NEC VERSA 4200 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.
Versa is a U.S. 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®4200 Series User’s Guide gives you the
information you need to maximize the use of your Versa
4200 notebook computer. Read this guide to familiarize
yourself with the Versa 4200 and its features. For specific
information see:
 Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” to acquaint yourself with
system hardware.

Chapter 2, “Introducing the Software,” for a concise
summary of the applications pre-installed on your
system. We included software to let you experience the
full spectrum of the system, from using the speakers to
creating vivid presentations.
 Chapter 3, “Using Setup,” to customize your notebook’s
parameter and power management settings.
 Chapter 4, “Using the Hardware,” for an understanding
of NEC Versa 4200 features and functionality. You’ll
also master procedures for connecting external options
like headphones, microphones, or speakers.
 Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” for steps on integrating
video and sound clips into impressive presentations.
 Chapter 6, “Traveling with Your Versa 4200,” 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.

Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environ-
ment,” provides guidelines to help promote a healthy
work setting.

x Using this Guide

Appendix B, “Specifications and Environment,” reviews
the NEC Versa 4200 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.

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.

Using this Guide xi
RELATED DOCUMENTS
See the following documents for information related to the
NEC Versa 4200 system operation:

Your NEC Versa 4200 Quick Setup Sheet.
 Your NEC Versa 4200 Quick Reference Card.

The Microsoft®Windows for Workgroups, Windows
95, and MS-DOS operating system online documenta-
tion that comes with your NEC Versa 4200 computer.

(For United States Use Only)
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not in-
stalled and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installa-
tion. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.
 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from the one to which the
receiver is connected.
Use a shielded and properly grounded I/O cable to ensure compliance of this unit to the
specified limits of the rules.
(For Canadian Use Only)
This equipment is a Class B digital apparatus which complies with the Radio Inter-
ference Regulations, C.R.C., c.1374.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme àu Règlement sur le brouillage
radioélectrique, C.R.C., ch.1374.

Contents iii
Contents
Using this Guide
Text Setup..........................................................................................x
Related Documents.............................................................................xi
1 Getting Started
Getting To Know Your NEC Versa 4200............................................1-2
Around the System – Front ............................................................1-3
LCD.........................................................................................1-3
Controls and Microphone..........................................................1-4
Status Icons..............................................................................1-5
Keyboard..................................................................................1-7
Infrared (IR) Port......................................................................1-7
NEC VersaGlide.......................................................................1-7
Diskette Drive, CD-ROM Reader, and the NEC VersaBay II™.1-8
Around the System — Back................................................................1-9
Around the System — Left Side..........................................................1-10
Around the System — Right Side........................................................1-11
Around the System — Bottom.............................................................1-12
Power Sources For Your NEC Versa ..................................................1-13
Using the AC Adapter....................................................................1-13
Powering on..............................................................................1-15
Using the Main Battery Pack..........................................................1-15
Replacing the Battery Pack .......................................................1-17
Extended Battery Life....................................................................1-20
Using the NEC Versa 4000 DC Car Adapter..................................1-20
Internal Li-Ion Batteries.................................................................1-21
CMOS Battery .........................................................................1-21
Bridge Battery ..........................................................................1-21
System Care .......................................................................................1-21
Precautions....................................................................................1-21
NEC Versa 4200 and AC Adapter.............................................1-21
Lithium-Ion Battery..................................................................1-22
Storage Requirements ....................................................................1-24
Routine Cleaning ...........................................................................1-24

