NEC POWERMATE ENTERPRISE - 10-1997 User manual

First Printing — October 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 is a service mark of NEC Computer Systems Division (NECCSD), Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
NEC and PowerMate are registered trademarks of NEC Corporation, used under license.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

Using This Guide xi
Using This Guide
The PowerMate Enterprise User’s Guide provides a quick
reference to information about your computer.
The guide contains the following information:

Chapter 1, Introducing Your Computer, provides a look
at the 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, provides a look at
system components, contains information about using
online documentation, and describes what you should do
after your system is up and running.
The chapter includes a quick-reference chart for finding
information about a variety of topics.
 Chapter 3, Understanding System Features, provides a
quick overview of the various features of your system.
 Chapter 4, NECCSD Tools and Utilities, describes the
various software utilities shipped with your system,
including the Setup Utility, LANDesk®Client Manager,
and the NEC Select Install CD.
 Chapter 5, Installing Options, provides installation
procedures for internal and external 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, Specifications, provides a technical
description of your computer and its components.

Appendix C, Limited Warranty, provides warranty
information, policies, and restrictions.

Using This Guide xiii
TEXT CONVENTIONS
This guide 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, type abc123 and press Enter.

File names are printed in uppercase letters. For example,
AUTOEXEC.BAT.

xiv Using This Guide
RELATED DOCUMENTS
In addition to this guide, the following printed
documentation ships with your computer.

NEC PowerMate Enterprise Quick Setup/Quick-
Reference Roadmap
Quick Setup contains information for quickly getting
your system up and running. Read this information to set
up the system for the first time.
The Quick-Reference Roadmap gives you a look at the
documentation, NECCSD tools, software applications,
and services available to you.

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 PowerMate Enterprise Release Notes
Release Notes provide you with additional information
about your computer that was not available at the time
your user’s guide was printed.
Your system comes with the following online documentation
on the hard disk:

NEC Help Center
This online documentation is a comprehensive source of
information about your system. Categories include a
System Tour, The Basics, Advanced Topics, Questions
and Answers, System Upgrades, and Service and
Support.
 Healthy Environment
This is an online help file that complements the “How
Does Your Workplace Measure Up?” brochure.

Using This Guide xv
Most of your application programs provide extensive online
help. Some programs provide separate online user’s guides
for specific applications.
Windows provides extensive online help and “wizards” to
guide you through procedures.
In addition to the documentation that ships with the system,
the following documentation is available from NECCSD:
 NEC PowerMate Enterprise Series Service and
Reference Manual (part number 819-181872-000)
This manual provides information for maintaining,
troubleshooting, and repairing your computer. This
guide also includes hardware and interface information
for programmers, engineers, and others who need to
know how the system is designed.
To purchase the service and reference manual, call
NECCSD at 1-800-632-4565 (in the U.S.) or your local
NECCSD sales provider (outside the U.S.).
 NECCSD FaxFlashSM
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 “NECCSD FaxFlash Service” in Chapter 7 for
information about using FaxFlash.

Contents iii
Contents
Using This Guide
Text Conventions...................................................... xiii
Related Documents................................................... xiv
1 Introducing Your Computer
Front Features .......................................................... 1-2
System Controls and Lamps................................. 1-5
IR Window.......................................................... 1-7
Diskette Drive A.................................................. 1-7
CD-ROM Reader................................................. 1-9
PCMCIA Card Host............................................ 1-12
Tape Backup Unit................................................ 1-13
Zip Drive............................................................. 1-15
Stand................................................................... 1-16
Back Features........................................................... 1-17
External Connectors............................................. 1-18
Power Supply Features ........................................ 1-22
Speakers................................................................... 1-23
2 Using Your Computer
System Operation ..................................................... 2-1
Starting Up.......................................................... 2-1
Shutting Down..................................................... 2-3
Setting the Date and Time.................................... 2-4
Using the Keyboard ............................................. 2-4
Using a Mouse..................................................... 2-7
Using Diskettes.................................................... 2-10
Using CDs........................................................... 2-12
Handling Compact Discs................................. 2-12
Loading a CD................................................. 2-14
Removing a CD.............................................. 2-14
Saving Power....................................................... 2-14

iv Contents
Protecting Your Work.......................................... 2-15
Productivity.............................................................. 2-16
Saving Your Work............................................... 2-16
Backing Up Your Work....................................... 2-16
Printing a Document............................................ 2-17
System Care ............................................................. 2-18
Protecting Your System from Damage.................. 2-18
Keeping Your System in Good Condition ............. 2-20
Cleaning Your Mouse.......................................... 2-20
Moving or Shipping Your System ........................ 2-22
Using Online Documentation..................................... 2-23
Where to Go from Here............................................. 2-24
3 Understanding System Features
System Chassis......................................................... 3-3
Desktop Chassis .................................................. 3-3
Minitower Chassis............................................... 3-4
System Board Components ....................................... 3-5
Processor............................................................. 3-5
System Memory................................................... 3-6
PCI Local Bus..................................................... 3-7
Graphics Capabilities........................................... 3-7
Accelerated Graphics Port............................... 3-9
Graphics Controller ........................................ 3-9
Motion Video Controller................................. 3-9
Video Support ................................................ 3-10
Flash ROM.......................................................... 3-11
High-Speed Communication Ports........................ 3-12
Dual IDE Ports.................................................... 3-13
USB Port............................................................. 3-13
Sound System...................................................... 3-13
Plug and Play Support ......................................... 3-14
Power Saving Feature.......................................... 3-14

