NEC 2600 User manual

First Printing — January 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 pro-
hibited.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation and Versa is a U.S. registered trademark of NEC
Technologies, Inc.; all are used under license by NEC Computer Systems Division (NECCSD), Packard
Bell NEC, Inc.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trade-
marks of their respective trademark owners.

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 Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01719
[phone]
declare that the product
NEC V2600 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.

Using this Guide ix
Using this Guide
The NEC Versa®2600 Series User’s Guide gives you the
information you need to maximize the use of your NEC
Versa 2600 Series notebook computer. Read this guide to
familiarize yourself with the system and its features. For
specific information see:
 Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” to acquaint yourself with
the system hardware.

Chapter 2, “Introducing the Software,” for a summary
of the applications loaded on your system. We included
software to let you experience the full spectrum of the
system, from creating vivid multimedia presentations to
simply enjoying an audio CD.
 Chapter 3, “Using Setup and Power Management,” to
customize your notebook’s system parameters and
power management settings.

Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa,” for an understand-
ing of NEC Versa features and functionality. You’ll also
master procedures for connecting external options like
headphones, microphone or speakers.

Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” for steps on integrating
video and sound clips into impressive presentations.
 Chapter 6, “Traveling with Your NEC Versa,” lists
valuable tips for getting the most out of your system
while on the road.
 Chapter 7, “Solving Problems,” provides simple solu-
tions to common problems that may arise while operat-
ing your notebook.

x Using this Guide

Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work
Environment,” provides guidelines to help promote a
healthy work setting.
 Appendix B, “Specifications and Environment,” to re-
view NEC Versa 2600 Series system specifications and
operating conditions.

Appendix C, “Using DOS Programs,” explains how to
use power management in DOS mode and how to set up
DOS mode games in Windows 95.
TEXT SETUP
To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up
in the following ways.
 Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following
format:
!
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
system hardware or software.

Using this Guide xi
NOTE
Notes give particularly important information
about whatever is being described.

Names of keys are printed as they appear on the key-
board, for example, Ctrl, Alt, or Enter.

Text that you must type or keys that you must press are
presented in bold type. For example, type dir and press
Enter.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
See the following documents for additional information on
your NEC Versa 2600 Series notebook computer:
 The NEC Versa 2600 Series Quick Setup sheet helps
you get your system up and running.

The NEC Versa 2600 Series Quick Reference card pro-
vides an easy-to-carry reference to LED meanings, con-
trols, function key combinations, and NEC help
numbers.

Depending on the operating system installed, Microsoft®
Windows 95 or Microsoft®Windows for Workgroups,
MS-DOS operating system online documentation comes
loaded on your NEC Versa computer.

An online version of this user’s guide comes on your
hard disk drive. That way, you can leave the guide at
home and still have all the information you need at your
fingertips.

Setting Up Your Computer iii
Contents
Using this Guide
Text Setup................................................................ x
Related Documents................................................... xi
1 Getting Started
Getting to Know Your NEC Versa 2600 ................... 1-2
Around the Front of the System............................ 1-3
LCD Panel...................................................... 1-3
Brightness or Contrast Control........................ 1-4
Power Button and Status LEDs....................... 1-4
Keyboard........................................................ 1-6
NEC VersaGlide............................................. 1-6
Microphone and Speakers............................... 1-7
Battery Pack Bay............................................ 1-7
Drive Bays ..................................................... 1-7
Around the Back of the System ................................. 1-8
Around the Sides of the System................................. 1-9
The Left Side.......................................................1-10
The Right Side.....................................................1-10
Around the Bottom of the System..............................1-11
NEC Versa Power Sources ......................................1-13
Using the AC Adapter..........................................1-13
Powering On...................................................1-15
Using the Main Battery Pack................................1-15
Installing the Battery Pack ..............................1-16
How to Recharge the Battery Pack.......................1-16
Battery Handling..................................................1-17
Replacing the Battery Pack .............................1-18
Battery Life.........................................................1-19
Extending Battery Life.........................................1-20
Battery Charging .................................................1-20