iv Contents
2 Introducing the Software
Windows Introduction.........................................................................2-2
Windows 95 ..................................................................................2-2
Windows for Workgroups..............................................................2-3
DOS Introduction ...............................................................................2-4
Guide to On-Line Help........................................................................2-4
NEC Versa 4200 InfoCenter..........................................................2-4
Additional On-line Topics..............................................................2-6
Guide To NEC Utilities.......................................................................2-6
NEC Diskette Creator....................................................................2-6
NEC Battery Gauge.......................................................................2-7
PowerPanel....................................................................................2-7
PHDisk..........................................................................................2-7
CardWizard...................................................................................2-8
Other Software ...................................................................................2-8
Official Airline Guide (OAG).........................................................2-8
LapLink ........................................................................................2-9
When to Use LapLink...............................................................2-9
How to Use LapLink.................................................................2-10
On-line Services.............................................................................2-11
America Online.........................................................................2-13
CompuServe.............................................................................2-13
Netscape Navigator...................................................................2-13
McAfee Anti Virus Software..........................................................2-14
XingMPEG Player™ and Presentation Software ............................2-15
ESS Audio/Audio Rack .................................................................2-15
NeoMagic Video Configuration Utility – Windows for Workgroups2-15
NeoMagic Property Page for Windows 95......................................2-17
3 Using Setup
Setup Utility.......................................................................................3-1
How to Enter Setup........................................................................3-1
How to Use Setup..........................................................................3-2
Looking at Screens....................................................................3-2
Using Keys...............................................................................3-3
Checking/Setting System Parameters.........................................3-4
PowerPanel.........................................................................................3-9
Reviewing PowerPanel Default Power Settings...............................3-10
Reviewing PowerPanel Default Command Settings.........................3-11

Contents v
PowerPanel Menu..........................................................................3-11
Preferences...............................................................................3-12
Customize.................................................................................3-12
Profile Manager........................................................................3-12
Minimize..................................................................................3-13
Help .........................................................................................3-13
Setup Utility and PowerPanel.........................................................3-13
4 Using The Hardware
LCD Panel..........................................................................................4-1
Keyboard............................................................................................4-2
NEC VersaGlide.................................................................................4-4
Making VersaGlide Adjustments...............................................4-5
Changing the Button Configuration ...........................................4-6
VersaGlide Ergonomic Tips......................................................4-6
NEC VersaBay II ...............................................................................4-7
Removing a Device from the VersaBay II.......................................4-7
Installing a Device in the VersaBay II.............................................4-9
Customizing Your System with the VersaBay II.............................4-10
6x CD-ROM Reader......................................................................4-11
CD Loading..............................................................................4-13
CD Care...................................................................................4-13
PC Card Slots (PCMCIA)..............................................................4-14
IR Port .......................................................................................... 4-15
Increasing System Storage And Memory.............................................4-16
Hard Disk......................................................................................4-16
Installing a Memory Card ..............................................................4-20
Installing Options................................................................................4-22
External Monitor ...........................................................................4-23
Printer...........................................................................................4-24
Parallel Devices........................................................................4-24
Serial Devices...........................................................................4-26
External Keyboard/Mouse..............................................................4-27
External Bar Code Scanner............................................................4-29
External Audio Options..................................................................4-29
Docking the NEC Versa 4200........................................................4-30
NEC Versa PortBar 4000 ......................................................... 4-31
NEC Versa Docking Station 4000.............................................4-31
Setting Switches .................................................................................4-32
Updating the BIOS ........................................................................4-32

vi Contents
5 Using Multimedia
Audio .................................................................................................5-1
Recording......................................................................................5-1
Line-In ..........................................................................................5-2
CD-ROM Input.............................................................................5-2
Microphone ...................................................................................5-3
Mixing...........................................................................................5-3
Playing Back .................................................................................5-3
Using Headphones ....................................................................5-3
Using Internal Speakers ............................................................5-3
Using External Stereo Speakers.................................................5-4
MIDI Files.....................................................................................5-4
Video..................................................................................................5-4
Using Digital Video Files...............................................................5-4
Using Animation Files....................................................................5-4
Multimedia Applications.....................................................................5-5
VideoSaver....................................................................................5-5
XingMPEG Player Software..........................................................5-6
6 Traveling with Your NEC Versa 4200
Power Connections .............................................................................6-1
Checklists...........................................................................................6-2
What to Take.................................................................................6-2
Preparing Your NEC Versa for Travel...........................................6-2
7 Solving Problems
Problem Checklist...............................................................................7-1
Start-Up Problems..............................................................................7-3
Post Error Messages...........................................................................7-4
Using the Restore CD .........................................................................7-6
Restoring All Application Files in DOS..........................................7-7
Restoring Individual Files in Windows 95 and Windows for
Workgroups................................................................................7-7
Selecting Files...........................................................................7-8
Checking Selected Files.............................................................7-9
Restoring the Files....................................................................7-9
System Recovery ...........................................................................7-10
System Recovery in DOS..........................................................7-10
Restoring System Files in Windows 95 or Windows for
Workgroups................................................................................7-11

