NEC VERSA 6220 - 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 V6220/6230/6260
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 1998
Copyright 1998
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.
FaxFlash is a service mark of NEC Computer Systems Division (NECCSD), Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
NEC is a registered trademark, Versa is a U.S. registered trademark, MiniDock, VersaBay, VersaGlide, and PortBar are trade-
marks, and UltraCare is a U.S. registered service mark of NEC Corporation, used under license.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the property of their respective owners.

Using this Guide ix
Using this Guide
The NEC Versa®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 the 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. 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 BIOS Setup,” to customize your notebook’s parame-
ter and power management settings.
 Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa,” for an understanding of NEC
Versa features and functionality. You’ll also master procedures for con-
necting external options like an external monitor, headphones, 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,” for valuable tips for get-
ting 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 system specifica-
tions.
 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
6200 Series notebook computer:

The NEC Versa Quick Setup sheet helps get your system up and running.
 The NEC Versa Quick Reference card provides an easy-to-carry refer-
ence to LED meanings, controls, function key combinations, and
NECCSD help numbers. (The quick reference card does not ship with
some systems purchased outside of the United States.)
 The NEC Versa Help Center comes installed on your system. The Help
Center is an online HTML document containing all of the information
about your NEC Versa that you find in this printed user’s guide, and
more.

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
Control Panel...........................................................................1-4
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit.................................................1-6
Around the Back of the System .....................................................1-8
Around the Left Side of the System ...............................................1-9
Around the Right Side of the System.............................................1-11
Around the Bottom of the System..................................................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.........................................................1-16
Determining Battery Status ......................................................1-17
When to Change the Battery.....................................................1-18
Battery Handling......................................................................1-18
Replacing the Battery Pack ......................................................1-18
Battery Precautions..................................................................1-22
Recharging Battery Precautions ...............................................1-23
Extending Battery Life.............................................................1-23
NEC VersaBay II Battery and Adapter Kit....................................1-23
Using the DC Car Adapter............................................................1-24
Internal Batteries ..........................................................................1-24
CMOS Battery ........................................................................1-24
Bridge Battery .........................................................................1-25
System Care ......................................................................................1-25
Precautions...................................................................................1-25
Storage Requirements ...................................................................1-26
Routine Cleaning ..........................................................................1-27

iv Contents
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
Guide to Online Help .........................................................................2-5
NEC Versa Help Center................................................................2-5
Guide to NECCSD Utilities ...............................................................2-7
BIOS Setup Utility........................................................................2-7
NEC Customize Utility.................................................................2-7
Power Gauge Utility .....................................................................2-7
HDPREPEZ Utility ......................................................................2-8
Using HDPREPEZ in Windows 95 ..........................................2-8
Using HDPREPEZ in Windows for Workgroups......................2-9
Other Software ..................................................................................2-9
LapLink file Transfer Software.....................................................2-9
How to Use LapLink................................................................2-10
McAfee VirusScan........................................................................2-11
McAfee WebScan.........................................................................2-11
MediaMatics Arcade MPEG Player..............................................2-11
XingMPEG Player........................................................................2-11
Intel’s LANDesk Client Manager..................................................2-12
MindPath Presentation FX............................................................2-12
CompuTrace™.............................................................................2-12
Online Services.............................................................................2-13
America Online........................................................................2-14
CompuServe............................................................................2-14
AT&T WorldNet.....................................................................2-15
Prodigy Internet Service Sampler .............................................2-15
Browsers/Viewers.........................................................................2-15
Official Airline Guide (OAG)........................................................2-16
3 Using BIOS Setup
How to Enter BIOS Setup...................................................................3-1
BIOS Setup Utility Main Menu......................................................3-2
How to Use BIOS Setup .....................................................................3-2
Looking at Screens.........................................................................3-3
Using Keys....................................................................................3-4

