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Hard Drive ..............................4-39
Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Hard Drive ............................4-42
Minitower and Desktop Setup Options.....................................................4-43
Converting from Minitower to Desktop ...........................................4-43
Converting from Desktop to Minitower ...........................................4-45

vi Contents
5 Solving System Problems
Solutions to Common Problems..................................................................5-2
System Problems.................................................................................5-2
Diskette Drive Problems.....................................................................5-4
Monitor Problems ...............................................................................5-5
Keyboard/Mouse Problems.................................................................5-6
CD-ROM Drive Problems ..................................................................5-6
Speaker Problems................................................................................5-7
How to Clean the Mouse.............................................................................5-8
How to Replace the CMOS Battery...........................................................5-10
6 Getting Services and Support
NECC Website ............................................................................................6-2
NECC FTP Site ...........................................................................................6-3
Email/Fax Technical Support Service.........................................................6-3
NECC Technical Support Services..............................................................6-4
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You......................................................A-2
Arrange Your Equipment ...........................................................................A-3
Adjust Your Chair ......................................................................................A-4
Adjust Your Input Devices.........................................................................A-6
Adjust Your Monitor..................................................................................A-8
Vary Your Workday.................................................................................A-10
Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors...................................A-11
Checking Your Comfort: How Do You Measure Up? .............................A-11
Checking Your Chair.......................................................................A-11
Checking Your Keyboard ................................................................A-12
Checking Your Mouse.....................................................................A-12
Checking Your Monitor...................................................................A-12
Checking You..................................................................................A-12

Contents vii
B System Specifications
Models........................................................................................................ B-2
System Board............................................................................................. B-2
Storage Devices.......................................................................................... B-3
Input/Output Devices ................................................................................. B-4
Expansion................................................................................................... B-4
Power Management.................................................................................... B-5
System Management.................................................................................. B-5
Operating System Software........................................................................ B-5
Operating Environment.............................................................................. B-5
Compliance ................................................................................................ B-6
Index
Regulatory Statements

Using This Guide ix
Using This Guide
The PowerMate®CT 815 User’s Guide provides a comprehensive
reference to information about your system.
The guide contains the following information:
!Chapter 1, Reviewing System Features, provides a look at the front,
back, and inside features of the system. It also gives a summary of the
system’s hardware, software, and security features.
!Chapter 2, Setting Up the System, briefly describes how to set up, start
up, and shut down the system. The chapter also provides information
on installing applications, and tips on caring for the system.
!Chapter 3, Configuring the System, describes how to use the software
shipped with your system, including the BIOS Setup Utility, the
FLASH Utility, the NEC INFO Center, the NEC Application and
Driver CD, and the NEC OS Restore CD. The chapter also includes
information for setting system jumpers.
!Chapter 4, Installing Options, provides installation procedures for
processor and memory upgrades, expansion boards, and storage
devices.
!Chapter 5, Solving System Problems, contains troubleshooting tips for
solving simple problems. The chapter also includes procedures for
cleaning the mouse and replacing the system battery.
!Chapter 6, Getting Services and Support, describes the services
available to you for information and help, and describes how to access
the services.
!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.
!Appendix B, System Specifications, provides technical specifications
for your system and its components.

x Using This Guide
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.
Text Conventions
This guide uses the following text conventions.
!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 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, type abc123 and press Enter.

Using This Guide xi
Related Documents
In addition to this guide, the following printed documentation ships with
your system.
!NEC PowerMate CT 815 Quick Setup/Quick Reference
The Quick Setup shows how to quickly get the system connected and
powered on.
The Quick Reference briefly describes the documentation, NEC
utilities, software applications, and services available with the NEC
PowerMate CT 815 system.
!How Does Your Workplace Measure Up?
This brochure provides information for setting up and using the
computer productively and safely. Information includes guidelines to
reduce the risk of injury associated with using a computer.
!NEC PowerMate CT 815 Release Notes
Release Notes provide additional information about the computer that
was not available at the time the user’s guide was printed. Information
in the Release Notes is the result of extensive product testing.
Your system also comes with the NEC INFO Center online
documentation on your hard drive. The NEC INFO Center is an online
guide to your PowerMate system. It provides information about the
system through the following online modules: Tour, User’s Guide,
Questions, Solutions, and Services.
In addition to the documentation that ships with the system,
documentation is available from the NECC website.
!NEC PowerMate CT 815 Service and Reference Manual
This manual provides information for maintaining, troubleshooting,
and repairing the system. This manual also includes hardware and
interface information for programmers, engineers, and others who
need to know how the system is designed.
Service and reference manuals are available on the Internet at the
Service and Support area of the NECC website (see Chapter 6 for
access information).
!NEC PowerMate CT 815 User’s Guide
Check the NECC website for the most current online version of your
printed user’s guide.