Contents vii
If You Need Assistance.......................................................................7-12
Getting Help.......................................................................................7-12
NEC Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair Service.....................................7-14
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work For You...............................................A-1
Arrange Your Equipment....................................................................A-2
Adjust Your Chair ..............................................................................A-2
Adjust Your Input Devices..................................................................A-3
Adjust Your Screen Or Monitor..........................................................A-4
Vary Your Workday...........................................................................A-5
Pre-Existing Conditions And Psychosocial Factors..............................A-5
B Specifications and Environment
System Processor................................................................................B-1
Random Access Memory (RAM) ........................................................B-1
Read-Only Memory (ROM)................................................................B-1
Calendar Clock...................................................................................B-1
Input/Output Facilities........................................................................B-1
PCMCIA (PC) Card Slots...................................................................B-2
LCD Display......................................................................................B-2
Keyboard............................................................................................B-2
Diskette Drive.....................................................................................B-3
6x-Speed CD-ROM Reader ................................................................B-3
Hard Disk Drive .................................................................................B-3
Power.................................................................................................B-4
Dimensions.........................................................................................B-4
Weight................................................................................................B-5
Recommended Environment ................................................................B-5
Options for the NEC Versa 4200.........................................................B-5
Glossary
Index

viii Contents

Getting Started 1-1
Getting Started
!
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 completing the steps in the quick setup sheet that comes with your
computer, your NEC Versa 4200 is ready to go! To get started, look at the
following:
 Read Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” for
guidelines that help you use your computer productively and safely. In-
formation includes how to set up and use your computer to reduce your
risk of developing nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.
 Take the on-line System Tour to get acquainted with the NEC Versa
4200.
 View the on-line Owner’s Manual in the NEC Versa 4200 InfoCenter.
 Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa.
1

1-2 Getting Started
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEC VERSA 4200
The NEC Versa 4200 Series notebook computer offers you a portable sys-
tem filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard
features include a powerful Intel®Pentium 100 MHz or 133 MHz micro-
processor that works together with the latest VL-Bus Accelerated Video ar-
chitecture.
In addition, your system provides a high performance hard disk drive, floppy
diskette drive (or interchangeable CD-ROM reader), and Personal Computer
(PC) card support. As a multimedia system, your NEC Versa also provides
the tools needed to create and present impressive images using video clips
and sound.
NOTE
The CD-ROM Reader only ships with the 133MHz systems.
To get comfortable with your notebook, read the following sections and take
a tour around your system!
NEC Versa 4200 Series notebook computer

Getting Started 1-3
Around the System — Front
The NEC Versa 4200 is compact with features on every side. First, look at
the front of the NEC Versa 4200. The following section describes the front
features beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD).
LCD Your NEC Versa 4200 comes with a color liquid crystal display (LCD) that
you can adjust for a comfortable viewing position. The LCD provides a
10.4-inch Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) Thin Film Transistor (TFT)
display.
LCD panel features include:

Built-in Stereo Speakers — provides stereo sound for your multimedia
presentations, or listening pleasure.

Brightness Control — a slide switch to adjust the screen backlight
brightness.
LCD features

1-4 Getting Started
Controls and Microphone
The NEC Versa 4200 controls and the built-in microphone are shown in the
following figure. These features are described after the figure.
Controls and microphone
 LCD Status Bar — the status panel keeps you informed about your NEC
Versa’s current operating status. See “Status Icons” in the next section
for icon descriptions.
 Microphone — allows you to record monophonic sound directly into
your notebook computer.

Power LED
 Lights green when the system is powered on.
 Blinks green when the system is in Suspend mode.
 Blinks amber to indicate that battery power is low and needs to be
recharged.