iv Setting Up Your Computer
Battery Precautions..............................................1-21
Battery Disposal..................................................1-22
Internal Batteries ......................................................1-22
CMOS Battery ....................................................1-22
Bridge Battery .....................................................1-22
System Care .............................................................1-23
Precautions..........................................................1-23
Storage Requirements ..........................................1-25
Routine Cleaning .................................................1-27
2 Introducing the Software
Windows Introduction............................................... 2-2
Windows 95 ........................................................ 2-3
Windows for Workgroups.................................... 2-3
DOS Introduction ..................................................... 2-4
Guide to Online Help ................................................ 2-5
Guide to the NEC Setup Utility................................. 2-6
Other Software ......................................................... 2-6
CardWizard™..................................................... 2-6
LapLink............................................................... 2-7
How to Use LapLink....................................... 2-8
McAfee AntiVirus Software................................. 2-9
VideoSaver..........................................................2-10
MediaMatics Arcade™ MPEG Player..................2-11
XingMPEG Player™...........................................2-11
Microsoft Works..................................................2-11
Microsoft Money.................................................2-12
Microsoft Sampler...............................................2-12
Microsoft Return of Arcade .................................2-12
PointCast Network...............................................2-12
Online Services.........................................................2-12
America Online....................................................2-14
AT&T WorldNet.................................................2-15
CompuServe and WOW! from CompuServe.........2-16
Microsoft Internet Explorer..................................2-17
Netscape Navigator Dial Up Edition.....................2-17
Official Airline Guide (OAG)...............................2-19

Setting Up Your Computer v
3 Using Setup and Power Management
Setup Utility............................................................. 3-1
How to Enter Setup.............................................. 3-1
How to Use Setup................................................ 3-2
The Setup Screen............................................ 3-2
Using Keys............................................................... 3-4
Checking/Setting System Parameters............... 3-4
Using Power Management.........................................3-13
Power Saving Modes ...........................................3-13
Power Management Settings ................................3-14
Using Fn-F3 ........................................................3-15
4 Using Your NEC Versa
LCD......................................................................... 4-1
Keyboard.................................................................. 4-2
Function Keys...................................................... 4-3
NEC VersaGuide...................................................... 4-5
Making VersaGlide Adjustments.......................... 4-6
Windows 95 VersaGlide Adjustments.............. 4-7
Windows for Workgroups VersaGlide Adjustments 4-7
VersaGlide Tips.............................................. 4-8
10X CD-ROM Reader.............................................. 4-9
CD Loading.........................................................4-10
Using Audio CDs in Windows for Workgroups 4-11
Adding the CD Audio Option..........................4-11
Playing Audio CDs.........................................4-11
Using Audio CDs under Windows 95..............4-12
Playing Entertainment CDs using Windows 954-12
CD Care..............................................................4-13
PC Cards..................................................................4-13
Type I Cards........................................................4-13
Type II Cards ......................................................4-14
Type II Extended Cards .......................................4-14
Type III Cards.....................................................4-14
Communication Cards.....................................4-14
PC Card Modems ...........................................4-15
Storage Cards.................................................4-15

vi Setting Up Your Computer
Interface Cards...............................................4-16
Other Cards....................................................4-16
PC Card Enablers................................................4-17
Disabling Preloaded PCMCIA Drivers.................4-17
PC Card Slots......................................................4-18
Inserting a PC Card ........................................4-19
Removing a Card............................................4-20
IR Port ................................................................4-21
Increasing System Storage and Memory....................4-22
Hard Disk............................................................4-22
Removing the Hard Drive................................4-22
Inserting the New Hard Drive..........................4-23
Installing Memory Modules..................................4-24
Reviewing the Memory Map ...........................4-27
Installing Options......................................................4-28
External Monitor .................................................4-28
Printer.................................................................4-29
Parallel Devices..............................................4-30
Serial Devices.................................................4-31
External Keyboard or Mouse ...............................4-33
Left Side..............................................................4-35
NEC Port Replicator 2600...................................4-36
Attaching the Port Replicator 2600 .................4-36
Port Replicator Ports ......................................4-36
Detaching the Port Replicator..........................4-37
5 Using Multimedia
Audio ....................................................................... 5-1
Recording............................................................ 5-1
Line-In ................................................................ 5-3
Microphone ......................................................... 5-4
Playing Back ....................................................... 5-4
Using Headphones .......................................... 5-5
Using the Built-In Speakers............................. 5-5
Using External Stereo Speakers....................... 5-6
MIDI Files........................................................... 5-6
Video........................................................................ 5-6

