NEC POWERMATE PROFESSIONAL PII 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 Professional Series
(Pentium II 233/266/300)
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 — August 1997
Copyright 1997
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01719-2298
All Rights Reserved
PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related
materials, is the valuable property of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard
Bell NEC, Inc. (hereinafter “NECCSD”) and/or its licensors. NECCSD and/or its
licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights
to this document, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and
sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to
others.
The NECCSD product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance
with the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However,
actual performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system
configuration, customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by
customers of each product may vary, the suitability of specific product
configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not
warranted by NECCSD.
To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this
document is subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this
document or portions thereof without prior written approval of NECCSD is
prohibited.
FaxFlash is a trademark of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation, and MagicEye, MultiSync, and PowerMate are either
trademarks or registered trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc.; these trademarks are used under
license by Packard Bell, NEC.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

Contents iii
Contents
Using This Guide
Text Conventions...................................................... xv
Related Documents................................................... xvi
1 Introducing Your Computer
Front Features .......................................................... 1-2
System Controls and Lamps................................. 1-3
IR Window.......................................................... 1-4
Diskette Drive A.................................................. 1-5
CD-ROM Reader................................................. 1-6
Back Features........................................................... 1-8
External Connectors............................................. 1-9
Locking Tab........................................................ 1-11
Power Supply Features ........................................ 1-11
Video Board ........................................................ 1-12
SCSI Adapter Board............................................ 1-13
Speakers.............................................................. 1-15
2 Using Your Computer
System Operation ..................................................... 2-1
Starting Up.......................................................... 2-1
Setup Icon ........................................................... 2-3
Shutting Down..................................................... 2-3
Setting Date and Time.......................................... 2-4
Using System Features......................................... 2-5
Using a Mouse................................................ 2-5
Using Diskettes............................................... 2-7
Diskette Removal............................................ 2-7
Handling Compact Discs................................. 2-9
Loading a CD................................................. 2-10
Removing a CD.............................................. 2-11
Using Your System’s Audio Functions............ 2-11

iv Contents
Suspend Power............................................... 2-11
Protection Features.............................................. 2-12
Setting a Password.......................................... 2-12
Using a Password ........................................... 2-13
Productivity.............................................................. 2-15
Saving Your Work............................................... 2-15
Backing Up Your Work....................................... 2-15
Printing a Document............................................ 2-16
Changing Display Properties..................................... 2-17
Windows 95 ........................................................ 2-17
Windows NT 4.0 ................................................. 2-19
System Care ............................................................. 2-21
Protecting Your System from Damage.................. 2-21
Keeping Your System in Good Condition ............. 2-22
Cleaning Your Mouse.......................................... 2-23
Moving or Shipping Your System ........................ 2-25
Battery Replacement............................................ 2-26
Using Online Documentation..................................... 2-29
Where to Go from Here............................................. 2-30
3 Understanding System Features
System Chassis......................................................... 3-3
System Board Components ....................................... 3-3
Processor............................................................. 3-4
System Memory................................................... 3-4
Interrupt Controller.............................................. 3-5
PCI Local Bus..................................................... 3-6
Flash ROM.......................................................... 3-6
Graphics Features................................................ 3-7
Motion Video Controller................................. 3-7
Graphics Accelerator ...................................... 3-8
Video Support ................................................ 3-8
Feature Connector........................................... 3-10
High-Speed Communication Ports........................ 3-10
Dual IDE Ports.................................................... 3-10
USB Port............................................................. 3-11
SCSI Port............................................................ 3-11

Contents v
Sound System...................................................... 3-11
Plug and Play Support ......................................... 3-12
Power Saving Feature.......................................... 3-12
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 ........................................................ 4-7
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
Speaker .......................................................... 4-11
Setup Prompt.................................................. 4-12
Hard Disk Pre-Delay....................................... 4-12
Typematic Rate Programming......................... 4-12
Power-on COM1 Ring......................................... 4-13
Video Mode......................................................... 4-14
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
Peripheral Configuration Mode ....................... 4-16
PCI IDE Interface (Primary and Secondary).... 4-16
Floppy Interface.............................................. 4-16
USB Interface................................................. 4-16
Serial Port (1 and 2) Interface......................... 4-16
Serial Port 2 IR Mode..................................... 4-17
Parallel Port Interface..................................... 4-17
Parallel Port Type........................................... 4-17
Advanced Chipset Configuration.......................... 4-18
Advanced Chipset Configuration 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 Clock)............................. 4-20
Memory Error Detection................................. 4-20
Onboard Audio............................................... 4-21
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
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 Address.......................... 4-26
IRQ 5,9,10,11 Available................................. 4-27
Event Logging Configuration ............................... 4-27
Security Menu.......................................................... 4-28
Enter Password and Set Administrative Password. 4-31
Unattended Start.................................................. 4-31

