NEC VERSA DAYLITE E120 User manual

Notebook Computer
Ve r s a
®
E120 DayLite
™
User’s
Guide
819-200887-replica 3/21/02 4:18 PM Page 1

First Printing — March 2002
Copyright 2002
NEC Solutions (America), Inc.
15 Business Park Way
Sacramento, CA 95828
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 Solutions (America), Inc. (hereinafter “NEC Solutions”) and/or its
licensors. NEC Solutions 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 Solutions 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
Solutions.
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 Solutions is prohibited.
As an ENERGY STAR partner, NEC Solutions has determined that this product meets the ENERGY
STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
NEC is a registered trademark; Versa is a U.S. registered trademark; and DayLite and VersaGlide are
trademarks of NEC Corporation and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. All are used under license. ENERGY
STAR is a U.S. registered trademark of the U.S. government. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and SpeedStep is a trademark of Intel
Corporation.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective trademark owners.

Contents iii
Contents
Using This Guide
Text Conventions............................................................................................................. x
Related Documents.......................................................................................................... x
1 Introducing the NEC Versa
Before You Begin.........................................................................................................1-2
About Your NEC Versa Notebook................................................................................. 1-3
Around the Front of the System.....................................................................................1-4
Base Unit............................................................................................................... 1-4
System Controls..................................................................................................... 1-6
Power Button ..................................................................................................1-6
Shortcut Buttons.............................................................................................. 1-7
Status LEDs...........................................................................................................1-7
Power Status and E-mail LEDs........................................................................1-8
Drive and Keyboard Status LEDs.................................................................... 1-9
Keyboard Panel......................................................................................................1-9
Front Features...................................................................................................... 1-11
Around the Back of the System ................................................................................... 1-12
Around the Left Side of the System............................................................................. 1-13
Around the Right Side of the System........................................................................... 1-14
Around the Bottom of the System................................................................................ 1-15
2 Getting Started
NEC VersaGlide Touchpad...........................................................................................2-2
VersaGlide Adjustments.........................................................................................2-3
VersaGlide Tips.....................................................................................................2-3
Power Sources for Your NEC Versa..............................................................................2-3
AC Adapter ..................................................................................................................2-4
Connecting the AC Adapter....................................................................................2-5
Powering On Your System.....................................................................................2-6
System Batteries ...........................................................................................................2-7
Primary Battery......................................................................................................2-7
Secondary Battery..................................................................................................2-7
Using the Primary Battery.............................................................................................2-8
Determining Battery Status.....................................................................................2-8
Low Battery Status.................................................................................................2-9
Returning the Battery to its Normal State................................................................2-9
Extending Battery Life...........................................................................................2-9
Battery Handling.................................................................................................. 2-10
Replacing the Primary Battery.............................................................................. 2-10
Charging the Battery............................................................................................ 2-13

iv Contents
Battery Precautions.............................................................................................. 2-13
Precautions for Recharging the Battery................................................................. 2-14
Using a Secondary Battery.......................................................................................... 2-14
System Care ............................................................................................................... 2-15
Precautions for System Use.................................................................................. 2-15
Storage Requirements .......................................................................................... 2-16
Routine Cleaning................................................................................................. 2-16
3 Using the BIOS Setup Utility
Introducing BIOS Setup................................................................................................ 3-2
Entering BIOS Setup .................................................................................................... 3-2
BIOS Setup Main Menu......................................................................................... 3-3
Looking at Screens................................................................................................. 3-4
Using Keys............................................................................................................ 3-5
Checking/Setting System Parameters ............................................................................ 3-5
Resetting System Parameters.................................................................................. 3-6
Main Menu............................................................................................................ 3-6
Advanced Menu..................................................................................................... 3-7
Security Menu ....................................................................................................... 3-8
Password Protection............................................................................................... 3-9
Hard Disk Drive Passwords.................................................................................. 3-10
Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords....................................................... 3-10
Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords........................................................... 3-11
Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection.................................................. 3-11
Moving the Hard Disk Drive......................................................................... 3-11
Boot Menu........................................................................................................... 3-12
Exit Menu............................................................................................................ 3-12
Updating the BIOS ..................................................................................................... 3-13
Obtaining the BIOS Update.................................................................................. 3-13
Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette..................................................................... 3-13
Performing the BIOS Update................................................................................ 3-14
4 Using the Operating System and Utilities
Windows Introduction .................................................................................................. 4-2
Windows Power Management....................................................................................... 4-2
Windows Power Options Properties ....................................................................... 4-3
Power Schemes............................................................................................... 4-3
Alarms............................................................................................................ 4-5
Power Meter ................................................................................................... 4-5
Advanced........................................................................................................ 4-6
Hibernate........................................................................................................ 4-6
Intel SpeedStep Technology............................................................................ 4-7
Recognizing Windows Power Management States.................................................. 4-7

