NEC VERSA 2400 - SERVICE User manual

First Printing — September 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.
NEC Versa is a registered 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.

Using this Guide ix
Using this Guide
The NEC Versa®2400 Series User’s Guide gives you the
information you need to maximize the use of your NEC
Versa 2400 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
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 parameter and power man-
agement 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
headphone, 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 2400 Series system specifications.
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.
NOTE
Notes give particularly important information
about whatever is being described.

Using this Guide xi

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 2400 Series notebook computer:

The NEC Versa 2400 Series Quick Setup sheet help you
get your system up and running.

The NEC Versa 2400 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, the
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 also 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.

Contents iii
Contents
Using this Guide .................................................................... ix
Text Setup................................................................ x
Related Documents................................................... xi
1 Getting Started
Getting to Know Your NEC Versa............................ 1-2
Around the Front of the System............................ 1-3
LCD Panel...................................................... 1-3
Speakers and Status LEDs.............................. 1-4
Keyboard........................................................ 1-6
NEC VersaGlide............................................. 1-6
Battery Pack Bay............................................ 1-7
Around the Back of the System ................................. 1-7
Around the Sides of the System................................. 1-9
The Left Side....................................................... 1-9
The Right Side..................................................... 1-10
Around the Bottom of the System.............................. 1-11
NEC Versa Power Sources ....................................... 1-12
Using the AC Adapter.......................................... 1-12
Powering On................................................... 1-14
Using the Main Battery Pack................................ 1-14
Installing the Battery Pack .............................. 1-15
When to Change the Battery Pack ........................ 1-15
Battery Handling.................................................. 1-16
Replacing the Battery Pack ............................. 1-17
Battery Life......................................................... 1-17
Extending Battery Life......................................... 1-17
Battery Charging ................................................. 1-18
Battery Precautions.............................................. 1-19
Battery Disposal.................................................. 1-20
Internal Batteries ...................................................... 1-20
CMOS Battery .................................................... 1-20

iv Contents
System Care ............................................................. 1-20
Precautions.......................................................... 1-21
Storage Requirements .......................................... 1-22
Routine Cleaning ................................................. 1-23
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 NEC Utilities.............................................. 2-6
Setup................................................................... 2-6
Battery Gauge Utility........................................... 2-6
PHDisk................................................................ 2-7
Other Software ......................................................... 2-7
Phoenix Card Manager ........................................ 2-7
LapLink............................................................... 2-8
How to Use LapLink....................................... 2-8
McAfee Anti-Virus Software ............................... 2-10
VideoSaver.......................................................... 2-11
XingMPEG Player............................................... 2-12
Microsoft Works.................................................. 2-12
Microsoft Money................................................. 2-12
Microsoft Golf..................................................... 2-13
Microsoft Sampler............................................... 2-13
Online Services......................................................... 2-13
America Online.................................................... 2-15
CompuServe........................................................ 2-16
Netscape Navigator Personal Edition.................... 2-17
Official Airline Guide (OAG)............................... 2-18
3 Using Setup and Power Management
Setup Utility............................................................. 3-1
How to Enter Setup.............................................. 3-1
How to Use Setup................................................ 3-2

Contents v
Looking at Screens.......................................... 3-2
Using Keys..................................................... 3-4
Checking/Setting System Parameters............... 3-4
Using Power Management......................................... 3-9
Power Saving Modes ........................................... 3-10
Power Management Settings ................................ 3-11
Using Fn-Esc....................................................... 3-11
4 Using Your NEC Versa
LCD......................................................................... 4-1
Keyboard.................................................................. 4-2
Function Keys...................................................... 4-2
NEC VersaGlide....................................................... 4-5
Making VersaGlide Adjustments.......................... 4-6
Windows 95 VersaGlide Adjustments.............. 4-6
Windows for Workgroups VersaGlide
Adjustments................................................ 4-7
VersaGlide Tips.............................................. 4-9
Drive Bays ............................................................... 4-9
Removing Devices from Drive Bays..................... 4-10
Installing Devices in Drive Bays........................... 4-11
Customizing Your System.................................... 4-11
6X CD-ROM Reader................................................ 4-12
CD Loading......................................................... 4-13
Using Audio CDs in Windows
for Workgroups.......................................... 4-13
Adding the CD Audio Option.......................... 4-13
Playing Audio CDs......................................... 4-14
Using Audio CDs under Windows 95.............. 4-15
Playing Entertainment CDs using
Windows 95 ............................................... 4-15
CD Care.............................................................. 4-15
PC Cards.................................................................. 4-16
Type II Cards ...................................................... 4-16
Type II Extended Cards ....................................... 4-16