Contents v
Checking/Setting System Parameters..............................................3-4
BIOS Setup Menus........................................................................3-7
Standard CMOS Setup .............................................................3-7
Advanced CMOS Setup............................................................3-7
Power Management Setup.........................................................3-8
Boot Device Setup....................................................................3-10
Peripherals Setup......................................................................3-10
Other BIOS Setup Options.............................................................3-11
Password Protection.......................................................................3-11
Using BIOS Setup to Set Power Management......................................3-11
Using the Save to File (STF) Feature..............................................3-12
STF Benefits ............................................................................3-13
4 Using Your NEC Versa
LCD Panel.........................................................................................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 ............................4-10
20X CD-ROM Reader.......................................................................4-11
CD Loading..................................................................................4-12
CD Care.......................................................................................4-13
Changing the Auto Play Setting.....................................................4-14
Card Bus/PC Card Slots....................................................................4-15
Inserting a PC Card ......................................................................4-15
Removing a Card..........................................................................4-16
Windows 95 and Windows NT.................................................4-16
Windows for Workgroups........................................................4-17
PC Card Drivers and Enablers ......................................................4-17
PC Card Drivers and Utilities...................................................4-17
Enablers ..................................................................................4-19
CONFIG.SYS .........................................................................4-20
CardWizard Services...............................................................4-20
Reinstalling PC Card Software.................................................4-21
Available PC Cards ......................................................................4-21
Communications Cards............................................................4-21

vi Contents
Storage Cards..........................................................................4-22
Other Cards.............................................................................4-23
IR Port .............................................................................................. 4-23
Installing IR Printer Drivers..........................................................4-24
Configuring an IR-enabled Printer.................................................4-25
USB Port...........................................................................................4-25
Increasing System Storage and Memory.............................................4-26
Hard Disk.....................................................................................4-26
Hard Disk Drive Bay Covers....................................................4-30
Formatting the Hard Disk Drive...............................................4-31
Using the Product Recovery CD...............................................4-32
Memory Module Installation.........................................................4-34
Using External Options......................................................................4-41
External Monitor ..........................................................................4-41
Printer ..........................................................................................4-43
Parallel Devices.......................................................................4-43
Serial Devices..........................................................................4-44
External Keyboard/Mouse.............................................................4-46
External Bar Code Scanner...........................................................4-47
External Television Connection.....................................................4-47
External Audio Options.................................................................4-48
NEC Versa PortBar 6000 .............................................................4-49
NEC Docking Station 6000 Plus...................................................4-50
NEC MiniDock 6000....................................................................4-50
Setting Switches ................................................................................4-51
Updating the System BIOS ...........................................................4-52
Changing Switch Settings.........................................................4-53
Performing the BIOS Update....................................................4-57
5 Using Multimedia
Audio .................................................................................................5-1
Recording......................................................................................5-1
Line-In ..........................................................................................5-3
CD-ROM Input.............................................................................5-4
Microphone ...................................................................................5-4
Mixing...........................................................................................5-4
Playing Back .................................................................................5-5
Using Headphones ....................................................................5-5
Using the Built-In Speakers.......................................................5-5
Using External Stereo Speakers.................................................5-6

Contents vii
MIDI Files.....................................................................................5-6
Video..................................................................................................5-6
Using Digital Video Files...............................................................5-7
Using Animation Files....................................................................5-7
Multimedia Applications.....................................................................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...........................................6-2
7 Solving Problems
Problem Checklist...............................................................................7-1
Start-up Problems...............................................................................7-3
POST Error Messages...................................................................7-3
Using the Product Recovery CD..........................................................7-7
Full Restore...................................................................................7-7
Selective Installation......................................................................7-8
If You Need Assistance.......................................................................7-9
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-7
Interrupt Controllers ...........................................................................B-8
C NECCSD Information Services
How to Reach Us................................................................................C-2
NECCSD Diskette Fulfillment Center ............................................C-2
NECCSD Technical Support Center ..............................................C-2
NECCSD Customer Assistance Center...........................................C-3
NECCSD FaxFlash Service...........................................................C-3