Contents v
NEC Customize Utility.................................................................................................4-8
NEC Customize Utility Screen ...............................................................................4-8
Using the NEC Customize Utility...........................................................................4-8
One-Touch Start Button Settings Utility........................................................................ 4-9
Application and Driver CD ...........................................................................................4-9
Launching the A&D CD....................................................................................... 4-10
Application and Driver CD Dialog Box ................................................................ 4-10
Installing the A&D CD Software.......................................................................... 4-10
NEC Online Documentation........................................................................................ 4-11
Product Recovery CD ................................................................................................. 4-11
Guidelines for Using the Product Recovery CD .................................................... 4-11
Product Recovery CD Options.............................................................................. 4-12
Full Disk Drive Restore........................................................................................ 4-12
Partition Only Restore.......................................................................................... 4-14
NEC CD-RW CD........................................................................................................ 4-16
5 Adding Expansion Devices
USB Devices ................................................................................................................5-2
USB Diskette Drive................................................................................................5-3
USB CD-ROM Drive.............................................................................................5-4
Using the USB CD-ROM Drive....................................................................... 5-5
Handling CDs .................................................................................................5-6
USB CD-R/RW Drive............................................................................................5-7
Using the USB CD-R/RW Drive.................................................................... 5-10
Handling CDs ............................................................................................... 5-11
Memory Module......................................................................................................... 5-12
Installing a Memory Module................................................................................. 5-12
Removing a Memory Module............................................................................... 5-14
PC Cards .................................................................................................................... 5-15
Inserting a PC Card.............................................................................................. 5-15
Removing a PC Card............................................................................................ 5-16
CF Cards .................................................................................................................... 5-17
Inserting a CF Card.............................................................................................. 5-17
Removing a CF Card............................................................................................ 5-17
Secondary Battery....................................................................................................... 5-18
Installing the Secondary Battery........................................................................... 5-18
Removing the Secondary Battery.......................................................................... 5-20
Monitor ...................................................................................................................... 5-20
IEEE 1394 Devices..................................................................................................... 5-21
Audio Options ............................................................................................................ 5-21
6 Communicating with Your NEC Versa
MDC Modem................................................................................................................6-2
Connecting the Modem .......................................................................................... 6-2
LAN Connection........................................................................................................... 6-3

vi Contents
Internet Connections..................................................................................................... 6-3
Internet Connection Wizard.................................................................................... 6-3
Accessing the Internet............................................................................................ 6-4
Sending and Receiving E-mail ............................................................................... 6-4
Modifying the Internet and E-mail Shortcut Buttons............................................... 6-4
7 Traveling Tips
Preparing for Travel...................................................................................................... 7-2
Packing for Travel ........................................................................................................ 7-2
Using Power Connections............................................................................................. 7-3
Getting Through Customs............................................................................................. 7-3
Connecting to the Internet............................................................................................. 7-4
Connecting Using a Modem................................................................................... 7-4
Connecting Using a LAN....................................................................................... 7-4
8 Solving System Problems
Problem Checklist......................................................................................................... 8-2
Startup Problems........................................................................................................... 8-3
POST Error Messages............................................................................................ 8-4
If You Need Assistance................................................................................................. 8-5
9 Getting Service and Support
Service and Support Contact Information ...................................................................... 9-2
Web Site....................................................................................................................... 9-3
Support Services........................................................................................................... 9-4
E-mail to Support Services............................................................................................ 9-4
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You..........................................................................A-2
Arrange Your Equipment..............................................................................................A-3
Adjust Your Chair ........................................................................................................A-3
Adjust Your Input Devices............................................................................................A-4
Adjust Your Screen or Monitor.....................................................................................A-4
Vary Your Workday.....................................................................................................A-5
Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors..........................................................A-5
B Specifications
Base System .................................................................................................................B-2
Expansion.....................................................................................................................B-5
Power...........................................................................................................................B-5
Security........................................................................................................................B-6
Dimensions and Weights...............................................................................................B-6
Recommended Environment.........................................................................................B-6

Contents vii
C Frequently Asked Questions
External Mouse.............................................................................................................C-2
Display.........................................................................................................................C-2
PC Cards ......................................................................................................................C-2
Diskette Drive...............................................................................................................C-3
Booting.........................................................................................................................C-4
Power Management ......................................................................................................C-4
Battery Charging...........................................................................................................C-6
Miscellaneous...............................................................................................................C-7
Glossary
Index

Using This Guide ix
Using This Guide
The NEC Versa®E120 DayLite™ User’s Guide gives you the information you need to
maximize the use of your NEC Versa E120 DayLite notebook computer. Read this
guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa and its features. For specific
information, see:

Chapter 1, “Introducing the NEC Versa,” to acquaint yourself with the system
hardware.