vi Contents
Type III Cards..................................................... 4-17
Communication Cards..................................... 4-17
PC Card Modems ........................................... 4-17
Storage Cards................................................. 4-18
Interface Cards............................................... 4-18
Other Cards.................................................... 4-18
PCM Plus Drivers ............................................... 4-19
PC Card Enablers................................................ 4-20
Disabling Preloaded PCMCIA Drivers................. 4-21
PC Card Slots...................................................... 4-22
Inserting a PC Card ........................................ 4-22
Removing a Card............................................ 4-23
IR Port ................................................................ 4-24
Increasing System Storage and Memory.................... 4-25
Hard Disk............................................................ 4-25
Installing a Memory Module ................................ 4-25
Reviewing the Memory Map ........................... 4-28
Installing Options...................................................... 4-29
External Monitor ................................................. 4-29
Printers................................................................ 4-31
Parallel Devices.............................................. 4-31
Serial Devices................................................. 4-32
Serial Mouse Use................................................. 4-34
Windows 95 Systems...................................... 4-34
Windows for Workgroups Systems ................. 4-36
External Keyboard/Mouse.................................... 4-38
External Audio Options........................................ 4-40
NEC Port Replicator 2400................................... 4-41
Using the Port Replicator 2400 ....................... 4-41
Using TV Output............................................ 4-42
Changing Video Settings................................. 4-43
For Windows 95 Users Only ..................... 4-43
For Windows for Workgroups
Users Only............................................ 4-43
Connecting Your Notebook to a TV ................ 4-44
Setting the System BIOS to TV Mode............. 4-45
Disabling TV Mode........................................ 4-45

Contents vii
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....................... 5-5
MIDI Files........................................................... 5-5
Video........................................................................ 5-6
Using Animation Files.......................................... 5-6
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 Checklist..................................................... 7-1
Start-Up Problems.................................................... 7-3
POST Error Messages......................................... 7-3
If You Need Assistance............................................. 7-6
Getting Help............................................................. 7-6
Updating the System BIOS .................................. 7-8
NEC Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair Service........... 7-8
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 or Monitor................................. A-5

viii Contents
Vary Your Workday................................................. A-6
Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors..... A-7
B Specifications
C Using DOS Programs
Using Power Management in DOS Mode .................. C-1
Windows for Workgroups.................................... C-1
Windows 95 ........................................................ C-2
Setting Up DOS Mode Games in Windows 95........... C-3

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 2400 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.
1

1-2 Getting Started
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEC VERSA
The NEC Versa 2400 Series notebook computer offers you
a portable system filled with exciting resources for home,
business or travel. Standard features include a powerful
Intel®Pentium 100-MHz or 133-MHz microprocessor that
works together with the latest Extended Data Out (EDO)
Random Access Memory (RAM) for exceptional
performance.
In addition, your system gives you a high-performance hard
disk drive, diskette drive, built-in VersaGlide and PC Card
slots (Personal Computer Memory Card International As-
sociation - PCMCIA). Some models come with an inter-
changeable 6X CD-ROM reader. As a multimedia system,
your NEC Versa also provides the tools needed to create
and present impressive 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 2400 Series notebook computer

Getting Started 1-3
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa 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 2400 Series system comes with a color
LCD that you can adjust for a comfortable viewing posi-
tion. The LCD is an 11.3-inch Dualscan Super-Twisted
Nematic (DSTN), cold cathode fluorescent tube (CCFT),
backlit Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) color display.

1-4 Getting Started
The LCD panel offers the following features:

Microphone — allows you to record monophonic sound
directly into your notebook computer.

Brightness and contrast controls are convenient Fn cur-
sor key combinations. Press and hold the Fn key while
pressing a cursor arrow for the following results:
 Fn-↑increases LCD brightness.
 Fn-↓decreases LCD brightness.
 Fn-→increases LCD contrast.
 Fn-←decreases LCD contrast.
Speakers and Status LEDs
NEC Versa systems offer the following features on the
LCD hinge and the upper part of the keyboard panel:
 Built-in Stereo Speakers provide stereo sound for your
multimedia presentations or listening pleasure.
 Power and Suspend status LEDs (identified by icons)
are found on the hinge just under the LCD panel.
Power and Suspend LEDs
 Power LED — lets you know that power to the sys-
tem 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.
– Blinks green when battery power is low.

