NEC VERSA 6060 WINDOWS 98 - UPGRADE INFORMATION 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 Avenue
Boxboro, MA 01719
[phone]
declare that the product
NEC V6060 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.

First Printing — July 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, Inc. (NECCSD,
PBNEC) and/or its licensors. NECCSD and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all pat-
ent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufac-
turing, 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.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation; 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 trademarks of their respective
trademark owners.

Using this Guide ix
Using this Guide
The NEC Versa®6060 User’s Guide gives you the information you need to
maximize the use of your NEC Versa notebook computer. Read this guide to
familiarize yourself with your NEC Versa 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 loaded on your system.

Chapter 3, “Using Setup,” to customize your notebook’s parameter and
power management settings.

Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa,” for an understanding of system
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 solutions to common
problems that may arise while operating your notebook.

Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” provides
guidelines to help promote a healthy work setting.

Appendix B, “Specifications,” to review NEC Versa system specifica-
tions.
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:

x Using this Guide
!
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 keyboard, 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
6060 notebook computer:

Your NEC Versa 6060 Quick Setup sheet.

Your NEC Versa 6060 Quick Reference card.

Contents iii
Contents
Using this Guide
Text Setup..........................................................................................ix
Related Documents.............................................................................x
1 Getting Started
Getting to Know Your NEC Versa System..........................................1-2
Around the System — Front................................................................1-3
LCD..............................................................................................1-3
Controls.........................................................................................1-4
Status Icons..............................................................................1-5
Keyboard.......................................................................................1-6
NEC VersaGlide............................................................................1-6
Diskette Drive, CD-ROM Reader and the NEC VersaBay II™.......1-7
IR Port and Microphone.................................................................1-8
Around the System — Back................................................................1-10
Around the System — Left Side..........................................................1-11
Around the System — Right Side........................................................1-12
Around the System — Bottom.............................................................1-14
Power Sources for Your NEC Versa ...................................................1-15
Using the AC Adapter....................................................................1-15
Powering On.............................................................................1-17
Using the Main Battery Pack..........................................................1-17
Determining Battery Status .......................................................1-18
When to Replace the Battery.....................................................1-19
Battery Handling.......................................................................1-19
Replacing the Battery Pack.......................................................1-20
Battery Precautions...................................................................1-23
Recharging Battery Precautions ................................................1-24
Optional Second Battery ................................................................1-24
Extending Battery Life...................................................................1-25
Using the DC Car Adapter.............................................................1-25
Internal Batteries ................................................................................1-26
CMOS Battery ..............................................................................1-26
Bridge Battery...............................................................................1-26
System Care.......................................................................................1-26

iv Contents
Precautions....................................................................................1-26
Storage Requirements ....................................................................1-27
Routine Cleaning...........................................................................1-28
2 Introducing the Software
Windows Introduction.........................................................................2-2
Windows 95 ..................................................................................2-2
Windows NT .................................................................................2-3
Windows for Workgroups..............................................................2-4
DOS Introduction ...............................................................................2-5
NEC Versa Help Center......................................................................2-5
Additional Online Topics ...............................................................2-6
Guide to NEC Utilities........................................................................2-7
Setup Utility..................................................................................2-7
NEC Customize Utility ..................................................................2-7
HDPREPEZ Utility .......................................................................2-7
Other Software...................................................................................2-7
Client Manager..............................................................................2-8
LapLink.........................................................................................2-8
How to Use LapLink.................................................................2-9
McAfee VirusScan.........................................................................2-10
McAfee WebScan..........................................................................2-10
MediaMatics Arcade MPEG Player ...............................................2-11
Xing MPEG Player........................................................................2-11
3 Using Setup
Setup Utility.......................................................................................3-1
How to Enter Setup........................................................................3-1
Setup Utility Main Menu ...............................................................3-2
How to Use Setup..........................................................................3-2
Looking at Screens....................................................................3-3
Using Keys...............................................................................3-4
Checking/Setting System Parameters.........................................3-4
Setup Menus.............................................................................3-8
Using Setup to Set Power Management...............................................3-12
Using the Save to File (STF) Feature..............................................3-12
STF Benefits ............................................................................3-13

