NEC VERSA FX User manual

NEC Versa Notebook Computer
NEC VERSA®FX
SERVICE AND
REFERENCE MANUAL

First Printing — December 1999
Copyright 1999
NEC Computer Systems Division
6000 Florin-Perkins Road
Sacramento, CA 95828-1037
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 (hereinafter “NEC CSD”) and/or its licensors. NEC CSD 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 CSD 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 CSD.
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 CSD is prohibited.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation, used under license.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
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
Preface ................................................................................................................................................. vii
Abbreviations.........................................................................................................................................ix
1 System Overview
Getting to Know the NEC Versa......................................................................................................... 1-2
Around the Front of the System.......................................................................................................... 1-2
LCD Panel..................................................................................................................................... 1-2
Base Unit....................................................................................................................................... 1-3
Power Button................................................................................................................................. 1-5
Keyboard Panel............................................................................................................................. 1-5
Front Features................................................................................................................................ 1-7
Around the Back of the System........................................................................................................... 1-8
Around the Left Side of the System.................................................................................................... 1-9
Around the Right Side of the System.................................................................................................. 1-9
Around the Bottom of the System..................................................................................................... 1-10
Internal Components......................................................................................................................... 1-11
Battery Pack ................................................................................................................................ 1-11
Hard Disk Drive.......................................................................................................................... 1-11
CMOS Battery............................................................................................................................. 1-11
Bridge Battery............................................................................................................................. 1-11
ChipSet.............................................................................................................................................. 1-12
2 System Configuration and Setup
Power Sources for Your NEC Versa................................................................................................... 2-2
Using the AC Adapter................................................................................................................... 2-2
Connecting the AC Adapter .......................................................................................................... 2-3
Powering On Your System............................................................................................................ 2-3
Using the Main Battery Pack......................................................................................................... 2-4
Determining Battery Status........................................................................................................... 2-4
Low Battery Status........................................................................................................................ 2-5
Returning the Battery to its Normal State .....................................................................................2-5
Extending Battery Life.................................................................................................................. 2-5
Battery Handling........................................................................................................................... 2-5
Replacing the Battery.................................................................................................................... 2-5
Charging the Battery ..................................................................................................................... 2-8
Battery Precautions ....................................................................................................................... 2-8
Precautions for Recharging the Battery......................................................................................... 2-8
System Batteries............................................................................................................................ 2-9
Main Battery...................................................................................................................... 2-9
CMOS Battery ................................................................................................................... 2-9
Bridge Battery.................................................................................................................... 2-9
BIOS Setup ......................................................................................................................................... 2-9
Pausing the Screen ...................................................................................................................... 2-10
BIOS Setup Main Menu.............................................................................................................. 2-10
Looking at Screens...................................................................................................................... 2-11
Using Keys.................................................................................................................................. 2-11
Checking/Setting System Parameters.......................................................................................... 2-12
Resetting System Parameters ...................................................................................................... 2-12
Standard CMOS Setup................................................................................................................ 2-12
Advanced CMOS Setup.............................................................................................................. 2-13
System Security Setup................................................................................................................. 2-13
Security Protection...................................................................................................................... 2-14
Power Management Setup........................................................................................................... 2-15
Boot Device Setup....................................................................................................................... 2-17