Setting Up Your Computer vii
Using Animation Files.......................................... 5-7
Multimedia Applications........................................... 5-7
VideoSaver.......................................................... 5-7
6 Traveling with Your NEC Versa
Power Connections ................................................... 6-1
Checklists................................................................. 6-2
What to Take....................................................... 6-2
Preparing Your NEC Versa for Travel................. 6-3
7 Solving Problems
Problem Solving ....................................................... 7-1
Start-Up Problems.................................................... 7-3
POST Error Messages......................................... 7-3
If You Need Assistance............................................. 7-5
Getting Help............................................................. 7-6
Updating the System BIOS .................................. 7-7
Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair Service ................... 7-7
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You...................... A-1
Arrange Your Equipment.......................................... A-3
Adjust Your Chair .................................................... A-3
Adjust Your Input Devices........................................ A-4
Adjust Your Screen of Monitor ................................ A-5
Vary Your Workday................................................. A-6
Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors..... A-7
B Specifications
C Using DOS Programs
Glossary
Index

viii Setting Up Your Computer

Getting Started 1-1
Getting Started
!
WARNING
Prolonged or improper use of a computer work-
station 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 completing the steps in the quick setup sheet that
comes with your computer, your NEC Versa 2600 Series
system is ready to go! To get started:

Read Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Envi-
ronment, for guidelines that help you use your computer
productively and safely. Information includes how to set
up and use your computer to reduce your risk of devel-
oping nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.
 Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the
NEC Versa 2600.
1

1-2 Getting Started
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEC VERSA 2600
The NEC Versa 2600 Series notebook computer offers you
a portable system filled with exciting resources for home,
business, or travel. Standard features include a powerful
Intel®Pentium 133-MHz or 150-MMx microprocessor that
works together with the latest 16-MB Extended Data Out
(EDO) Random Access Memory (RAM) for exceptional
performance.
In addition, your system gives you: a high-performance hard
disk drive, a 10X CD-ROM reader, a diskette drive, built-in
VersaGlide (like a mouse), and PC Card slots (Personal
Computer Memory Card International Association -
PCMCIA). As a multimedia system, your NEC Versa 2600
also provides the tools needed to create and present impres-
sive images using video clips and sound.
To get comfortable with your notebook, read the following
sections and take a tour around your system!
NEC Versa 2600 Series notebook computer

Getting Started 1-3
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa 2600 is compact with features on every
side. First, look at the front of the system. The following
sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid
crystal display (LCD) panel.
Front features
LCD Panel
Your NEC Versa 2600 Series system comes with a color
LCD that you can adjust for a comfortable viewing posi-
tion. The LCD is a 12.1-inch, cold cathode fluorescent tube
(CCFT), backlit Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA)
color display, of either the Dualscan Super-Twisted
Nematic (DSTN) or the Thin Film Transistor (TFT) type.
(TFT displays come only with models NEC Versa
2650CDT and 2655CDT models.)
CD-ROM Reader Diskette Drive
Battery Bay
Power
Button
LCD Panel
Status
LEDs
LCD Slide Bar
VersaGlide
SpeakerSpeaker
Microphone Hard Drive
NEC

1-4 Getting Started
Brightness or Contrast Control
Depending on the model of LCD panel the slide bar located
to the right of the LCD panel controls brightness or con-
trast. Slide the bar up or down to adjust screen brightness,
if you have a TFT panel. Side the bar up or down to adjust
contrast for a DSTN panel.
Additionally models with DSTN-type screens, may use Fn
key for the following results:

Fn-F1 decreases LCD brightness.

Fn-F2 increases LCD brightness.
Power Button and Status LEDs
NEC Versa systems offer the following features on the
hinge just under the LCD panel:
Power Button — The Power button turns NEC Versa 2600
power on and off. Press the button to turn power on; press
it again to turn power off. When power is on, the Power
LED lights. See “Setup Parameters” in Chapter 3 to use
this button as a Suspend/Resume buttom.
NOTE
After turning off the system, wait 5 seconds
before turning it back on. This gives system compo-
nents a chance to power down properly.
 Power and Status LEDs (identified by icons) are found
to the right of the Power button, and inform you of the
status of your system and its components. Status LEDs
have the following meanings and light under the condi-
tions noted:

Getting Started 1-5
Status LED icons
 Power – Lets you know that power to the system is
turned on. This LED is positioned so that you see
the power state whether the LCD panel is opened or
closed
– lights green when the system is powered on.
– lights yellow when battery power is below 10%.
– flashes yellow when battery power is below 5%.
!
CAUTION
Be sure to save your data immediately when the
Power LED turns to yellow, flashes yellow, or the
system beeps. Failure to do so can result in data
loss.
 Hard Disk Drive – Lights when the NEC Versa
2600 writes data to or retrieves data from the hard
disk drive.
 CD-ROM Reader – Lights when data is read from a
compact disc in the CD-ROM drive.
A
Power Hard
Disk Drive CD-ROM Reader Diskette Drive
Caps
Lock Num Lock Pad Lock Battery