Contents v
4 Using Your NEC Versa
LCD...................................................................................................4-1
Keyboard............................................................................................4-2
NEC VersaGlide.................................................................................4-4
Making VersaGlide Adjustments...............................................4-5
VersaGlide Tips........................................................................4-6
NEC VersaBay II ...............................................................................4-6
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.............................4-11
20X CD-ROM Reader........................................................................4-12
CD Loading...................................................................................4-13
Card Bus/PC Card Slots................................................................4-14
Inserting a PC Card..................................................................4-14
Removing a PC Card from Windows for Workgroups ...............4-15
Removing a PC Card from Windows 95....................................4-16
Removing a PC Card from Windows NT...................................4-16
IR Port ..........................................................................................4-17
Increasing System Storage and Memory.............................................. 4-18
Hard Disk Drive............................................................................4-18
Installing a Memory Module..........................................................4-21
Installing Options................................................................................4-25
External Monitor ...........................................................................4-26
Printer ...........................................................................................4-28
Parallel Devices........................................................................4-28
Serial Devices...........................................................................4-29
External Keyboard/Mouse..............................................................4-31
External Bar Code Scanner............................................................4-32
External Audio Options..................................................................4-33
NEC Versa Docking Station 6000 Plus ..........................................4-34
NEC Versa MiniDock 6000...........................................................4-34
NEC Versa PortBar 6000 ..............................................................4-35
Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) Connector Kit........................................4-35
Setting Switches .................................................................................4-36
Updating the System BIOS ............................................................4-37

vi Contents
5 Using Multimedia
Audio..........................................................................................................5-1
Recording.............................................................................................5-1
Line-In .................................................................................................5-4
CD-ROM Input....................................................................................5-4
Microphone ..........................................................................................5-4
Mixing..................................................................................................5-5
Playing Back ........................................................................................5-5
Using the Built-in Speakers.............................................................5-6
Using Headphones..........................................................................5-6
Using External Stereo Speakers ......................................................5-6
MIDI Files............................................................................................5-7
Video..........................................................................................................5-7
Using Digital Video Files......................................................................5-7
Using Animation Files...........................................................................5-8
Multimedia Applications.......................................................................5-8
VideoSaver...........................................................................................5-8
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 .....................................................................7-4
Using the Restore CD ...........................................................................7-6
Supplemental CD for Windows NT.......................................................7-7
If You Need Assistance.........................................................................7-8
Getting Help.........................................................................................7-8
NEC Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair Service.......................................7-9

Contents vii
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
Glossary
Index

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.
After completing the steps in the quick setup sheet that comes with your
computer, your NEC Versa is ready to go! To get started, look at the fol-
lowing:

Read Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment, for guide-
lines that help you use your computer productively and safely. Informa-
tion includes how to set up and use your computer to reduce your risk of
developing nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.

Take the online System Tour to get acquainted with your NEC Versa.
(The System Tour is in the Windows NEC Information group under the
NEC Versa 6060 Help Center.)

View the online system The Basics. (The Basics is in the Windows NEC
Information group under the NEC Versa 6060 Help Center).

Read this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa.
1

1-2 Getting Started
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEC VERSA SYSTEM
The NEC Versa 6060 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 166 MMXmicroprocessor that
works together with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) ar-
chitecture.
Your NEC Versa 6060 model integrates Intel’s MultiMedia Extensions
(MMX) technology. MMX speeds audio, video, and 3D graphics process-
ing, ultimately providing more distinct sound and visuals for your presenta-
tions. More advantages include increased floating-point performance, and a
more efficient bus.
In addition, your system provides a high-performance hard disk drive, disk-
ette drive or VersaBay II SuperDisk LS-120 drive, interchangeable 20X
CD-ROM reader and Personal Computer Memory Card International Asso-
ciation (PCMCIA also known as PC card) support. As a multimedia system,
your NEC Versa also provides the tools needed to create and present im-
pressive 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 6060 notebook computer

Getting Started 1-3
Around the System — Front
The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the
front of your NEC Versa system. The following sections describe front fea-
tures, beginning with the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel (the screen
area).
LCD features
LCD Your NEC Versa system comes with a color LCD that you can adjust for a
comfortable viewing position. The LCD is a 12.1-inch Thin Film Transistor
(TFT), Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) display.
Additional LCD panel features include:

Built-in Stereo Speakers — provide stereo sound for your multimedia
presentations, or listening pleasure.

Brightness Control — a slide switch that adjusts screen brightness.
Moving the switch up increases the screen contrast.

1-4 Getting Started
Controls NEC Versa system controls are shown in the following figure. These fea-
tures are described after the figure.
Controls

LCD Status Bar — A liquid crystal status bar that keeps you informed
of your NEC Versa’s current operating status. See a description of icons
in the following section.

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.

