NEC POWERMATE P ETC User manual

NEC Computer Systems Division,
A Division of Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We, the Responsible Party
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Ave.
Boxborough, MA 01719
[phone]
declare that the product
NEC
PowerMate MT V/P Series
is in conformity with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this
product is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

First Printing — April 1997
Copyright 1997
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01719
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 (NECCSD, PBNEC) 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.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation and NEC PowerMate and MultiSync are registered
trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc. These registered trademarks are used under license by Packard
Bell NEC, Inc.
MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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 P ETC Series 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 system components. See this chapter to familiarize
yourself with your system.

Chapter 2, Getting Started, gives you information about
using a mouse, using online documentation, and 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, Installing Options, provides installation
procedures for internal and external options.
 Chapter 4, Setting System Parameters, describes the
Setup utility and explains how to use it to configure your
system.
 Chapter 5, Setting System Board Jumpers, provides
information on changing jumper settings when
reconfiguring your system.

Chapter 6, Using Voyetra Sound Software, explains how
to use Voyetra®’s Multimedia Sound Software to play
music CDs, record, play and edit .WAV files, and play
MIDI files.
 Chapter 7, 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.

xii Using This Guide

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, Reviewing System Interrupts, provides a
list of interrupt settings.
 Appendix C, Limited Warranty, includes warranty
information about your PowerMate®P ETC Series
Desktop 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.
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.

Using This Guide xiii
!
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 return and press Enter.
 File names are printed in uppercase letters.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
In addition to this guide, the following printed
documentation ships with your PowerMate P ETC Series
system.
 NEC PowerMate P ETC Series 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, NEC tools, software applications, and
services available to you.

xiv Using This Guide

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.

Windows 95 User’s Guide
This guide is a quick reference to information about
using Windows®95.
Your system comes with the following online documentation
on the hard disk:

PowerMate P ETC Series System Documentation
This online documentation is your comprehensive source
of information about your system. It contains a System
Tour, User’s Guide, Product Information Center, Option
Installation Center, and Support Center.
 Healthy Environment
This is an online help file that complements the “How
Does Your Workplace Measure Up?” brochure.

Using Windows 95
Comes with Windows 95 systems. Contains information
for using Windows 95.
Most of your application programs provide extensive online
help. Some programs provide separate online user’s guides
for specific applications.
Windows 95 provides extensive online help and “wizards”
to guide you through procedures.

Contents iii
Contents
Using This Guide
Text Conventions...................................................... xii
Related Documents................................................... xiii
1 Introducing Your Computer
Front Features .......................................................... 1-2
System Controls and Lamps................................. 1-3
IR Window.......................................................... 1-5
Diskette Drive A.................................................. 1-5
CD-ROM Reader................................................. 1-6
Back Features........................................................... 1-8
External Connectors............................................. 1-9
Power Supply Features ........................................ 1-11
Speakers................................................................... 1-12
Microphone .............................................................. 1-14
2 Getting Started
Using a Mouse.......................................................... 2-1
Using Online Documentation..................................... 2-2
Where to Go From Here............................................ 2-4
3 Installing Options
Option Installation Procedures .................................. 3-2
General Rules...................................................... 3-2
Safety Precautions............................................... 3-3
Removing the System Unit Cover......................... 3-4
Replacing the System Unit Cover......................... 3-7
Expansion Boards..................................................... 3-8
Locating Expansion Slots..................................... 3-9
Installing an Expansion Board.............................. 3-10
Removing an Expansion Board ............................ 3-12

iv Contents
System Board Options .............................................. 3-13
SIMM Upgrade ........................................................ 3-13
Checking System Memory.................................... 3-14
Removing a SIMM.............................................. 3-16
Installing a SIMM ............................................... 3-17
Video Upgrade.......................................................... 3-19
Processor Upgrade.................................................... 3-21
Removing the Processor....................................... 3-21
Installing the Processor........................................ 3-23
Data Storage Devices................................................ 3-24
Locating Device Slots.......................................... 3-25
Preparing the Device............................................ 3-26
Device Cables...................................................... 3-26
Diskette Drive Signal Cable ............................ 3-27
IDE Signal Cables .......................................... 3-28
System Power Cables...................................... 3-30
Cabling Storage Devices...................................... 3-30
IDE Device Cabling........................................ 3-31
Diskette Drive Cabling.................................... 3-32
Installing Storage Devices.................................... 3-33
Installing the 3 1/2-Inch Hard Disk Drive........ 3-33
Removing the Side Panel................................. 3-37
Removing the Front Panel............................... 3-38
Installing the 5 1/4-Inch Device....................... 3-39
Replacing the Side and Front Panels................ 3-41
Adding External Options........................................... 3-43
Connecting a Parallel Printer................................ 3-43
Connecting an RS-232C Device........................... 3-44