Contents v
4 NECCSD Tools and Utilities
The Setup Utility ...................................................... 4-1
When to Use Setup .............................................. 4-2
How to Start Setup .............................................. 4-3
How to Use Setup................................................ 4-4
Main Menu.......................................................... 4-5
Displayed Information..................................... 4-6
System Time/Date .......................................... 4-6
Floppy Options............................................... 4-6
Primary and Secondary IDE............................ 4-7
Advanced Menu................................................... 4-10
PnP O/S ......................................................... 4-10
Reset Configuration Data................................ 4-10
Memory Cache ............................................... 4-10
Memory Banks 0 and 1................................... 4-10
Resource Configuration .................................. 4-11
Peripheral Configuration................................. 4-12
Keyboard Configuration.................................. 4-14
Video Configuration........................................ 4-15
DMI Event Logging........................................ 4-15
Security Menu..................................................... 4-16
User Password Is............................................ 4-16
Supervisor Password Is................................... 4-16
Set User or Supervisor Password .................... 4-16
Clear User Password....................................... 4-17
Using a Password ........................................... 4-17
User Setup Access.......................................... 4-18
Unattended Start............................................. 4-18
Power Menu........................................................ 4-19
Boot Menu........................................................... 4-20
Exit Menu ........................................................... 4-22
Flash Utility.............................................................. 4-23
Landesk Client Manager ........................................... 4-24
PC Health Indicator ............................................. 4-25
Managing Workstations.................................. 4-25
PC Health Meter............................................. 4-25

vi Contents
PC Health Description .................................... 4-26
Inventory............................................................. 4-26
Using DMI .......................................................... 4-27
Monitoring Capabilities ....................................... 4-27
Using the Chassis Intrusion Notification Feature .. 4-28
NEC Auto Backup............................................... 4-29
NEC Security...................................................... 4-30
NEC Select Install CD.............................................. 4-30
Operating System Restore.................................... 4-31
Selective Application Restore Program................. 4-41
5 Installing Options
General Rules...................................................... 5-2
Safety Precautions............................................... 5-2
Cover Removal and Replacement.............................. 5-4
Removing the Desktop Cover............................... 5-4
Replacing the Desktop Cover............................... 5-6
Removing the Minitower Cover............................ 5-8
Replacing the Minitower Cover............................ 5-11
Minitower Stand and Chassis Floor Removal and
Replacement.......................................................... 5-12
Removing the Stand............................................. 5-12
Removing the Chassis Floor................................. 5-14
Replacing the Chassis Floor................................. 5-15
Replacing the Stand............................................. 5-16
Expansion Boards..................................................... 5-16
Locating Expansion Slots..................................... 5-17
Installing an Expansion Board.............................. 5-19
Removing an Expansion Board ............................ 5-22
System Board Options .............................................. 5-24
Removing the System Board ................................ 5-25
Replacing the System Board................................. 5-29
AGP Video Board Removal and Replacement............ 5-32
Removing the AGP Video Board.......................... 5-32
Replacing the AGP Video Board.......................... 5-34
DIMM Upgrade........................................................ 5-35
Checking System Memory.................................... 5-36

Contents vii
Removing a DIMM.............................................. 5-36
Installing a DIMM............................................... 5-37
Data Storage Devices................................................ 5-38
Locating Device Slots.......................................... 5-39
Preparing the Device............................................ 5-42
Connecting Device Cables.................................... 5-43
Diskette Drive Signal Cable ............................ 5-46
IDE Signal Cables .......................................... 5-47
Internal SCSI Devices Cable........................... 5-48
System Power Cables...................................... 5-49
Cabling Storage Devices...................................... 5-50
IDE Device Cabling........................................ 5-51
Diskette Drive Cabling.................................... 5-52
Cabling a PCMCIA Adapter........................... 5-53
Cabling an Internal SCSI Device..................... 5-53
Installing Desktop Storage Devices ...................... 5-54
Removing the Desktop Front Panel.................. 5-55
Replacing the Desktop Front Panel.................. 5-58
Installing a 5 1/4-Inch Device.......................... 5-59
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Drive in a 5 1/4-Inch
Slot ............................................................ 5-61
Replacing the 3 1/2-Inch Internal Hard Disk
Drive.......................................................... 5-63
Installing Minitower Storage Devices................... 5-64
Removing the Minitower Front Panel .............. 5-65
Replacing the Minitower Front Panel............... 5-67
Installing a 5 1/4-Inch Device.......................... 5-68
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Hard Disk Drive........... 5-71
Replacing the Internal Hard Disk Drive........... 5-72
External Options....................................................... 5-74
Connecting a Parallel Printer................................ 5-75
Connecting a Serial Device .................................. 5-76
USB Devices ....................................................... 5-78
External SCSI Devices......................................... 5-78