Getting Started 1-5
 Suspend Mode LED — lets you know that the
system is currently in Suspend mode. This LED is
positioned so that you see the system state when the
LCD panel is opened or closed.

Status LEDs — status lights inform you of the status of
your system and its components. Status LEDs have the
following meanings and light under the conditions noted:
Status LED icons
 Drive Status – lights when the NEC Versa writes
data to or retrieves data from the hard disk drive,
CD-ROM reader, or diskette drive.
 PC Card – lights when a PC Card installed in the
PC slot is being accessed.
 Caps Lock – lights when caps lock is in effect.
 Scroll Lock – lights when scroll lock is in effect.
 Num Lock – lights when Num Lock mode is active.
 Power Management – lights when power manage-
ment features are enabled.

1-6 Getting Started
 Battery Charging Status – lights to indicate the
following:
Green indicates that the battery is charging.
Blinking green indicates that either the battery
charge is very low or the battery is overheating.
No color indicates that battery charging is complete.
!
CAUTION
Be sure to save your data immediately when the
Battery Charging Status LED blinks or the system
warning sounds. Failure to do so can result in data
loss.
Keyboard
The NEC Versa 2400 Series system comes with an 87-key
keyboard with inverted T cursor keys. (European models
come with 88 keys.) See Chapter 4, “Using the Keyboard,”
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
Battery Pack Bay
The NEC Versa comes with a rechargeable nickel-metal-
hydride (NiMH) battery pack. You can remove an installed
battery pack from the front bay and install a 6X CD-ROM
reader. (The CD-ROM reader comes standard with some
models and can be purchased separately as an option for
other models.)
!
CAUTION
Install only the battery pack or CD-ROM reader in
the front bay. Never try to put the diskette drive into
the front bay. Doing so can damage the drive and
the bay connectors.
AROUND THE BACK OF THE SYSTEM
You’ll find system ports for connecting your NEC Versa to
optional devices (like a printer or external monitor) on the
back of your NEC Versa. For an understanding of each
feature, see the descriptions that follow the figure.
Back system features

1-8 Getting Started

Audio Ports
 Line In — Lets you use another audio system, like a
home stereo, as an input source. Use a cable to con-
nect to the Line-Out port on the other audio system
to record or play.
 Headphones — Lets you plug in stereo headphones
or powered speakers.
 Microphone — Allows you to connect an external
microphone for monophonic recording or amplifica-
tion through the unit. Plugging in an external micro-
phone disables the built-in microphone.

Infrared Port — Use this port to transfer files between
your NEC Versa and an IR-equipped desktop or note-
book computer. You can also print to an IR-equipped
printer without using cables.
 Kensington Lock/Port Replicator Latch — Use this
“port” for added security by using an optional Kensing-
ton Lock. This port also doubles as a latch for securing
the port replicator. (You cannot connect both a lock and
the port replicator at the same time.) A second Port
Replicator Latch is located at the other end of the back
of the system.

Serial Port — Use this port to connect an external mo-
dem or other serial device.
 Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel
printer or other parallel device. The port is ECP port.
The ECP standard provides you with a greater process-
ing speed than the conventional parallel port. It also
supports bi-directional and uni-directional protocols.

Getting Started 1-9

Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach
an external monitor to your NEC Versa. You can run the
LCD display and the external monitor simultaneously or
run either alone.

Expansion Port — This port provides a connection for
the NEC Port Replicator 2400.

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. With an optional Y-cable
adapter, you can connect both a mouse and a keyboard
at the same time.
AROUND THE SIDES OF THE SYSTEM
Your NEC Versa comes with features on both sides. This
section shows you where those features are located and
provides descriptions to familiarize you with their use.
The Left Side
The left side of your NEC Versa provides the features
shown in the following figure. (Features are described after
the figure.)
Left side features

AC Power Port — The AC power port lets you attach
the NEC Versa to the AC power source using 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.

1-10 Getting Started

Reset Switch — This recessed switch lets you restart
your system. Use a pointed object, like a straightened
paper clip, to push in the Reset button. Use this button
only if your system locks up, fails to respond to key-
strokes, or fails to respond to the Power button.

Power Button — The Power button turns NEC Versa
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.
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.
The Power button also acts as a Resume button when
the system is in Save-to-File mode.
The Right Side
The right side of the NEC Versa offers the features shown
in the following figure. (Features are described after the
figure.)
Right side features