iv Contents
Peripheral Setup...........................................................................................................................2-18
Other BIOS Setup Options..........................................................................................................2-19
Updating the BIOS............................................................................................................................2-19
Obtaining the BIOS Update.........................................................................................................2-19
Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette...........................................................................................2-20
Enabling the BIOS Flash Switch.................................................................................................2-20
Performing the BIOS Update.......................................................................................................2-21
NEC Utilities.....................................................................................................................................2-22
NEC Customize Utility................................................................................................................2-22
NEC Customize Utility Screen ........................................................................................2-22
Using the NEC Customize Utility....................................................................................2-23
HDPREPEZ Utility......................................................................................................................2-23
Using the HDPREPEZ Utility..........................................................................................2-23
Application and Driver CD ...............................................................................................................2-23
Launching the Application and Driver CD with Windows 98.....................................................2-24
Application and Driver CD Dialog Box......................................................................................2-24
Installing the Application and Driver CD Software ....................................................................2-24
3 Disassembly and Reassembly
Required Tools and Equipment...........................................................................................................3-2
Disassembly ........................................................................................................................................3-2
Battery...........................................................................................................................................3-2
Memory Module and Switch Settings ...........................................................................................3-4
Switch Settings..............................................................................................................................3-5
Keyboard .......................................................................................................................................3-6
VersaGlide Assembly....................................................................................................................3-7
Top Cover......................................................................................................................................3-9
Hard Disk Drive...........................................................................................................................3-10
PC Card Assembly.......................................................................................................................3-11
LED Status Board........................................................................................................................3-12
IR/Sound Board...........................................................................................................................3-12
Bridge Battery .............................................................................................................................3-13
Speakers.......................................................................................................................................3-14
Main Board, Modem Board, and CMOS Battery........................................................................3-14
Reassembly........................................................................................................................................3-17
4 System Board Layout
LED Status Board ...............................................................................................................................4-2
IR/Sound Board...................................................................................................................................4-2
Connector Board .................................................................................................................................4-2
Video/USB Board ...............................................................................................................................4-3
Main Board..........................................................................................................................................4-3
5 Illustrated Parts Breakdown
Illustrated Parts Breakdown ................................................................................................................5-2
Parts List..............................................................................................................................................5-3
6 Preventive Maintenance
Cleaning the Notebook Exterior..........................................................................................................6-2
Cleaning the Notebook Interior...........................................................................................................6-2
Protecting the Disk Drive....................................................................................................................6-2
Handling the Battery Pack...................................................................................................................6-3
Maintaining the LCD Quality..............................................................................................................6-3

Contents v
7 Troubleshooting
Quick Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................... 7-2
Helpful Questions ............................................................................................................................... 7-4
8 Getting Service and Support
Services and Support Contact Information ......................................................................................... 8-2
NEC CSD Web Site............................................................................................................................ 8-2
NEC CSD FTP Site............................................................................................................................. 8-3
Email/Fax to Support Services............................................................................................................ 8-3
NEC CSD Bulletin Board................................................................................................................... 8-3
NEC CSD Support Services................................................................................................................ 8-4
NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center..............................................................................................8-5
9 Specifications
System Components............................................................................................................................ 9-2
Connector Locations........................................................................................................................... 9-6
Memory Map ...................................................................................................................................... 9-7
Interrupt Controllers............................................................................................................................ 9-8
Glossary
Index

Preface vii
Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up and
maintain the NEC Versa ® FX notebook computer.
The manual also provides hardware and interface information for users who need an overview of
the system design. The manual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts,
service center personnel, and dealers.
The manual is organized as follows:
Chapter 1, System Overview, provides an overview of the hardware and interface components.
Chapter 2,System Configuration and Setup, provides information on setup and how to operate
the notebook.
Chapter 3,Disassembly and Reassembly, provides detailed instructions on how to disassembly
the notebook.
Chapter 4,System Board Layout, shows the system boards and the board connectors.
Chapter 5, Illustrated Parts Breakdown, shows the Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB) and
corresponding part numbers.
Chapter 6, Preventive Maintenance, lists general notebook preventive maintenance procedures.
Chapter 7, Troubleshooting, lists troubleshooting procedures as well as helpful servicing hints.
Chapter 8, Getting Service and Support, provides information as to how to contact NEC CSD
for service information, technical support, and product information.
Chapter 9, Specifications, lists physical specifications, connector locations, memory map and
interrupt controllers.
A Glossary and an Index are included for convenience.

ix
Aampere
AC alternating current
AGP Advanced Graphics Port
AT advanced technology
(IBM PC)
BBS Bulletin Board Service
BCD binary-coded decimal
BCU BIOS Customized Utility
BIOS basic input/output system
bit binary digit
BUU BIOS Upgrade Utility
bpi bits per inch
bps bits per second
C capacitance
C centigrade
Cache high-speed buffer storage
CAM constantly addressable
memory
CAS column address strobe
CD-ROM compact disk-ROM
CG character generator
CGA Color Graphics Adapter
CGB Color Graphics Board
CH channel
clk clock
cm centimeter
CMOS complementary metal oxide
semiconductor
COM communication
CONT contrast
CPGA ceramic pin grid array
CPU central processing unit
DAC digital-to-analog converter
DACK DMA acknowledge
DC direct current
DIP dual in-line package
DLAB Divisor Latch Address bit
DMA direct memory access
DMAC DMA controller
DOS disk operating system
DRAM dynamic RAM
DVD digital video disk
ECC error checking and correction
ECP enhanced capabilities port
EDO extended data output
EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter
EPP enhanced parallel port
EPROM erasable and programmable
ROM
EVGA Enhanced Video Graphics
Array
F Fahrenheit
FAX facsimile transmission
FCC Federal Communications
Commission
FG frame ground
FM frequency modulation
FP fast page
FRU field-replaceable unit
GB gigabyte
GND ground
HEX hexadecimal
Hz hertz
IC integrated circuit
ID identification
IDE intelligent device electronics
IDTR interrupt descriptor table
register
in. inch
INTA interrupt acknowledge
IPB illustrated parts breakdown
IR infrared
IRR Interrupt Request register
ISA Industry Standard Architecture
ISR In Service register
I/O input/output
IPC integrated peripheral
controller
ips inches per second
IRQ interrupt request
K kilo (1024)
k kilo (1000)
KB kilobyte
kg kilogram
kHz kilohertz
Abbreviations