Contents vii
Security Hot Key (CTRL-ALT-).......................... 4-32
Exit Menu ................................................................ 4-33
Exit Saving Changes............................................ 4-33
Exit Discarding Changes...................................... 4-33
Load Setup Defaults ............................................ 4-34
Discard Changes.................................................. 4-34
Flash Utility.............................................................. 4-34
SCSISelect Utility..................................................... 4-35
LANDesk Client Manager......................................... 4-36
LANDesk Client Manager Setup.......................... 4-36
Features............................................................... 4-36
PC Health Indicator ............................................. 4-37
Managing Workstations.................................. 4-37
PC Health Meter............................................. 4-37
PC Health Description .................................... 4-38
Inventory............................................................. 4-38
Using DMI .......................................................... 4-39
NEC’s MagicEye Technology.............................. 4-40
Video Drivers ........................................................... 4-41
CD Restore............................................................... 4-41
Selecting CD Restore options............................... 4-42
Restore Individual Files................................... 4-42
System Recovery ............................................ 4-42
Restoring Individual Files .................................... 4-43
Selecting Files................................................. 4-44
Checking Selected Files................................... 4-45
Restoring the Files.......................................... 4-45
Recovering Your System...................................... 4-46
5 Installing Options
Option Installation Procedures .................................. 5-1
Safety Precautions............................................... 5-2
Cover Removal/Replacement Procedure .................... 5-3
Removing the System Unit Cover......................... 5-3
Replacing the System Unit Cover......................... 5-7
Expansion Boards..................................................... 5-8
Locating Expansion Slots..................................... 5-8

viii Contents
Installing an Expansion Board.............................. 5-9
Removing an Expansion Board ............................ 5-12
SIMM Upgrade ........................................................ 5-12
Checking System Memory.................................... 5-13
Removing a SIMM.............................................. 5-15
Installing a SIMM ............................................... 5-17
Video Upgrade.......................................................... 5-18
Data Storage Devices................................................ 5-20
Locating Device Slots.......................................... 5-20
Preparing the Device............................................ 5-22
Device Cables...................................................... 5-23
Diskette Drive Signal Cable ............................ 5-23
IDE Signal Cables .......................................... 5-24
SCSI Cable..................................................... 5-25
System Power Cables...................................... 5-26
Cabling Storage Devices...................................... 5-27
Cabling an IDE or SCSI Device...................... 5-28
Cabling a Diskette Drive................................. 5-29
Installing Storage Devices.................................... 5-29
3 1/2-Inch Drive Installation ........................... 5-30
Removing the Side Panel................................. 5-32
Removing the Front Panel............................... 5-33
Installing the 5 1/4-Inch Device....................... 5-35
Replacing the Front and Side Panels................ 5-37
Adding External Options........................................... 5-39
Connecting a Parallel Printer................................ 5-39
Connecting an RS-232C Device........................... 5-40
Connecting a SCSI Device................................... 5-41
6 Setting System Board Jumpers
Locating Jumpers on the System Board ..................... 6-2
Changing System Board Jumper Settings................... 6-3
Processor/Bus Speed Jumpers.............................. 6-4
BIOS Recovery.................................................... 6-5
Clearing CMOS................................................... 6-8
Denying Access to CMOS Setup.......................... 6-10
Clearing Your Password ...................................... 6-12

