NEC VERSA 6200MX - SERVICE 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 V6200 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 — 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, 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, manufactur-
ing, 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®6200MX User’s Guide gives you the information you need
to maximize the use of your NEC Versa 6200MX notebook computer. Read
this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa 6200MX 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. We included software to let you
experience the full spectrum of the system, from transferring files
without cables to creating vivid presentations.

Chapter 3, “Using Setup,” to customize your notebook’s parameter and
power management settings.
 Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa 6200MX,” for an understanding of
NEC Versa 6200MX features and functionality. You’ll also master pro-
cedures for connecting external options like an external monitor, head-
phones, a printer, or speakers.
 Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” for steps on integrating video and sound
clips into impressive presentations.
 Chapter 6, “Traveling with Your NEC Versa 6200MX,” for valuable
tips for getting the most out of your system while on the road.
 Chapter 7, “Solving Problems,” for simple solutions to common prob-
lems that may arise while operating your notebook.
 Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” for guidelines
that help promote a healthy work setting.
 Appendix B, “Specifications,” to review NEC Versa 6200MX system
specifications.
 Appendix C, “Questions and Answers,” for a look at questions that users
commonly ask and the answers to those questions.

x Using this Guide
TEXT SETUP
To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up as follows.

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 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.

Using this Guide xi
RELATED DOCUMENTS
See the following documents for additional information on your NEC Versa
6200MX notebook computer:

Your NEC Versa 6200MX Quick Setup sheet.
 Your NEC Versa 6200MX Quick Reference card. (The quick reference
card does not ship with some systems purchased outside of the United
States.)

Depending on the operating system installed, Windows 95 or Microsoft®
Windows for Workgroups, MS-DOS operating system online documen-
tation comes loaded on your NEC Versa 6200MX computer.

Contents iii
Contents
Using this Guide ...................................................................................................... ix
Text Setup.................................................................................................. x
Related Documents ..................................................................................... xi
1 Getting Started
Getting to Know Your NEC Versa 6200MX................................................ 1-2
Around the Front of the System................................................................... 1-3
LCD Panel............................................................................................ 1-3
Control Panel........................................................................................ 1-4
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit.............................................................. 1-6
Around the Back of the System.................................................................... 1-7
Around the Left Side of the System ............................................................. 1-9
Around the Right Side of the System ........................................................... 1-10
Around the Bottom of the System................................................................ 1-12
Power Sources for Your NEC Versa............................................................ 1-12
Using the AC Adapter........................................................................... 1-13
Powering On .................................................................................. 1-15
Using the Main Battery Pack................................................................. 1-16
Determining Battery Status............................................................. 1-17
When to Change the Battery ........................................................... 1-17
Battery Handling ............................................................................ 1-17
Replacing the Battery Pack............................................................. 1-18
Battery Precautions ........................................................................ 1-21
Recharging Battery Precautions...................................................... 1-22
Extending Battery Life.................................................................... 1-22
NEC VersaBay II Battery and Adapter Kit............................................ 1-22
Using the DC Car Adapter.................................................................... 1-23
Internal Batteries .................................................................................. 1-23
CMOS Battery............................................................................... 1-23
Bridge Battery................................................................................ 1-24
System Care................................................................................................ 1-24
Precautions........................................................................................... 1-24
Storage Requirements ........................................................................... 1-25
Routine Cleaning .................................................................................. 1-26

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 Online Help................................................................................... 2-4
NEC Versa 6200MX InfoCenter........................................................... 2-4
Additional Online Topics ...................................................................... 2-5
Guide to NEC Utilities................................................................................ 2-6
Setup Utility......................................................................................... 2-6
NEC Customize Utility......................................................................... 2-6
Power Gauge Utility ............................................................................. 2-6
HDPREPEZ Utility .............................................................................. 2-7
Using HDPREPEZ in Windows for Workgroups............................. 2-7
Using HDPREPEZ in Windows 95................................................. 2-7
Backup Utility ...................................................................................... 2-8
Other Software............................................................................................ 2-8
LapLink................................................................................................ 2-8
How to Use LapLink ...................................................................... 2-9
McAfee VirusScan................................................................................ 2-10
McAfee WebScan................................................................................. 2-10
MediaMatics Arcade MPEG Player ...................................................... 2-10
XingMPEG Player................................................................................ 2-10
Online Services..................................................................................... 2-11
America Online .............................................................................. 2-12
CompuServe................................................................................... 2-12
Netscape Navigator Dial-Up Edition............................................... 2-12
Official Airline Guide (OAG)................................................................ 2-13
3 Using Setup
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......................................................................................... 3-7
Standard CMOS Setup................................................................... 3-7
Advanced CMOS Setup.................................................................. 3-7
Power Management Setup............................................................... 3-8