viii Contents
Using FaxFlash.........................................................................C-3
Ordering Information................................................................C-4
NECCSD Bulletin Board System (BBS).........................................C-5
Logging On ..............................................................................C-5
Logging Off..............................................................................C-7
NECCSD on CompuServe.............................................................C-7
Using CompuServe...................................................................C-7
NECCSD on America Online.........................................................C-8
Using America Online...............................................................C-8
NECCSD on the Internet................................................................C-9
NECCSD WWW and FTP Sites...............................................C-9
NECCSD E-Mail and Fax .............................................................C-10
Warranty And Non-Warranty Repair Service......................................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 6200 Series notebook computer 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. The
System Tour is part of the NEC Versa Help Center.
 View the online system Basics. Basics is part of the NEC Versa Help
Center.
 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 6200 Series notebook computer offers you a portable
system filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard
features include a powerful Intel®Pentium 200-MHz, 233-Mhz, or 266-
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 or SuperDisk LS-120 drive, interchangeable 20X 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. See the online Versa Tools: Accessories and
Solutions for more information.
To get comfortable with your notebook, read the following sections and take
a tour around your system!
NEC Versa 6200 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 NEC Versa. The following sections describe front features, be-
ginning 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.
 Slowly blinks amber to indicate that battery power is at 8% capacity
or less.
 Rapidly blinks green to indicate that battery power is at 4% capacity
or less.
 Brightness Control — a slide switch that adjusts screen brightness.

1-4 Getting Started
Control Panel
The NEC Versa 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 out of Suspend mode.
Suspend mode shuts down all devices in the system while retaining data
and system status. Use the Fn Suspend key combination to initiate a
manual save-to-file. Use the Smart power Switch (power button) to re-
sume from a save-to-file. You can find more detailed information on us-
ing Suspend mode in Chapter 3, “Using Setup.”

Getting Started 1-5

Power Button — slide the power button to the right to power on and
power off the computer.
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.
In addition, the Smart Power Switch invokes an orderly shutdown in the
Windows 95 and Windows NT environments. If you use the Power
button to turn off your system while applications are running, the Smart
Power Switch alerts the operating system. The operating system prompts
you to save all data and invokes an orderly shutdown procedure.
Status Icons
The NEC Versa 6200 Series 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.

1-6 Getting Started

Diskette Drive — appears when the NEC Versa writes data to or re-
trieves data from a diskette.

Hard Disk — appears when the NEC Versa accesses either the hard disk
drive or the CD-ROM reader.
 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. Before the battery is charged, dashes
appear instead of a percentage.
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit
The NEC Versa keyboard panel and base unit contain the following fea-
tures, which are described after the figure.
Keyboard and base unit

Getting Started 1-7

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.

IR Port — The infrared (IR) port on the NEC Versa 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.

NEC VersaBay II™ — A 1.44-MB diskette drive or SuperDisk LS-120
drive comes installed in the NEC VersaBay II on the front of your
system. You can use the diskette or LS-120 drive, or remove it from the
VersaBay 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 an optional second
Li-Ion battery, or an additional hard disk drive. See “Customizing Your
System with the VersaBay II” 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.
 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.)

1-8 Getting Started
Around the Back of the System
You’ll find system ports for connecting optional devices (like printers,
docking station, or external monitor) on the back of your NEC Versa. These
ports are described following the figure.
Ports on the back of the system
 Keyboard/Mouse Port — Use the standard PS/2 port to connect an
external PS/2-style mouse or a PS/2-style keyboard to the system. 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
parallel device. The port is an Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP). The
ECP standard provides you with a greater processing speed than the
conventional 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 6200 Series options including the NEC
Docking Station 6000 Plus, the NEC PortBar 6000, the NEC MiniDock
6000, and the NEC Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) Connector.

Getting Started 1-9
!
CAUTION
Only dock the NEC Versa 6220, 6230, or 6260 on the NEC Docking
Station 6000 Plus or the NEC MiniDock 6000. The cover of the
docking station is specially designed to allow for proper system
cooling.
 External Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach an exter-
nal monitor to your NEC Versa. You can run the LCD display and the
external 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 offers the following features, which are de-
scribed after the figure.
Left side features

PC card slots — provides two slots for inserting two Type II PC cards or
one Type III PC card.
 Battery bay and battery bay cover release latch. — Contains an eight-cell
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery that lets you run your system on DC power.