NEC PowerMate Pro 2180 User manual

First Printing — June 1996
Copyright 1996 Copyright 1996
NEC Technologies, Inc. NEC Corporation
1414 Massachusetts Avenue 7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku
Boxborough, MA 01719 Tokyo 108-01, Japan
All Rights Reserved 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 Corporation (NEC) and/or its licensors.
NEC 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 NEC 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 NEC.
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 NEC is prohibited.
MultiSync and PowerMate are registered trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc.
FastFacts is a trademark of NEC Technologies, Inc.
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 ..................................................... xii
Related Documents................................................... xiii
1 Introducing Your Computer
Front Features.......................................................... 1-1
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
Matrox Video Board............................................ 1-12
SCSI Adapter Board ........................................... 1-13
Speakers .................................................................. 1-14
Microphone.............................................................. 1-15
2 Using Your Computer
System Operation..................................................... 2-1
Starting Up ......................................................... 2-1
Shutting Down .................................................... 2-2
Setting Date and Time......................................... 2-3
Using System Features ........................................ 2-4
Using a Mouse............................................... 2-4
Using Diskettes .............................................. 2-6
Diskette Removal ........................................... 2-6
Handling Compact Discs................................ 2-8
Loading a CD................................................. 2-9
Removing a CD.............................................. 2-10
Using Your System’s Audio Functions............ 2-10
Suspend Power............................................... 2-10

iv Contents
Protection Features.............................................. 2-11
Setting a Password......................................... 2-11
Using a Password........................................... 2-12
Productivity ............................................................. 2-14
Saving Your Work .............................................. 2-14
Backing Up Your Work....................................... 2-14
Printing a Document............................................ 2-15
Changing Video Drivers ........................................... 2-16
System Care............................................................. 2-16
Protecting Your System from Damage................. 2-17
Keeping Your System in Good Condition............. 2-18
Cleaning Your Mouse.......................................... 2-19
Moving or Shipping Your System........................ 2-21
Battery Replacement ........................................... 2-22
3 Understanding System Features
System Chassis ........................................................ 3-2
System Board Components....................................... 3-3
Processor ............................................................ 3-3
System Memory .................................................. 3-4
Interrupt Controller ............................................. 3-4
PCI Local Bus..................................................... 3-6
Flash ROM......................................................... 3-6
Graphics Features ............................................... 3-7
Motion Video Controller................................. 3-7
Graphics Accelerator...................................... 3-7
Video Support................................................ 3-8
Feature Connector.......................................... 3-9
High-Speed Communication Ports ....................... 3-9
Dual IDE Ports ................................................... 3-9
SCSI Port ........................................................... 3-10
ZIF Socket.......................................................... 3-10
Sound System ..................................................... 3-10
Plug and Play Support......................................... 3-10
Power Saving Feature.......................................... 3-11
Specifications........................................................... 3-12

Contents v
4 NEC Drivers 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
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
NumLock.................................................. 4-11
Speaker..................................................... 4-11
Setup Prompt............................................ 4-12
Hard Disk Pre-Delay................................. 4-12
Typematic Rate Programming ................... 4-12
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 Speed........................................................ 4-15
Peripheral Configuration ..................................... 4-15
Peripheral Submenu ....................................... 4-15
Peripheral Configuration Mode.................. 4-16
IDE Interface (Primary and Secondary) ..... 4-16
Floppy Interface........................................ 4-16

vi Contents
Serial Port (1 and 2) Address..................... 4-16
Serial Port 2 IR Mode ............................... 4-17
Parallel Port Address................................. 4-17
Parallel Port Mode .................................... 4-17
Advanced Chipset Configuration ......................... 4-18
Advanced Chipset Submenu ........................... 4-18
Base Memory Size ......................................... 4-18
ISA LFB Size................................................. 4-19
ISA LFB Base Address .................................. 4-19
Video Palette Snoop ....................................... 4-19
Latency Timer (PCI Clocks)........................... 4-20
Memory Error Detection................................. 4-20
Onboard Audio............................................... 4-20
Banks 0 and 1 SIMM Detected....................... 4-21
Power Management Configuration....................... 4-21
Power Management Submenu......................... 4-21
IDE Drive Power Down............................. 4-22
VESA Video Power Down......................... 4-22
Inactivity Timer (Minutes)......................... 4-22
Hot Key .................................................... 4-23
Auto Start on AC Loss.............................. 4-24
Power-On COM1 Ring.............................. 4-24
Plug and Play Configuration................................ 4-24
Plug and Play Submenu.................................. 4-24
Boot with PnP OS..................................... 4-25
ISA Shared Memory Size.......................... 4-25
ISA Shared Memory Base Address............ 4-26
Event Logging Configuration............................... 4-27
Security Menu.......................................................... 4-27
Set User Password and Administrative
Password .......................................................... 4-29
Unattended Start.................................................. 4-29
Security Hot Key................................................. 4-30
Exit Menu................................................................ 4-30
Exit Saving Changes ........................................... 4-30
Exit Discarding Changes ..................................... 4-31
Load Setup Defaults............................................ 4-31