1
Reviewing System Features
!Front Features
!Rear Features
!Inside Features
!Chassis
!Speakers
!System Overview

1-2 Reviewing System Features
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 the computer in the manner described in Appendix A,
“Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment.”
This chapter highlights system hardware and software features, and
describes the security features of the system.
Front Features
You can use your PowerMate CT 815 system as a minitower or as a
desktop system. The following figures show the features on the front of
the system for both configurations. Brief descriptions follow the figures.
PowerMate CT 815 minitower front features
A– USB Port F– Power/Sleep Button
B– CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive G– Power/Sleep Lamp
C– 5 1/4-Inch Bay H– Disk Activity Lamp
D– Diskette Drive I– 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device
E– 3 1/2-Inch Accessible
Device Bay Bracket

Reviewing System Features 1-3
PowerMate CT 815 desktop front features
A– Power/Sleep Button F– 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bracket
B– CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive G– 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bay
C– 5 1/4-Inch Bay H– Diskette Drive
D– Power/Sleep Lamp I– USB Port
E– Disk Activity Lamp
System Controls and Lamps
System controls and lamps are identical for the minitower and desktop
systems. The controls and lamps include a power/sleep button,
power/sleep lamp, and hard drive activity lamp. The previous figures
show the controls and lamps on the front of the systems.
!Power/sleep button
Press this button to turn on system power. To turn off power, close all
applications, and shut down Windows. If you have Windows®98 or
Windows 2000, the system automatically powers down. If you have
Windows NT®, close all applications, shut down Windows NT, and
press in the button until the system powers down (about four seconds).
Press and immediately release the power/sleep button to suspend
system operation and go into a power saving mode. If you have a
VESA-compliant monitor, your monitor also goes into a power-saving
mode.
Press any key or move your mouse to resume system operation at the
point where you stopped it.

1-4 Reviewing System Features
!Power/sleep lamp
The power/sleep lamp indicates whether system power is on or off. It
also lets you know if the system is operating in a power-saving mode.
A steady green lamp indicates that the power is on to all system
components. An unlit lamp indicates that power is not on.
A steady amber lamp and a blank monitor (VESA-compliant) screen
indicates that the system is in a power-saving (sleep) mode, with
full-power reduction.
!Hard drive lamp
A blinking lamp indicates that the hard drive is active. The blinking
lamp tells you that the hard drive is reading or writing data.
Do not turn off the system unless absolutely
necessary while the hard drive lamp is lit. To do so can damage your hard
drive or data.
Diskette Drive
Use the diskette drive to copy data files to and from a diskette. You can
also use the diskette drive as a bootable drive for loading and starting
programs from a diskette.
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.
Universal Serial Bus Port
The universal serial bus (USB) port on the front of the system allows you
to easily and conveniently add plug and play USB devices without
opening up the system. You simply plug the USB device into the port.
You can connect up to 127 devices including a mouse, monitor, keyboard,
printer, scanner, speakers, and more. Two additional USB ports are on the
rear of the system.

Reviewing System Features 1-5
CD-ROM Drive
Systems come with a 48X Max or higher variable speed compact disc
read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive. Use the CD-ROM drive to load and
start programs from a CD. You can also use the CD-ROM drive to play
your audio CDs.
The CD-ROM drive operates at different speeds depending on whether
the CD you are using contains data or music. This allows you to get your
data faster and to see smoother animation and video.
DVD-ROM Drive
Some systems come with a 16X or higher digital video disc (DVD)-ROM
drive. The drive offers many improvements over the standard CD-ROM
technology, including superior video and audio playback, faster data
access, and greater storage capacities.
The DVD-ROM drive uses DVD technology to read DVD discs as well as
standard audio and video CDs.
CD-RW Drive
Some systems come with an 8X (record) 4X (rewrite) 32X (read) compact
disk-rewritable (CD-RW) drive. Use the drive to record your data on a
CD-RW disc, just like you would on a diskette, Zip®disc, or hard drive.
With a CD-RW drive, you can erase what you have recorded on the
CD-RW disc and rewrite or record new data numerous times. CD-RW
discs are available that hold up to 650 MB of data (74 minutes of audio)
and up to 700 MB of data (80 minutes of audio).
You can read CD and DVD discs on the CD-RW drive. CD-RW discs can
be read on CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives that support the MultiRead
Standard.
Zip Drive
Some systems come with a 250-MB capacity Zip drive. Use the Zip drive
with 3 1/2-inch Zip disks to back up work, archive old files, and transport
your work. The Zip drive supports 250-MB and 100-MB Zip disks.