Suspend/Resume (S/R) Button — press the S/R button to put the unit
into Suspend mode when you need to be away from your system for a
short period of time and want to return to where you left off. Press S/R
button again to bring the NEC Versa 4200 out of Suspend mode.

Getting Started 1-5
Specifically, suspend mode shuts down all devices in the system while
retaining data and system status.

Power Button — slide the power button to the right to power on and
power off the notebook computer.
The power button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it recognizes when
the system is in Suspend mode. You cannot power off the system until
you press the suspend button and bring it out of Suspend mode first.
 LCD Panel Sensor— senses when the LCD panel is closed and turns off
the panel.
Status Icons
The NEC Versa 4200 uses nine LCD icons that communicate system status.
See the following figure and list for each icon’s meaning.
Reviewing status icons

Suspend — appears when the system is in Suspend mode. Suspend mode
conserves system power by shutting down all devices in the system while
retaining data and system status.

1-6 Getting Started

Power Management — shows the current power management mode in
use, including Off, Longest battery life, Highest performance, or Custom
settings.
 Diskette Drive Access — appears when writing data to or retrieving from
a diskette.

Hard Disk Drive Access — shows when writing data to or retrieving data
from the system’s hard disk.
 Caps Lock — appears when caps lock is in effect.

Scroll Lock — shows that scroll lock is in effect.
 Num Lock — appears when Num Lock mode is active.

Battery — displays the percent of battery power available. If you have
two battery packs installed, two battery icons appear.
 4 bars indicate a 76 - 100% charge
 3 bars indicate a 51 - 75% charge
 2 bars indicate a 26 - 50% charge
 1 bar indicates a 1 - 25% charge.
NOTE
When installing a new battery, the first and third bars on the
battery gauge may flash. This indicates an unknown battery status.
To correct the reading, recharge your battery for a minimum of 8
hours. If the battery still shows an unknown status, contact the
dealer from whom you purchased the battery for a replacement.

Getting Started 1-7
Keyboard The NEC Versa 4200 keyboard uses 83 keys (79 keys for International),
with the standard QWERTY-key layout. See Chapter 4, “Keyboard” for
details. You can also refer to the on-line information in the NEC Versa 4200
InfoCenter.
Infrared (IR) Port
The infrared (IR) port on your system lets your NEC Versa 4200 communi-
cate with other devices with infrared ports. You can easily transfer files
between your NEC Versa and another IR-equipped computer or print to an
IR-equipped printer without using cables. (Device drivers are required for
some devices including printers.)
This port is Serial-Infrared (S-IR), IrDA compatible.
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 and deselect menu items.
Or, single tap on the VersaGlide to select and double tap to execute.

1-8 Getting Started
Diskette Drive, CD-ROM Reader, and the NEC VersaBay II™
Depending on the NEC Versa 4200 model you purchased, either a 1.44-MB
diskette drive or a 6x CD-ROM drive is installed in the VersaBay II. If your
system has the 1.44-MB diskette drive, you can remove it from the Versa-
Bay II and replace it with the 6x CD-ROM reader. It’s your choice!
The VersaBay II lets you install additional options, including an optional
second Li-Ion battery or an additional hard disk drive, see “Customizing
Your System with the VersaBay II,” in Chapter 4 for more details.
VersaBay II

Getting Started 1-9
AROUND THE SYSTEM — BACK
You’ll find system ports for connecting your NEC Versa 4200 to optional
devices (like a printer, docking station, 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
 Mouse/Keyboard 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. Note that the VersaGlide is disabled when an
external mouse is connected.
 Serial Port — Use this port to connect an external modem or other serial
device. A serial cable has a 9-pin connector.

Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) — Use this port to connect a parallel
printer or other parallel device. A parallel cable has a 25-pin cable con-
nector. The Versa 4200 series also supports Extended Capability Port
(ECP).

Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin connector port to attach an ex-
ternal monitor to your NEC Versa. You can run the LCD display and the
external monitor simultaneously or run each alone.