x
lb pound
LED light-emitting diode
LCD liquid crystal display
LSB least-significant bit
LSI large-scale integration
Mmega
mA milliamps
max maximum
MB megabyte
MDA Monochrome Display Adapter
MFM modified frequency modulation
MHz megahertz
mm millimeter
ms millisecond
MSB most-significant bit
NASC National Authorized Service
Center
NC not connected
NMI Non-maskable Interrupt
ns nanosecond
NSRC National Service Response
Center
PAL programmable array logic
PCB printed circuit board
PCI Peripheral Component
Interconnect
PDA personal digital assistant
PFP plastic flat package
PIO parallel input/output
pixel picture element
PLCC plastic leaded chip carrier
PLL phase lock loop
p-p peak-to-peak
PPI programmable peripheral
interface
PROM programmable ROM
QFP quad flat pack
RAM random-access memory
RAMDAC RAM digital-to-analog
converter
RAS row address strobe
RGB red green blue
RGBI red green blue intensity
ROM read-only memory
rpm revolutions per minute
R read
RTC real-time clock
R/W read/write
Sslave
SCSI Small Computer System
Interface
SDRAM synchronous dynamic
random-access memory
SG signal ground
SIMM single inline memory module
SPM standard page mode
SRS Sound Retrieval System
SVGA Super Video Graphics Array
SW switch
TFT thin film transistor
TSC Technical Support Center
TTL transistor/transistor logic
tpi tracks per inch
USB universal serial bus
Vvolt
Vac volts, alternating current
Vdc volts, direct current
VESA video electronics standards
association
VFC VESA-compliant feature
connector
VGA Video Graphics Array
VRAM video RAM
Wwatt
W write
XGA Extended Graphics Array

1
System Overview
!Getting to Know the NEC Versa
!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
!Internal Components
!Chipset

1-2 System Overview
Getting to Know the NEC Versa
The NEC Versa FX notebook computer offers you a portable system filled with exciting
resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include an Intel®low voltage 333-MHz
(not available in the U.S.)or 400-MHz Pentium®III microprocessor that works together with the
latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) architecture.
In addition, your system provides a high-performance hard disk drive, an external floppy disk
drive, an external CD-ROM drive, 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.
NEC Versa FX notebook computer
Read the following sections and take a tour around the system.
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa FX is compact with features on every side. First, look at the front of the NEC
Versa. The following sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid crystal display
(LCD) panel.
LCD Panel
Your NEC Versa FX comes with a 12.1-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) SuperVideo
Graphics Array (SVGA) panel that you can adjust for a comfortable viewing position. To adjust
the viewing angle, gently tilt the LCD panel into position.
To adjust the LCD panel brightness press the Fn-F8 and Fn-F9 functions keys. For more details
about using the system’s function keys, see the topic later in this chapter, “Keyboard Panel.”
If the LCD panel backlight turns off when you attempt to close the panel, toggle the Fn-F3
function key or close and open the panel to turn on the backlight.

System Overview 1-3
Base Unit
The base unit of your NEC Versa FX offers the following features which are described after the
figure.
LCD panel and base unit
A– Keyboard E– Power Button
B– Stereo Speakers F– Operating Status LEDs
C– LCD Panel G– NEC VersaGlide
D– Email/Internet keys
!Keyboard — 85 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models purchased
outside of the U.S. and Canada ship with country-specific keyboard layouts.)
!Stereo Speakers — Provide stereo sound for your multimedia presentations or listening
pleasure. The built-in sound system also supports 3D sound, which simulates the latest
surround-sound technology.
!LCD Panel — Provides a high-resolution display for sharp effective visuals on your
NEC Versa.