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 the
S/R button again to bring your NEC Versa system out of Suspend mode
and back to where you where before entering Suspend.
Specifically, Suspend mode shuts down all devices in the system while
retaining data and system status. You will find more detailed information
on using Suspend mode in your online NEC Versa 6060 Help Center.

Power Button — slide the power button to the right to power on and
power off the computer.

Getting Started 1-5
The power button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it recognizes when
the system is in Suspend mode. If in Suspend mode, you cannot power
off the system until you press the suspend button again to bring it out of
Suspend mode.
Status Icons
Your NEC Versa system uses an LCD status bar for communicating oper-
ating status via ten status icons. 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.

Power Management — shows the current power management mode in
use, including Off, Custom, High Performance, or Longest Life.

Diskette Drive — appears when your NEC Versa writes data to or re-
trieves data from a diskette drive or VersaBay II SuperDisk LS-120
drive.

1-6 Getting Started

Hard Disk — shows when your NEC Versa writes data to or retrieves
data from the hard disk.

Caps Lock — appears when Caps Lock is in effect.

Scroll Lock — shows that Scroll Lock is in effect.

Num Lock — appears when Number Lock mode is active.

Battery Status — displays the percentage of battery power available.
Battery 1 appears when you have one or more batteries installed.
Battery 2 appears when you have an optional battery installed in the
VersaBay II. See “Optional Second Battery,” later in this chapter for
more information.
Keyboard The NEC Versa keyboard uses 83 keys (79 keys for international systems),
with the standard QWERTY-key layout. See Chapter 4, “Using the Key-
board” for complete details. You can also refer to the online information in
the NEC Versa 6060 Help Center.
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, or use the
advanced tapping features. More detailed VersaGlide information appears in
Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa.”

Getting Started 1-7
NEC VersaGlide
Diskette Drive, CD-ROM Reader and the NEC VersaBay II™
A diskette drive or NEC Versa SuperDisk LS-120 drive comes installed in
the NEC VersaBay II on the front of your system, depending on the NEC
Versa model purchased. You can use this device, or remove it from the Ver-
saBay II and replace it with the 20X CD-ROM reader that also ships with
your system. It’s your choice!
The VersaBay II lets you add options, including a second Li-Ion battery, or
an additional hard disk drive, see “Customizing Your System with the Ver-
saBay II,” in Chapter 4.
!
WARNING
Remember to power off or suspend your system before installing an
option. Hot swapping is not supported, although warm swapping
(Windows 95) is supported and when swapping the CD-ROM reader,
diskette drive or Super Disk LS-120 drive.

1-8 Getting Started
Keyboard area
IR Port and Microphone
You will find an IR port for connecting your NEC Versa system to external
devices (like printers, other computers and any device that supports IR tech-
nology) and a built in microphone for recording with your NEC Versa. For
an understanding of each feature, see the descriptions that follow the figure.

Built-in Microphone — allows you to record monophonic sound directly
into your notebook computer. You do not have to speak directly into the
microphone. Feel free to speak into the microphone at a comfortable dis-
tance.

Getting Started 1-9

Infrared Port — This port lets you transfer files between your NEC
Versa and an IR-equipped desktop or notebook computer. You can also
print to an IR-equipped printer without using cables. Your NEC Versa
will support either FIR (Windows 95 only), MIR or SIR transfer rates.
IR Port and Built-in Microphone

1-10 Getting Started
AROUND THE SYSTEM — BACK
You’ll find system ports for connecting your NEC Versa system to optional
devices (like a printer, docking station, or external monitor) on to the back of
your NEC Versa. For an understanding of each feature, see the descriptions
that follow the figure.
Back system features

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-adapter, you can connect both a mouse and a keyboard at
the same time.

Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel printer or other paral-
lel device. The port is an Extended Capabilities Port (ECP). The ECP
standard provides you with a greater processing speed than the conven-
tional parallel port. It also supports bi-directional and unidirectional and
Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP).

Expansion Port — This port provides a connection for NEC Versa op-
tions including the NEC PortBar 6000, NEC Versa Docking Station
6000 Plus, NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 and floppy adapter.

Getting Started 1-11

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 ex-
ternal monitor simultaneously or run either alone.

Serial Port — Use this port to connect an external modem or other serial
device. This port does not support serial pointing devices.
AROUND THE SYSTEM — LEFT SIDE
The left side of your NEC Versa has two slots for inserting two Type II PC
cards (formerly called PCMCIA cards). You can also insert one Type III PC
card.
The battery bay cover release is also located on the left side of the unit. The
battery bay contains a Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery that lets you run your
system on DC power.
Left side features