Contents ix
7 24-Hour Information Services
NECCSD FaxFlash Service...................................... 7-2
NECCSD Bulletin Board Service.............................. 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 If You Have a Problem
Problem Checklist..................................................... 8-2
Solutions to Common Problems................................. 8-3
System Problems ................................................. 8-3
Diskette Drive Problems ...................................... 8-5
Monitor Problems................................................ 8-6
Keyboard/Mouse Problems.................................. 8-7
CD-ROM Problems............................................. 8-7
Speaker Problems................................................ 8-8
Microphone Problems.......................................... 8-8
Getting Help............................................................. 8-9
Getting Help from Your Company........................ 8-9
Getting Help from Your NECCSD Dealer............ 8-9
Getting Help from the NECCSD Technical
Support Center ................................................... 8-10
NECCSD Warranty/Non-Warranty
Repair Service.................................................... 8-11
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
Preexisting Conditions and Psychosocial Factors....... A-11

x Contents
Checking Your Comfort: How Do You
Measure Up?........................................................... A-12
Checking Your Chair........................................... A-12
Checking Your Keyboard..................................... A-12
Checking Your Mouse ......................................... A-12
Checking Your Monitor ....................................... A-12
Checking You...................................................... A-13
B Limited Warranty
How Long is the Warranty? ...................................... B-1
Who is Protected?..................................................... B-1
What is Covered and What is Not Covered?.............. B-1
What We Will Pay for And What We Will
Not Pay For............................................................. B-2
How You Can Get Warranty Service......................... B-3
Year One........................................................ B-3
Years Two and Three...................................... B-3
Limitation of Damages and Implied Warranties......... B-4
How State Law Relates to the Warranty.................... B-4
For Information, Telephone [phone]............. B-5
C System Specifications
Processor Subsystem ........................................... C-1
Standard Random Access Memory (RAM)........... C-2
Read-Only Memory (ROM)................................. C-3
Video Memory..................................................... C-3
Calendar Clock.................................................... C-3
Input/Output I/O Facilities................................... C-3
Device Slots......................................................... C-5
Expansion Slots................................................... C-5
Sound System...................................................... C-6
Speakers.............................................................. C-6
Dimensions.......................................................... C-7
Keyboard and Mouse........................................... C-8

Contents xi
D Graphics Specifications
Matrox Mystique................................................. D-1
Number Nine Imagine 128 Series 2...................... D-2
Index
List of TablesQuick Reference to Information About
Your Computer........................................................ 2-31
Interrupt Level Assignments...................................... 3-5
Matrox Mystique Video Board Support..................... 3-9
Number Nine Imagine Video Board Support.............. 3-9
Navigation Keys....................................................... 4-4
Hot Key Parameters.................................................. 4-23
Security Passwords................................................... 4-29
Recommended Memory Upgrade Path....................... 5-15
System Board Jumper Settings.................................. 6-3
Matrox Mystique Video Board Support..................... D-2
Number Nine Imagine Video Board Support.............. D-3

xii Contents

Using This Guide xiii
Using This Guide
The PowerMate Professional Series User’s Guide provides
a quick reference to information about your computer.
This 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.
 Chapter 4, NECCSD Drivers and Utilities, describes the
various software drivers shipped with your system. In
addition, it explains the Setup Utility and other utilities
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.

xiv 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.

Appendix B, Limited Warranty, provides warranty
information, policies, and restrictions.
 Appendix C, System Specifications, provides a technical
description of your computer and its components.
 Appendix D, Graphics Specifications, provides a
technical description of the video board installed in 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.

Using This Guide xv
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, press Enter.
 Filenames are printed in uppercase letters.

xvi Using This Guide
RELATED DOCUMENTS
In addition to this guide, the following printed
documentation ships with your PowerMate®Professional
Series system.

NEC PowerMate Professional 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.
 PowerMate Professional Series Release Notes
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 NECCSD:
 PowerMate Professional Series Service and Reference
Manual (part number 819-181764-000)
This manual provides information for maintaining,
troubleshooting, and repairing the PowerMate
Professional Series systems. This guide also includes
hardware and interface information for programmers,
engineers, and others who need to know how the systems
are 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.).

Using This Guide xvii

NECCSD FaxFlash
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.

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.
After setting up your PowerMateProfessional Series
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
The following figure shows the lamps and controls 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
If supported by the operating system, 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
where you stopped it.
A blinking system unit power lamp lets you know that
the system is in a power-saving mode.