viii Contents
6 Setting System Board Jumpers
Locating the System Board Jumper ........................... 6-2
Normal Mode ...................................................... 6-4
Configure Mode................................................... 6-4
Recovery Mode.................................................... 6-5
Changing Jumper Settings......................................... 6-6
Clearing Your Password ........................................... 6-7
7 24-Hour Information Services
NECCSD FaxFlash Service...................................... 7-2
NECCSD Bulletin Board System.............................. 7-4
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 Solving System Problems
Solutions to Common Problems................................. 8-1
System Problems ................................................. 8-2
Diskette Drive Problems ...................................... 8-4
Monitor Problems................................................ 8-5
Keyboard/Mouse Problems.................................. 8-6
CD-ROM Problems............................................. 8-6
Speaker Problems................................................ 8-8
Diagnostic Diskette................................................... 8-8
Replacing the Battery................................................ 8-9
Getting Help............................................................. 8-12
Getting Help from Your Company........................ 8-12
Getting Help from Your NECCSD Dealer............ 8-13
Getting Help from NECCSD Technical
Support Center.................................................. 8-13
NECCSD Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair
Service.............................................................. 8-14

Contents ix
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
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-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 System Specifications
Processor Subsystem ........................................... B-1
Network Subsystem............................................. B-2
82557 LAN Controller.................................... B-3
82555 Physical Layer Interface....................... B-3
Remote Wake Up Controller ........................... B-4
Standard Random Access Memory (RAM)........... B-5
Read Only Memory (ROM) ................................. B-5
Synchronous Graphics RAM (SGRAM) .............. B-5
Calendar Clock.................................................... B-5
Input/Output (I/O) Facilities ................................ B-6
Device Slots......................................................... B-7
Sound System...................................................... B-8
Dimensions.......................................................... B-8
Power.................................................................. B-9
Operating Environment........................................ B-9

x Contents
C Limited Warranty
How Long is the Warranty? ...................................... C-1
Who is Protected?..................................................... C-1
What is Covered and What is Not Covered?.............. C-1
What We Will Pay for and What We Will Not
Pay For ................................................................. C-2
How You Can Get Warranty Service......................... C-3
Year One........................................................ C-3
Years Two and Three...................................... C-3
Limitation of Damages and Implied Warranties......... C-4
How State Law Relates to the Warranty.................... C-4
For Information, Telephone [phone]............. C-5
Index
List of TablesQuick Reference to Information About Your
Computer .............................................................. 2-25
Supported DIMMs.................................................... 3-7
ATI Xpert@Work 2D Display Modes and Refresh
Rates..................................................................... 3-10
ATI Xpert@Work 3D Display Modes....................... 3-10
Navigation Keys....................................................... 4-5
IDE Connector Configuration.................................... 5-45
IDE Cable Description.............................................. 5-47
System Board Jumper Settings.................................. 6-3

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.
Once you have set up your computer, the next thing is to
become familiar with the system. PowerMate Enterprise
systems come in minitower or desktop configurations. This
chapter provides a brief overview of the
 front and back features of your system
 speakers.
For more information about system features, see Chapter 3,
“Understanding Your Computer.” See the online NEC Help
Center for a comprehensive source of information about
your PowerMate®Enterprise system.
NOTE
Double click the Online Docs shortcut icon on
your Windows®desktop to launch the NEC Help
Center.
1

1-2 Introducing Your Computer
FRONT FEATURES
The following figure shows the features on the front of the
system. A brief description follows the figure.
Front features — desktop models

Introducing Your Computer 1-3
The following figure shows the system controls and lamps
called out in the previous figure.
System controls and lamps — desktop models

1-4 Introducing Your Computer
Front features — minitower models
The following figure shows the system controls and lamps
called out in the previous figure.

Introducing Your Computer 1-5
System controls and lamps — minitower models
System Controls and Lamps
System controls let you select specific system operations.
Lamps let you know the status of system operation. Your
computer has the following controls and lamps:
 Power button
Press this button to turn on the system power. Press it
again to turn off the power.
 Suspend button
Press this button to suspend system operation when you
plan to be away from your computer for a short time.
Press any key or move your mouse to resume system
operation at the point where you stopped it.
An amber system unit power lamp indicates that the
system is in a power-saving mode.
If you have a VESA-compliant monitor, your monitor
also goes into power-saving mode.

1-6 Introducing Your Computer

Reset button
Use the reset button to restart your computer after it is
powered on. You might need to restart your system if
your system power is on and the computer is not running
properly.
!
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.

Power lamp
The power 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 amber lamp indicates that the
system is in Suspend mode with full-power reduction.

Disk lamp
A lit disk lamp indicates that the hard disk is active. The
green lamp tells you that the hard disk is 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.