1-6 Getting Started
 Diskette Drive – Lights when data is written to or
retrieved from the 3.5-inch diskette drive.
 Caps Lock – Lights when Caps Lock mode is in ef-
fect.
 Num Lock – Lights when Num Lock mode is active.
 Pad Lock – Lights when the embedded numeric key-
pad lock is on.
 Battery Charging Status – Lights to indicate the
following:
– Green – the battery is fully charged.
– Orange – the battery is recharging.
– Light Off – the AC adapter is disconnected.
Keyboard
The NEC Versa 2600 Series system comes with an 86-key
keyboard, featuring an embedded numeric keypad and in-
verted T cursor keys. See Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC
Versa,” for details about control keys, function keys, and
keyboard features.
NEC VersaGlide
The NEC VersaGlide works like a standard computer
mouse. Simply move your fingertip over the VersaGlide to
control the position of the cursor. Use the selection buttons
below the VersaGlide to select menu items. The left button
is configured to function like the left button on a mouse.
The right button is configured as a right-mouse button.
See “NEC VersaGlide” in Chapter 4 for information about
customizing VersaGlide settings.

Getting Started 1-7
Microphone and Speakers
A microphone is built into the keyboard's left palm rest
(beneath the small single hole), and lets you record mono-
phonic sound directly into the NEC Versa 2600.
Two stereo speakers are also built into the keyboard's palm
rest, one on the left and one on the right, for your multime-
dia presentations or listening pleasure.
Turn the volume control wheel (located on the left side of
the NEC Versa 2600) clockwise to increase, or counter-
clockwise to decrease sound volume.
Battery Pack Bay
The NEC Versa (depending on the model) comes with either
a Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
rechargeable battery pack, located at the left front of the
Versa 2600.
Drive Bays
The NEC Versa 2600 comes with the following drives pre-
installed as standard features:
 CD-ROM Reader — A 10X CD-ROM lets you load and
start programs from compact discs, or insert and play
your favorite audio CDs. The CD-ROM reader is as-
signed drive letter E.
NOTE
The CD-ROM reader ships with a plastic
shipping restraint installed. Remove the restraint by
lifting on the plastic edge near the center hole. Do
not insert CD with the restraint installed.

1-8 Getting Started

Diskette Drive — The 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB diskette drive
accepts 1.44-MB high-density diskettes as well as
720-KB double-sided double-density diskettes, and is
assigned drive letter A.

Hard Disk Drive — A removable hard disk drive ships
standard with your system and is located above the
diskette drive. Depending on your configuration, this bay
contains a 1.0-gigabyte (GB) or 1.44-GB hard disk
drive. It is assigned drive letter C.
AROUND THE BACK OF THE SYSTEM
System ports for connecting your NEC Versa 2600 to op-
tional devices (like a printer or external monitor) are located
on the back of the system. For an understanding of each
feature, see the descriptions that follow the figure.
Back system features
 Infrared (IR) Port — Use this port to transfer files be-
tween your NEC Versa and an IR-equipped desktop or
notebook computer. You can also print to an IR-
equipped printer without using cables. The IR port will
not function, when the NEC Versa 2600 is installed in
the Port Replicator. Transfer files by removing the Port
Replicator from the NEC Versa 2600.
Serial
Port
AC Power
Port
Parallel
Port
Monitor
Port
Expansion
Port
Keyboard
Mouse Port
Port
Replicator Latch
IR Port

Getting Started 1-9

Port Replicator Latches — Use these “ports” as latches
for securing the port replicator. A Port Replicator Latch
is located at each end of the back of the system.
 Keyboard/Mouse Port — Use the standard PS/2 port to
connect an external PS/2-style mouse or a PS/2-style
keyboard to the system.

Expansion Port — This 200-pin port provides a connec-
tion for the NEC Port Replicator 2600.

Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach
an external monitor to your NEC Versa 2600. You can
run the LCD display and the external monitor simulta-
neously or run either alone.

Parallel Port — Use this 25-pin port to connect a paral-
lel printer or other parallel device. This port provides
both ECP and EPP mode support. The ECP standard
provides you with a greater transfer speed than the con-
ventional parallel port. It also supports bi-directional
and uni-directional protocols.

Serial Port — Use this 9-pin port to connect an external
modem or other serial device.

AC Power Port — This 4-pin AC power port lets you
attach the NEC Versa 2600 to the AC power source us-
ing the AC adapter that comes with your system. Keep
the system connected to AC power whenever possible to
keep the battery pack and internal CMOS battery
charged.
AROUND THE SIDES OF THE SYSTEM
Your NEC Versa 2600 comes with features on both sides.
This section shows you where those features are located and
describes their use.