Chapter 2, “Getting Started,” for instructions on how to connect, power on, and care
for your system. This chapter includes information about using battery power.

Chapter 3, “Using the BIOS Setup Utility,” for details about modifying system
parameters. The chapter includes information about a Battery Refresh option in the
BIOS Setup utility Exit menu.

Chapter 4, “Using the Operating System and Utilities,” for an understanding of your
Microsoft®Windows®operating system and its power management features. You
can also find information about system utilities and applications available for your
system.

Chapter 5, “Adding Expansion Devices,” to add and use USB devices, such as
optical drives, and to add a PC Card, a CF Card, an external monitor, headphones, a
printer, or speakers.
This chapter also includes installation information for adding a memory module,
and a secondary battery to the NEC Versa E120 DayLite system.

Chapter 6, “Communicating with Your NEC Versa,” for essential information about
using the built-in MDC modem and LAN connection, and to connect to the Internet.

Chapter 7, “Traveling Tips,” for a variety of checklists to help you to prepare the
notebook computer for travel, getting through customs and using your modem or
LAN connection when you are on the road.

Chapter 8, “Solving System Problems,” for simple solutions to common problems
that may arise while operating your notebook.

Chapter 9, “Getting Service and Support,” for information about getting help when
you need it from NEC Solutions (America), Inc.

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 specifications.

Appendix C, “Frequently Asked Questions,” (FAQs) for a look at questions that
users commonly ask and the answers to those questions.

xUsing This Guide
Text Conventions
To make this guide as easy as possible to use, text is set up as follows.

Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following meanings:
Warnings alert you to situations that could result in serious
personal injury or loss of life.
Cautions indicate situations that can damage the hardware or
software.
Note Notes give particularly important information about what 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 notebook
computer:

NEC Versa E120 DayLite Quick Setup
The Quick Setup shows how to quickly get your system connected and powered on.

NEC Versa E120 DayLite Release Notes
Release Notes provide additional information about your notebook computer that
was not available at the time the user’s guide was printed. Information in the
Release Notes is the result of extensive product testing.

NEC Versa E120 DayLite User’s Guide
An online version of your printed NEC Versa E120 DayLite User’s Guide is
available on the NEC Solutions Web site (www.necsolutions-am.com). Check the
Web site for the most current online version of your printed user’s guide.

1
Introducing the NEC Versa

Before You Begin

About Your NEC Versa Notebook

Around the Front of the System

Around the Back of the System

Around the Left Side of the System

Around the Right Side of the System

Around the Bottom of the System

1-2 Introducing the NEC Versa
Before You Begin
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 E120 DayLite system is ready to go! To get started, do the following:

Read Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” for guidelines that
help you use your computer productively and safely. Information includes how to
set up and use your computer to reduce your risk of developing nerve, muscle, or
tendon disorders.

Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-3
About Your NEC Versa Notebook
The NEC Versa E120 DayLite™notebook is a super light-weight, low- profile,
state-of-the-art multimedia notebook computer designed for business users.
Internally, the Versa E120 DayLite notebook features the powerful low voltage (LV)
Mobile Intel®Pentium®III Processor-M, running at 800 MHz or higher, and the
industry-premium VIA Twister-T Core Logic bus architecture. Together, with its
Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) VGA high-performance chip and audio chip,
your notebook is ideal for creating and presenting impressive images and sound.
Externally, the Versa E120 DayLite notebook provides a wide choice of ports and
connectivity, such as PC and CF™Card slots, USB ports, an IEEE1394 port, built-in
fax/modem and LAN, an external CRT port, and many other features. These features
can make the life of a traveling executive a lot easier, at home and in the office.
The Versa E120 DayLite notebook comes with 256 MB of system memory and is
easily upgradeable, supporting up to 768 MB of memory. You have virtually unlimited
storage capacity with the hard disk system, which can handle most 2.5-inch, 9.5-mm
IDE industry-standard drives, and with external USB optical drives, such as the
standard CD-ROM and optional CD-R/CD-RW drives.
In addition, the Microsoft®Windows®2000 operating system or Windows XP
Professional operating system is preinstalled and ready to use.
Battery life is an important consideration in the design of your system. The Versa E120
DayLite uses the Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI) for saving energy
and it provides support for dual battery operation.
To get comfortable with your notebook and get the most out of it, read the following
sections and take a tour around your system!