Contents v
4 Setting System Parameters
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
System Date/Time ............................................... 4-6
Diskette Drive...................................................... 4-6
IDE Devices ........................................................ 4-6
IDE Device Configuration Submenu................ 4-7
IDE Device Configuration............................... 4-7
IDE Translation Mode.................................... 4-8
Language............................................................. 4-10
Boot Options ....................................................... 4-10
Boot Options Submenu................................... 4-10
Boot Sequence................................................ 4-10
System Cache................................................. 4-11
Boot Speed..................................................... 4-11
Num Lock ...................................................... 4-11
Setup Prompt.................................................. 4-11
Hard Disk Pre-Delay....................................... 4-12
Typematic Rate Programming......................... 4-12
Scan User Flash Area ..................................... 4-13
Boot Virus Detection ...................................... 4-13
Video Mode......................................................... 4-13
Mouse ................................................................. 4-14
Base Memory ...................................................... 4-14
Extended Memory................................................ 4-14
BIOS Version...................................................... 4-14
Advanced Menu........................................................ 4-14
Processor Type.................................................... 4-15
Processor Speed................................................... 4-15
Cache Size........................................................... 4-15

vi Contents
Peripheral Configuration...................................... 4-15
Peripheral Submenu........................................ 4-15
IDE Interface (Primary and Secondary)........... 4-16
Floppy Interface.............................................. 4-16
Serial Port (1 and 2) Address.......................... 4-16
Serial Port 2 IR Mode..................................... 4-16
Parallel Port Interface..................................... 4-17
Parallel Port Type........................................... 4-17
Audio Interface............................................... 4-17
Hardware Monitor Interface............................ 4-17
PCI LAN Interface ......................................... 4-18
Advanced Chipset Configuration.......................... 4-18
Advanced Chipset Submenu............................ 4-18
Base Memory Size.......................................... 4-19
ISA LFB Size................................................. 4-19
ISA LFB Base Address................................... 4-19
Video Palette Snoop........................................ 4-20
Latency Timer (PCI Clock)............................. 4-20
Banks 0, 1 and 2 SIMM Detected.................... 4-20
Power Management Configuration ....................... 4-20
Power Management Submenu ......................... 4-21
IDE Drive Power Down.................................. 4-21
Inactivity Timer (Minutes) .............................. 4-22
Hot Key.......................................................... 4-22
Plug and Play Configuration ................................ 4-23
Plug and Play Submenu .................................. 4-23
Boot with PnP OS........................................... 4-24
ISA Shared Memory Size................................ 4-24
ISA Shared Memory Base Address.................. 4-25
Event Logging Configuration ............................... 4-26
Security Menu.......................................................... 4-26
Set User Password and Administrative Password.. 4-28
Unattended Start.................................................. 4-29
Security Hot Key (CTRL-ALT-).......................... 4-29

Contents vii
Exit Menu ................................................................ 4-29
Exit Saving Changes............................................ 4-30
Exit Discarding Changes...................................... 4-30
Load Setup Defaults ............................................ 4-31
Discard Changes.................................................. 4-31
Flash Utility.............................................................. 4-32
Product Recovery CD............................................... 4-33
System Restore Options....................................... 4-33
Restore Individual Files........................................ 4-34
Selecting Files................................................. 4-35
Checking Selected Files................................... 4-36
Restoring the Files............................................... 4-36
System Recovery ................................................. 4-37
5 Setting System Board Jumpers
Changing Processor Jumper Settings......................... 5-2
BIOS Recovery......................................................... 5-5
Clearing CMOS........................................................ 5-7
Denying Access To Setup ......................................... 5-9
Clearing Your Password ........................................... 5-10
PCI Expansion Slots................................................. 5-12
6 Using Voyetra Sound Software
Power Bar ................................................................ 6-2
Audio Mixer............................................................. 6-3
Adjusting the Sound Using Software .................... 6-3
Adjusting the Sound Using the Speakers............... 6-4
CD Player................................................................. 6-4
WAV Player............................................................. 6-4
Recording Digital Audio Files.............................. 6-5
Playing Digital Audio Files.................................. 6-5
Editing Digital Audio Files................................... 6-6
MIDI Player............................................................. 6-6