Contents v
Peripherals Setup............................................................................ 3-10
Other Setup Options ............................................................................. 3-11
Using Setup to Set Power Management ....................................................... 3-11
Using the Save to File (STF) Feature..................................................... 3-11
STF Benefits.................................................................................. 3-12
4 Using Your NEC Versa 6200MX
LCD Panel.................................................................................................. 4-1
Keyboard.................................................................................................... 4-1
NEC VersaGlide......................................................................................... 4-4
Making VersaGlide Adjustments........................................................... 4-5
VersaGlide Tips.................................................................................... 4-5
NEC VersaBay II........................................................................................ 4-6
Removing a Device from the VersaBay II.............................................. 4-7
Installing a Device in the VersaBay II.................................................... 4-8
Customizing Your System with the VersaBay II.................................... 4-10
10X CD-ROM Reader................................................................................ 4-11
CD Loading.......................................................................................... 4-12
CD Care............................................................................................... 4-12
PC Card Slots............................................................................................. 4-13
Inserting a PC Card .............................................................................. 4-13
Removing a Card.................................................................................. 4-14
Windows for Workgroups............................................................... 4-14
Windows 95 Systems...................................................................... 4-15
PC Card Drivers and Enablers .............................................................. 4-15
PC Card Drivers and Utilities ......................................................... 4-15
Enablers......................................................................................... 4-17
CONFIG.SYS................................................................................ 4-18
NEC PC Card Utility...................................................................... 4-18
CardWizard Services...................................................................... 4-19
Reinstalling PC Card Software ....................................................... 4-19
Available PC Cards.............................................................................. 4-19
Communications Cards................................................................... 4-20
Telephone Line Connections ........................................................... 4-21
Storage Cards................................................................................. 4-22
Interface Cards............................................................................... 4-22
Other Cards.................................................................................... 4-22
Cards Tested for Compatibility....................................................... 4-23
IR Port........................................................................................................ 4-23

vi Contents
Increasing System Storage And Memory ..................................................... 4-24
Hard Disk............................................................................................. 4-24
Memory Module Installation ................................................................. 4-29
Using External Options............................................................................... 4-36
External Monitor .................................................................................. 4-36
Printer.................................................................................................. 4-38
Parallel Devices.............................................................................. 4-38
Serial Devices................................................................................. 4-39
External Keyboard/Mouse..................................................................... 4-41
External Bar Code Scanner................................................................... 4-42
External Television Connection............................................................. 4-43
External Audio Options......................................................................... 4-43
NEC Versa PortBar 6000 ..................................................................... 4-44
NEC Docking Station 6000 Plus........................................................... 4-45
Setting Switches.......................................................................................... 4-46
Updating the System BIOS ................................................................... 4-46
Changing Switch Settings ............................................................... 4-47
Performing the BIOS Update .......................................................... 4-52
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 Headphones.......................................................................... 5-6
Using the Built-in Speakers............................................................. 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

Contents vii
6 Traveling with Your NEC Versa 6200MX
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.......................................................................... 7-3
Using the Restore CD.................................................................................. 7-7
File Restore .......................................................................................... 7-8
Restoring All Application Files in DOS........................................... 7-8
Restoring Individual Files in Windows............................................ 7-9
System Restore..................................................................................... 7-11
Restoring System Files in DOS....................................................... 7-12
Restoring System Files in Windows ................................................ 7-13
CD-ROM Driver Installation ................................................................ 7-14
Copying the Installation Files.......................................................... 7-14
Installing the Drivers ...................................................................... 7-15
If You Need Assistance............................................................................... 7-15
Getting Help ............................................................................................... 7-16
NEC Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair Service............................................. 7-17
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
Memory Map.............................................................................................. B-6
Interrupt Controllers.................................................................................... B-7

viii Contents
C Questions and Answers
External Mouse........................................................................................... C-1
Display....................................................................................................... C-1
PC Card (PCMCIA) ................................................................................... C-2
Diskette Drive............................................................................................. C-6
Booting....................................................................................................... C-7
Power Management..................................................................................... C-9
Miscellaneous............................................................................................. C-10
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, “Setting Up a
Healthy Work Environment.”
After completing the steps in the quick setup sheet that comes with your
computer, your NEC Versa 6200MX 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 online System Tour to get acquainted with the NEC Versa
6200MX. (The System Tour is in the Windows NEC Information group
under the NEC Versa 6200MX InfoCenter.)
NOTE
If you purchased your NEC Versa outside of the United
States, your system may come with an online user’s guide instead of
the InfoCenter.

View the online system Basics. (Basics is in the Windows NEC Informa-
tion group under the NEC Versa 6200MX InfoCenter.)

Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa.
1

1-2 Getting Started
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEC VERSA 6200MX
The NEC Versa 6200MX Series notebook computer offers you a portable
system filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard
features include a powerful Intel®Pentium 166-MHz microprocessor that
works together with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
architecture.
In addition, your system provides a high-performance hard disk drive,
diskette drive, interchangeable 10X CD-ROM reader, and 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.
To get comfortable with your notebook, read the following sections and take
a tour around your system!
NEC Versa 6200MX Series notebook computer

Getting Started 1-3
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa 6200MX is compact with features on every side. First, look
at the front of the NEC Versa 6200MX. The following sections describe
front features, beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.
LCD Panel
The LCD panel on your system offers the features shown in the following
figure. Features are described after the figure.
LCD panel features

LCD — a 13.3-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended
Graphics Array (XGA) display that you can easily adjust for comfortable
viewing.
 Power LED — a light that is visible with the LCD panel opened or
closed. The Power LED indicates the following:
 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.

Brightness Control — a slide switch that adjusts screen brightness. In-
creasing the brightness increases screen contrast.

1-4 Getting Started
Control Panel
The NEC Versa 6200MX control panel provides the features shown in the
following figure. These features are described after the figure.
Control panel
 Stereo Speakers — provide stereo sound for your multimedia presenta-
tions or listening pleasure. The built-in sound system also supports 3D
sound, which simulates the latest surround-sound technology.
 LCD Status Bar — keeps you informed of your NEC Versa’s current
operating status. Description of icons appear in the following section.

Suspend/Resume (S/R) Button — press the S/R button to put the unit in
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 the NEC Versa 6200MX out of Suspend mode.
Suspend mode shuts down all devices in the system while retaining data
and system status. You can find more detailed information on using Sus-
pend mode in Chapter 3, “Using Setup.”

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 until you press the suspend button again to bring it out of Suspend
mode.
Status Icons
The NEC Versa 6200MX uses 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.
 Power Management — shows the current power management mode in
use, including Off, Custom, Low, or High.

Diskette Drive — appears when the NEC Versa writes data to or re-
trieves data from a diskette.

Hard Disk — shows when the NEC Versa accesses either the hard disk
drive or the CD-ROM reader.

1-6 Getting Started

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 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.
 A number between the battery icons indicates the percentage of total
battery power remaining. If battery status is unknown, dashes appear
instead of a percentage.
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit
The NEC Versa 6200MX keyboard panel and base unit contain the follow-
ing features, which are described after the figure.
Keyboard and base unit

Getting Started 1-7

Keyboard — 85 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. See
Chapter 4 for complete details. (Models purchased outside of the U.S.
ship with country-specific keyboard layouts.)
 NEC VersaGlide — The NEC VersaGlide works like a standard com-
puter 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. VersaGlide settings and features are described in
detail in Chapter 4.
 Microphone — A strategically positioned built-in microphone allows you
to record monophonic sound directly into your notebook computer. See
Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” for details about recording.
 NEC VersaBay II™ — A 1.44-MB diskette drive comes installed in the
NEC VersaBay II on the front of your system. You can use this diskette
drive, or remove it from the VersaBay II and replace it with the 10x CD-
ROM reader that also ships with your system. It’s your choice!
The VersaBay II lets you add 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.
!
CAUTION
Remember to power off your system before installing an option. Hot
swapping is not supported.
 IR Port — The infrared (IR) port on the NEC Versa 6200MX lets you
send and receive information from other IR-equipped devices such as
printers or desktop computers. Using the LapLink®software, you can
transmit, receive, and gain access to files on a remote system. See
“LapLink” in Chapter 2.
Around the Back of the System
You’ll find system ports for connecting optional devices (like printers, a
docking station, or external monitor) on the back of your NEC Versa. These
ports are described following the figure.

1-8 Getting Started
Ports on the back of the system
 Keyboard/Mouse Port — Use the standard PS/2 port to connect an ex-
ternal 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.
 Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel printer or other paral-
lel device. The port is an Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP). The ECP
standard provides you with a greater processing speed than the conven-
tional parallel port. It also supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) bi-
directional and uni-directional protocols.
 Expansion Port — This port (also called the Docking port) provides a
connection for NEC Versa 6200MX options including the NEC Docking
Station 6000 Plus, the NEC PortBar 6000, and the NEC Floppy Disk
Drive (FDD) Connector.
!
CAUTION
Only dock the NEC Versa 6200MX on the NEC Docking Station
6000 Plus. The cover of the docking station is specially designed to
allow for proper system cooling.

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 ex-
ternal monitor simultaneously or run either alone.
 Serial Port — Use this port to connect an external modem or other serial
device.
Around the Left Side of the System
The left side of your NEC Versa 6200MX offers the following features,
which are described after the figure.
Left side features
 Two slots for inserting two Type I or Type II PC cards (formerly called
PCMCIA cards). You can also insert one Type III PC card.
 A battery bay and battery bay cover release latch. The battery bay con-
tains an eight-cell Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery that lets you run your
system on DC power.

Audio ports and a volume control knob.
 Volume Control — Allows you to control the speaker volume.