1-4 Introducing the NEC Versa
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the front of the
system.
To open your NEC Versa E120 DayLite notebook computer, slide the LCD panel latch
to the right and lift the cover (see the section, “Front Features,”to locate the latch).
Base Unit
The base unit of your NEC Versa notebook offers the features shown in the following
figure. Feature descriptions follow the figure.
After extended use, the surface of the base unit, below the
keyboard, might become hot to the touch.
LCD panel and base unit
A– LCD Panel E– Keyboard
B– Shortcut Buttons F– Drive and Keyboard Status LEDs
C– Power Button G– Power and E-Mail Status LEDs
D– NEC VersaGlide Touchpad

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-5

LCD Panel —Provides a high-resolution display for sharp, effective visuals on
your NEC Versa notebook. You can use keyboard key combinations to increase and
decrease LCD brightness and to toggle between video modes (see “Keyboard
Panel”).

Power and E-mail Status LEDs —Indicate power and e-mail status. Power LEDs
indicate whether the system is running on AC power or battery power and indicate
battery status. The e-mail LEDnotifies you when you have a new e-mail message.
These LEDs also appear on the top of the notebook for viewing status when the
LCD panel is closed. For detailed information, see the section, “Status LEDs”.

Power Button —Powers the system on and off (see the section, “System
Controls”).

Shortcut Buttons —Launch your browser or your e-mail application (see the
section, “System Controls”).

NEC VersaGlide™Touchpad —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. See “NEC
VersaGlide Touchpad”in Chapter 2 for information about using the VersaGlide and
for customizing VersaGlide settings.

Keyboard —Provides 83 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models
purchased outside of the U.S. and Canada ship with country-specific keyboard
layouts.) See “Keyboard Panel”for information about key functions.

Drive and Keyboard Status LEDs —Keep you informed of the current operating
status of the hard drive and keyboard functions (see the section, “Status LEDs”).

1-6 Introducing the NEC Versa
System Controls
System controls let you select specific system operations. In the Versa E120 DayLite,
system controls include the power button and two shortcut buttons.
System control buttons
A– Shortcut Button (e-mail)
B– Shortcut Button (Internet)
C– Power Button
Power Button
The power button is a “smart”switch. You can configure the power button to go into
Standby or Hibernate mode or to power off when pressed. With Windows XP, you can
also configure the power button to go into a “Do nothing”or “Ask me what to do”
mode of operation.
Note See “Windows Power Management”in Chapter 4 for information about
managing system power resources.
The default power button operation is to shut down. Under normal operation, the
system performs a smooth shutdown when you press the power button.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-7
Use the power button in the following ways:

Press the power button to power on.

Press the power button to resume from a Windows or Hibernate mode and proceed
with normal operation.

Perform the function as set in the Advanced tab of the Windows Power Option
Properties dialog box.

Hold the power button in place for 4 or more seconds to initiate a power override
(powers off the system). Only use this option if you cannot power off your system
from the Start menu.
Note If you are unable to power off the system, use the power override. Press the
power button and hold it in place approximately 4 to 5 seconds until the system powers off.
Shortcut Buttons
The Versa E120 DayLite system has two shortcut buttons that you can configure to
launch your default Internet browser and your default e-mail application. See “One-
Touch Start Button Settings Utility”in Chapter 4 for information about configuring the
buttons.
Status LEDs
The Versa E120 DayLite system uses status LEDs marked with icons to communicate
the status of system power and system operations (see the following figures and
descriptions).
Power and e-mail status LEDs
A– Power LED C– E-mail Notification LED
B– Battery Status LED

1-8 Introducing the NEC Versa
Drive and keyboard status LEDs
A– Drive Activity LED C– Scroll Lock LED
B– Caps Lock LED D– Num Lock LED
Power Status and E-mail LEDs
Power Status LEDs indicate whether the system is running on AC power or battery
power, and indicate battery status as follows.