1-4 System Overview
!Email Shortcut Key — Launches your dial-up networking connection (if not connected
to a LAN) and Outlook Express.
!Internet Shortcut Key — Launches your dial-up networking connection (if not
connected to a LAN) and Microsoft®Internet Explorer.
Email/Internet keys
A– Email Shortcut Key B– Internet Shortcut Key
!Power Button — Slide the Power button to the right to power on, power off, and to
resume from Standby mode.
For more information about the Power button, see the following topic, “Power Button.”
!Operating Status LEDs — Keeps you informed of your NEC Versa’s current operating
status. See the following figure and list for each icon’s meaning.
Operating status LEDs
A– Hard Disk Drive C– Scroll Lock
B– Caps Lock D– Num Lock
Hard Disk Drive — lights when the NEC Versa writes data to or retrieves data from
the internal hard disk drive.
Caps Lock — lights when Caps Lock is in effect.
Scroll Lock — lights when Scroll Lock is in effect.

System Overview 1-5
Num Lock — lights when Num Lock mode is active.
!NEC VersaGlide — The NEC VersaGlide works like a standard computer mouse.
Simply move your fingertip over the VersaGlide to control the position of the cursor.
Use the selection buttons below the VersaGlide to select menu items.
Power Button
The Power/Sleep button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it recognizes when the system is in
Standby mode. If in Standby mode, you cannot power off until you slide the Power button to the
right to resume operation. (The BIOS parameter “System Switch” must be set to “Sleep.”)
Put the unit in Standby 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. Standby mode shuts down all devices in the
system while retaining data and system status. Go to Start, Shutdown, Standby to put your
system into Standby mode.
Use the Power button in the following ways:
!Slide the Power to the right to power on.
!Slide the Power button to the right to resume from Standby mode and proceed with
normal operation.
!Hold the Power button in place for 4 or more seconds to power off the system (power
override). Only use this option if you cannot power off your system using Start,
Shutdown.
Keyboard Panel
The NEC Versa keyboard panel offers the following features, which are described after the
figure.
Keyboard
A– Function Keys D– Cursor Control Keys
B– Numeric Keys E– Control Keys
C– Windows keys
!Function keys — Twelve function keys, F1 through F12, are available on the NEC
Versa keyboard. These keys work together with the Fn key to activate special functions.
Several keys are preprogrammed with dual functions and some are printed in blue on the
key.

1-6 System Overview
Function keys are application-driven. See the specific application’s user guide for
information about how each function key works within the application you are using.
The following function key combinations are preprogrammed for the NEC Versa FX
computer.
Fn-F3 — toggles between three video modes; LCD, CRT, or both (LCD and CRT).
Fn-F4 — No function when Windows 98 is configured for Advanced Configuration
Power Interface (ACPI) mode.
Fn-F5 — toggles between Standard and Full backlight.
Fn-F6 — sets the beeper speaker volume to low, medium, high, or mute.
Fn-F7 — No function when Windows 98 is configured for Advanced Configuration
Power Interface (ACPI) mode.
Fn-F8 — increases the LCD panel brightness.
Fn-F9 — decreases the LCD panel brightness.
Fn-F10 — increases the system speaker volume.
Fn-F11 — decreases the system speaker volume.
Fn-ScrLck — toggles the Num lock function.
Fn-Pause — break
Fn-Left Win — right Windows key.
!Numeric keypad — Pressing NumLk on the keyboard activates the numeric keypad
numbers and functions printed in blue on 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 NumLk again, the keys revert to their normal functions as typewriter
keys.
!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 line
depending on the application. The cursor indicates where the next text typed is inserted.
!Windows keys — In Windows 98, use the following two keys to facilitate your work.
Quick access to shortcut menus
Display the Start menu
!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. How the key combination works depends on the application you are
running.
!Typewriter keys — The typewriter keys (also called alphanumeric keys) are used to
enter text and characters. Keys with blue printing on them behave differently when
combined with control keys or the Fn key.

System Overview 1-7
Front Features
The front features of your NEC Versa are described after the figure.
Front features
A– Power Status LED D– IR Port
B– Battery Charging LED E– Headphone Jack
C– Microphone F– External Microphone Jack
!Power Status LED — This LED lights to indicate the following:
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
8% capacity or less.
Lights amber (blinks when in Standby mode) to indicate that battery power is at 3%
capacity.
!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 is connected to the bottom of the system.
!Microphone — A strategically positioned built-in microphone allows you to record
monophonic sound directly into your notebook computer.
!IR Port — Use this infrared (IR) port to transfer files between your NEC Versa and an
IR-equipped desktop or notebook computer or to print to an IR-capable printer.
!Headphone Jack — Lets you connect external headphones or speakers to your NEC
Versa. Plugging in headphones disables the built-in system speakers.
!External Microphone (MIC) — Allows you to connect an external microphone for
monophonic recording or amplification through the unit. Plugging in an external
microphone disables the built-in microphone.