Contents vii
Discard Changes ................................................. 4-32
Flash Utility............................................................. 4-32
SCSISelect Utility.................................................... 4-33
Desktop Management Interface................................. 4-33
DMI Components................................................ 4-34
Manageable Components..................................... 4-34
CI Module........................................................... 4-34
DMI Browser...................................................... 4-35
Usage.................................................................. 4-36
Troubleshooting .................................................. 4-37
Video Drivers........................................................... 4-37
5 Installing Options
Option Installation Procedures.................................. 5-2
Safety Precautions............................................... 5-2
Cover Removal/Replacement Procedure.................... 5-4
Removing the System Unit Cover ........................ 5-4
Replacing the System Unit Cover......................... 5-7
Expansion Boards .................................................... 5-8
Locating Expansion Slots.................................... 5-8
Installing an Expansion Board............................. 5-10
Removing an Expansion Board............................ 5-12
SIMM Upgrade........................................................ 5-13
Checking System Memory................................... 5-14
Removing a SIMM.............................................. 5-17
Installing a SIMM............................................... 5-18
Video Upgrade ......................................................... 5-19
Processor Upgrade ................................................... 5-21
Removing the Processor ...................................... 5-21
Installing the Processor........................................ 5-22
Data Storage Devices............................................... 5-23
Locating Device Slots.......................................... 5-24
Preparing the Device ........................................... 5-25
Device Cables ..................................................... 5-26
Diskette Drive Signal Cable............................ 5-27
IDE Signal Cable ........................................... 5-28
SCSI Cable.................................................... 5-29

viii Contents
System Power Cables..................................... 5-30
Cabling Storage Devices...................................... 5-31
Cabling an IDE or SCSI Device ..................... 5-32
Cabling a Diskette Drive ................................ 5-33
Installing Storage Devices ................................... 5-34
3 1/2-Inch Drive Installation........................... 5-34
Removing the Side Panel ................................ 5-37
Removing the Front Panel............................... 5-38
Installing the 5 1/4-Inch Device ...................... 5-40
Replacing the Front and Side Panels ............... 5-42
Adding External Options ..................................... 5-44
Connecting a Parallel Printer .......................... 5-44
Connecting an RS-232C Device...................... 5-45
Connecting a SCSI Device.............................. 5-46
6 Setting System Board Jumpers
Changing Processor Jumper Settings......................... 6-2
BIOS Recovery........................................................ 6-5
Clearing CMOS....................................................... 6-6
Denying Access to CMOS Setup .............................. 6-9
Clearing Your Password........................................... 6-11
7 24-Hour Information Services
NEC's Fastfacts Service ........................................... 7-2
NEC Bulletin Board Service..................................... 7-4
America Online Service............................................ 7-7
CompuServe Online Service ..................................... 7-8
AT & T Interchange................................................. 7-9
E-Mail/Fax Technical Support Service ..................... 7-10
Internet .................................................................... 7-11
NEC Technical Support Services.............................. 7-12
8 If You Have a Problem
Problem Checklist .................................................... 8-2
Solutions to Common Problems................................ 8-3

Contents ix
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............................................................. 8-9
Getting Help from Your Company....................... 8-9
Getting Help from Your NEC Dealer................... 8-9
Getting Help from NEC's Technical Support
Center............................................................... 8-10
NEC 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
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
Index

x Contents
List of TablesInterrupt Level Assignments..................................... 3-5
Navigation Keys....................................................... 4-4
Hot Key Parameters ................................................. 4-23
Security Passwords .................................................. 4-27
Recommended Memory Upgrade Path ...................... 5-16

Using This Guide xi
Using This Guide
The PowerMate Pro2200 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, 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.
Included in this chapter are the system specifications.
■Chapter 4, NEC Drivers and Utilities, describes the
various software drivers shipped with your system. In
addition, the Setup Utility and other utilities are
explained in detail.
■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.
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®Pro2200
Series system.
■NEC PowerMate Pro2200 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.

xiv Using This Guide
■PowerMate Pro2200 Release Notes/Driver Installation
Release Notes provides you with additional information
about your computer that was not available at the time
your user’s guide was printed.
In addition to the documentation that ships with the system,
the following documentation is available from NEC:
■PowerMate Pro2200 Series Service and Reference
Manual (part number 819-181519-000) which
provides information for maintaining, troubleshooting,
and repairing the PowerMate Pro2200 Series system.
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 NEC
at 1-800-233-6321, select spare part sales at the prompt,
and provide the document name and part number.
■NEC FastFacts
NEC FastFacts is an automated service that sends the
latest information about NEC and its products directly
to a fax machine. The service is available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
With FastFacts, you can obtain product literature and
technical information bulletins. By using FastFacts, you
can be kept up-to-date on the latest technical information
for your system.
See “NEC’s FastFacts Service” in Chapter 7 for
information about using FastFacts.

Introducing Your Computer 1-1
Introducing Your
Computer
!
WARNING
Prolonged or improper use of a computer
workstation may pose a risk or 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.
After setting up your PowerMatePro2200 computer,
familiarize yourself with your system. The following
sections provide a brief look at the front and back features
of your system.
1

1-2 Introducing Your Computer
FRONT FEATURES
The following figures show the features on the front of the
system. A brief description of the features follows the
figures.
Front features

Introducing Your Computer 1-3
The following figure shows the lamps and controls called
out in the previous figure.
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.

1-4 Introducing Your Computer
A blinking system unit power lamp lets you know that
the system is in a power-saving mode.
■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 if your hard disk is doing anything. 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. You can order the Puma TranXit™
software (when it becomes available) for wireless data
transfer from a coupon included with your system.
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 E.
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. The CD-ROM reader is fully
compatible with Kodak Multisession Photo CDsand
standard audio CDs.
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.
NOTE
The CD-ROM reader in your system might
look different from the one shown here.

Introducing Your Computer 1-7
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.