Power Status LED —Lights to indicate the following status:
—Lights green when the system power is on.
—Blinks green when the system is in Standby mode.
—Lights yellow (blinks when in Standby mode) to indicate that battery power is at
10% capacity or less.
—Lights amber (blinks when in Standby mode) to indicate that battery power is at
4% capacity or less.
The Power Status LED is off when system power is off or when the system is in
Hibernate mode (see “Hibernate”in Chapter 4).

Battery Charging LED —Lights to indicate battery charging activity.
—Lights amber when the primary battery is charging. Blinks amber to indicate an
error. The primary battery is installed in the battery bay.
—Lights green when the secondary battery is charging. Blinks green to indicate an
error. The secondary (optional) battery connects to the bottom of the notebook
and covers most of the bottom of the unit.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-9

E-mail Notification LED —Lights when new e-mail is received.
Note The system also has Power, Battery Charging, and E-mail notification LEDs
on the top rear of the LCD panel. You can see these LEDs when you are behind your
notebook computer or when the LCD panel is closed.
Drive and Keyboard Status LEDs
Drive and keyboard status LEDS include the following LEDs (see the previous figure
for the location of these LEDs):

Drive Activity LED —Lights when the NEC Versa accesses the hard disk.

Caps Lock LED —Lights when caps lock is in effect.

Scroll Lock LED —Lights when scroll lock is in effect.

Num Lock LED —Lights when num lock mode is active. In this mode, you can use
the embedded numeric keypad.
Keyboard Panel
The NEC Versa E120 DayLite keyboard has a standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models
shipped outside the U.S. are equipped with country-specific keyboard layouts.)
Keyboard features are described after the figure.
Keyboard
A– Function Keys D– Cursor Control Keys
B– Numeric Keypad E– Control Keys
C– Windows Keys

1-10 Introducing the NEC Versa

Function Keys —Twelve function keys, F1 through F12, are available on the NEC
Versa keyboard. Function keys are application-driven, so their function varies
according to the application in use. See the specific application’s user guide for
information about how each function key works within the application you use.
The function keys work together with the Fn key to activate special preprogrammed
functions. The following function key combinations are pre-programmed for the
NEC Versa E120 DayLite.
Fn-F3 —Toggles the video mode between LCD only, CRT only, or Simultaneous
mode (both LCD and CRT).
Fn-F5 — Zooms the screen in or out slightly.
Fn-F6 —Toggles the system beep off and on.
Fn-F8 — Increases LCD brightness (eight settings).
Fn-F9 — Reduces LCD brightness (eight settings).

Windows Keys —Use the following two keys to facilitate your work.
Shortcut/Application key –provides quick access to shortcut menus.
(This key acts like a right mouse button.)
Floating Window key –displays the Start menu.

Numeric Keypad —Pressing Fn-Num Lk on the keyboard activates the numeric
keypad numbers and functions printed in yellow on top of the keys.
The keypad lets you type numbers and mathematical operands (+, –) as you would
on a calculator. The keypad is ideal for entering long lists of numbers.
When you press Fn-Num Lk again, the keys revert to their normal functions as
typewriter keys.

Typewriter Keys —Typewriter keys (also called alphanumeric keys) are used to
enter text and characters. Keys with yellow print on them behave differently when
combined with control keys, the Fn key, or when Num Lk is active.

Control Keys — Ctrl, Alt, Fn, and Shift are controls used in conjunction with other
keys to change their functions. To use control keys, press and hold the control key
while pressing another key. For example, “Press Ctrl C”means to hold down the
Ctrl key and type the letter C. Key combinations work specific to the application
you are running.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-11

Cursor Control Keys —Cursor control keys let you position the cursor on the
screen where you want. On the screen, the cursor is a blinking underline, block, or
vertical bar depending on the application. The cursor indicates where the next text
typed is inserted.
Note Pressing the Prt Sc key without a printer connected to the system can cause
a halt in system operation. Make sure you have a printer connected to the system
before using the Prt Sc key.
Front Features
The features on the front edge of the system are described after the figure.
Front features
A– Microphone In Jack C– Volume Control
B– Headphone/External Speaker Jack D– LCD Panel Latch

Microphone In Jack—Allows you to connect an external microphone for
monophonic recording or amplification through the unit.

Headphone/External Speaker Jack —Lets you plug in stereo headphones or
powered speakers. Plugging in headphones disables the built-in system speakers.

Volume Control —Allows you to control the speaker volume through the thumb
wheel.

LCD Panel Latch —Slide the latch to the right to open the NEC Versa E120
DayLite notebook.