1-8 System Overview
Around the Back of the System
The back of your NEC Versa offers the following features, which are described after the figure.
Back features
A– External Monitor Port C– Battery Bay
B– Vents
!External 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 external monitor simultaneously
or run either alone.
!Vents — Allow your system to cool properly and maintain a safe operating temperature.
Always keep the vents unobstructed to allow proper system cooling.
!Battery Bay — Contains the system’s standard Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) main battery or an
optional Extra Life Li-Ion battery.
Around the Left Side of the System
The left side of your NEC Versa offers the following features, which are described after the
figure.
Left side features
A– RJ-11 Jack D– Floppy Disk Drive/Parallel Port
B– AC Power Port E– PC Card Slots
C– LAN Cable Jack
!RJ-11 Jack — Use this jack to connect the internal modem to an analog wall outlet.
!AC Power Port — Use the power jack to attach the NEC Versa to a DC power source,
such as the AC adapter or the optional DC auto adapter.

System Overview 1-9
!LAN Cable Jack — Connect the optional LAN adapter cable that ships with your system
(if your system is equipped with a LAN cable jack), to connect your system to a local
area network (LAN). (Not available in all systems.)
!External Floppy Disk Drive/Parallel Port — Use this port to connect the external floppy
disk drive or an external parallel device using the cables that ship with your system.
!PC card slots — Provide two slots for inserting two Type II PC cards or one Type III PC
card.
Around the Right Side of the System
The right side of the NEC Versa offers the features, which are described after the figure.
Right side features
A– USB Ports C– USB Port
B– CD-ROM Port D– Kensington Lock
!USB Port — The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port allows you to connect up to 127
USB-equipped peripheral devices (printers, monitors, scanners, etc.) to your NEC
Versa.
!CD-ROM Port — Use this port to connect the external CD-ROM drive.
!Kensington Lock — Lets you provide added security by installing an optional
Kensington Lock.
Around the Bottom of the System
The bottom of the NEC Versa offers the features shown next. Features are described after the
figure.
Bottom features

1-10 System Overview
A– Memory Module Bay D– Main Battery
B– Battery Release Latch E– Vents
C– System Feet F– Maximum Life Battery Connector
!Memory Module Bay — Stores the system’s memory module.
!Battery Bay Release Latch — Allows you to release and remove the system’s main
battery.
!System Feet — Heightens the system to allow proper ventilation.
!Main Battery — Supplies power when the system is not connected to an AC power
source.
!Vents — Allow your system to cool properly and maintain a safe operating temperature.
Always keep the vents unobstructed to allow proper system cooling.
!Maximum Life Battery Connector — Attach the optional Maximum Life Battery to this
connector.
Internal Components
Review the following sections for a description of the system’s internal hardware.
Battery Pack
The system uses a rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery as its transient power source. The
battery pack installs in the compartment on the bottom of the NEC Versa.
Hard Disk Drive
A standard 2.5-inch, 9.5 mm hard disk drive ships with the system.

System Overview 1-11
CMOS Battery
This lithium battery (3 Volts, 30 mAH capacity) provides battery backup and prevents data loss
in the system’s complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) RAM. This memory area
contains information on the system’s configuration, for example date, time, drives, and memory.
The CMOS battery charges when your NEC Versa is connected to AC power. The CMOS
battery may discharge completely if the NEC Versa notebook remains unused for approximately
two months..
Bridge Battery
The bridge battery saves your system status in Standby mode giving you time to install a fully
charged battery or connect to AC power when your battery charge becomes low. The bridge
battery stores 7.2 Volts, 40 mAH.

1-12 System Overview
ChipSet
The following table provides information on the system chipset.
System Chipset
Chip Manufacturer Description
Intel Celeron 333 (not
available in the U.S.)
Intel Pentium III 400
Intel 333 MHz CPU
400 MHz CPU
82440MX Intel System Controller
FDC37N869 Standard Microsystems Super I/O
SM710 Silicon Motion Video
ESS ES1946 (Solo1E) ESS Technology Audio
29F004T-90EC ROM BIOS
M38813M4 Mitsubishi Keyboard Controller
TI1225 Texas Instruments PCI CardBus Controller