viii Contents
7 Solving System Problems
Problem Checklist..................................................... 7-2
Solutions To Common Problems ............................... 7-3
System Problems ................................................. 7-3
Diskette Drive Problems ...................................... 7-5
Monitor Problems................................................ 7-6
Keyboard/Mouse Problems.................................. 7-7
CD-ROM Problems............................................. 7-8
Speaker Problems................................................ 7-9
Microphone Problems.......................................... 7-9
Replacing the CMOS Battery.................................... 7-10
Diagnostic Diskette................................................... 7-13
Getting Technical Help ............................................. 7-13
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 Reviewing System Interrupts
Interrupt Controller................................................... B-1

Contents ix
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-3
How You Can Get Warranty Service......................... C-3
Limitation Of Damages and Implied Warranties........ C-4
How State Law Relates to the Warranty.................... C-4
For Warranty Information......................................... C-5
List of TablesQuick Reference to Information About Your Computer 2-5
Recommended Memory Upgrade Path....................... 3-15
Navigation Keys....................................................... 4-4
Hot Key Parameters.................................................. 4-23
Security Passwords................................................... 4-27
Interrupt Level Assignments...................................... B-1

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 set up your PowerMate®P ETC series system,
the next thing is to become familiar with the system. The
following information provides a brief overview of the front
and back features of your system.
For a comprehensive source of information about your
computer, see the online NEC PowerMate P ETC Series
System Documentation. The online documentation can be
accessed through NEC’s PowerMate Online Documents
group on the Windows 95 desktop.
1

1-2 Introducing Your Computer
FRONT FEATURES
The following figures show the features on the front of the
system. A brief description follows the figures.
Front features
The following figure shows in detail the system controls and
lamps called out in the previous figure.

Introducing Your Computer 1-3
System controls and lamps
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 system power. Press it again
to turn off the power.
 Suspend button
Lets you initiate a power-saving mode of operating your
computer. 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 to where you stopped it.
A blinking system unit power lamp lets you know that
the system is in a power-saving mode.
If you have a DDC-2 compliant monitor, your monitor
also will go into power-saving mode.

1-4 Introducing Your Computer

Reset button
The reset button lets you manually restart your system
when it does not respond to keyboard commands.
!
CAUTION
Resetting your system can result in the loss of data.
Press the reset button only when all other methods
of restarting your computer fails.
 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. A blinking green lamp indicates that
the system is in Suspend mode with full power
reduction.
 Disk lamp
Indicates whether or not your hard disk is active. A
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.

Introducing Your Computer 1-5
IR Window The IR (infrared) window is the system’s IR port. The IR
port supports two-way wireless communications. The
interface uses infrared as the transmission medium instead
of a traditional cable.
The IR port lets you transfer files to or from portable
devices such as laptops and personal digital assistance
(PDA) products using application software supporting
IrDA data transfer. Your system comes with LapLink
software for wireless data transfer.
With IrDA software, you can transfer data at speeds of up
to 115 kilobytes per second and at distances up to 3 feet
from the IR window.
Diskette Drive A
Diskette drive A loads and starts programs from a diskette.
Diskette drive A is your primary “bootable” drive.
Diskette drive A features

1-6 Introducing Your Computer
Your diskette drive has the following features:

Diskette drive busy lamp
Lights when your diskette drive is reading to or writing
from 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.

Diskette release button
Press this button to release a diskette from the diskette
drive.
CD-ROM Reader
An eight-speed CD-ROM reader is a standard feature in
multimedia models. The CD-ROM reader is assigned as
drive F.
Use the CD-ROM reader to load and start programs from a
compact disc (CD). You can also use the CD-ROM reader
to play your audio CDs.
NOTE
You can boot your system from the CD-ROM
with a bootable CD. To enable the system to boot
from the CD-ROM, see “Boot Options” in Chapter 4.
The CD-ROM reader 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.

Introducing Your Computer 1-7
NOTE
The CD-ROM reader in your system might
look different from the one shown here.
CD-ROM reader features
The CD-ROM reader has the following features:
 Headphone jack
Allows the connection of an optional set of headphones
with a stereo mini-jack plug.
 Volume control knob
Lets you adjust the volume of an optional set of
headphones.
 Open/close button
Opens or closes the reader’s loading tray. Press this
button when the computer power is on to insert or
remove a CD into or out of the reader.
 Emergency eject hole
Allows the manual ejection of a CD if the eject function
is disabled by software or if a power failure occurs.