1-6 Reviewing System Features
Rear Features
On the rear of your system, you’ll find the power supply socket, a monitor
power socket, a voltage switch, external connectors, and expansion board
slots. The following figures show these features.
PowerMate CT 815 minitower rear features
A– AC Power Connector E– Expansion Slots
B– Power Supply F– System Board Connectors
C– Keyboard/Mouse Anti-Theft Bracket G– Monitor Power Socket
D– Cover Locking Tab H– Voltage Switch

Reviewing System Features 1-7
PowerMate CT 815 minitower rear connector locations
A– Keyboard Port G– Line In
B– Mouse Port H –Line Out
C– USB Port I –VGA Connector
D– Parallel Port J –Serial Port 1
E –MIDI/Game Port K –USB Port
F –Microphone In

1-8 Reviewing System Features
PowerMate CT 815 desktop rear features
A– Power Supply E –System Board Connectors
B– Keyboard/Mouse Anti-theft Bracket F– Monitor Power Socket
C– Cover Locking Tab G– Voltage Switch
D– Expansion Slots H– AC Power Connector
PowerMate CT 815 desktop rear connector locations
A– Mouse Port G– Serial Port 1
B– USB Port H –VGA Connector
C– Parallel Port I –Line Out
D– MIDI/Game Port J –Line In
E –Keyboard Port K– Microphone In
F –USB Port

Reviewing System Features 1-9
External Connectors
External connectors let you attach peripheral devices, such as a monitor,
keyboard, mouse, and printer to your system. Your system has the
following external connectors.
!Mouse port
Attach the mouse that comes with your system to this port. The mouse
port supports a personal system/2-compatible (PS/2®-compatible)
mouse.
!Keyboard port
Attach the keyboard that comes with your system to the keyboard
port.
The keyboard port supports a PS/2-compatible 101-key or 104-key
keyboard (in the U.S. and Canada) or a 102-key keyboard (in the
United Kingdom and Germany) with a 6-pin mini DIN connector.
!Universal Serial Bus ports
Two USB ports add USB capability at the rear of the system. A third
USB port is on the front of the system.
!Serial port 1 (COM A)
Attach a serial device with a 9-pin connector to this serial port. Serial
devices include a pointing device, serial printer, or a modem. Some
systems might ship with a second serial port (serial port 2, COM B)
installed in an expansion slot.
!Printer port
Use this port to connect a parallel printer with a 25-pin connector to
the system.
!VGA monitor connector
Attach the signal cable from your monitor to the VGA connector on
the rear of the system. Use this port to connect an NEC MultiSync®
monitor, NEC AccuSync™monitor, or other VGA-compatible
monitor with a 15-pin connector.
!MIDI/game port
Use this port to attach a musical MIDI device or a gaming device to
your system.

1-10 Reviewing System Features
!Audio connectors
The system comes with sound integrated on the system board. The
following audio connectors are at the rear of the system (see the
preceding figure for locations).
—Microphone in jack
Use this jack to connect a microphone for recording audio
information in your data system files.
—Line in jack
Use this jack to connect a stereo audio device such as a stereo
amplifier or a cassette or minidisc player for playback or
recording.
—Line out jack
Use this jack to connect an amplified output device, such as
powered speakers or headset, a stereo tape recorder, or an external
amplifier for audio output.
!Fax/modem port
Some systems come with a V.90 rated 56-kilobits per second (Kbps)
PCI fax/modem board. The board allows the connection of a phone
line to the system for data communications functions.
!LAN port
Some systems come with a local area network (LAN) board or a
Communications and Networking Riser (CNR) board. Use the RJ-45
compatible LAN port on the board for connecting the system to an
Ethernet LAN.
Power Supply Features
Your system has the following power supply features:
!Power socket
Connect your power cable to this socket.
!Monitor power socket
If you have a plug adapter, plug the monitor power cable into this
socket instead of a wall outlet.
!Power supply fan
The power supply fan cools the power supply and other system
components to keep them from overheating. Keep the area near the
fan clear for proper ventilation.

Reviewing System Features 1-11
!Voltage switch
Sets the voltage for your system to 115 volts or 230 volts.
Set the switch correctly for the voltage in your
area. Most wall outlets in the United States and Canada are 115 volts.
Outlets in Europe are 230 volts.
Inside Features
See the following figure for the location of major features within the
system. Feature descriptions follow.
Inside the system
A– Power Supply D– Internal Drive Bracket
B– System Board E– Expansion Board Slots
C– Accessible Device Cage