NEC VERSA FX User manual

First Printing — November 1999
Copyright 1999
NEC Computers 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 Computers Inc. (hereinafter “NECC”) and/or its licensors.
NECC 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 NECC 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 NECC.
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 NECC is prohibited.
As an ENERGY star partner, NEC Computers Inc. (NECC) has determined that this product meets the
ENERGY star guidelines for energy efficiency.
NEC and Versa are registered trademarks of NEC Corporation and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. UltraCare
is aservicemarkof NECCorporation and/or oneor moreof its subsidiaries. All are used under license.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered trademark.
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......................................................................................................................ix
Text Setup .............................................................................................................................x
Related Documents...............................................................................................................xi
1 Introducing Your NEC Versa
Before You Begin...............................................................................................................1-2
About Your NEC Versa FX Notebook...............................................................................1-3
Around the Front of the System..........................................................................................1-4
LCD Panel...................................................................................................................1-4
Base Unit.....................................................................................................................1-5
Power Button........................................................................................................1-8
Keyboard Panel...........................................................................................................1-8
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.................................................................................................................2-2
Making VersaGlide Adjustments................................................................................2-3
VersaGlide Tips ..........................................................................................................2-3
Power Sources for Your NEC Versa..................................................................................2-3
AC Adapter ........................................................................................................................2-4
Connecting the AC Adapter ........................................................................................2-4
Powering On Your System..........................................................................................2-5
Main Battery Pack..............................................................................................................2-6
Determining Battery Status.........................................................................................2-6
Low Battery Status......................................................................................................2-7
Returning the Battery to its Normal State ...................................................................2-7
Extending Battery Life................................................................................................2-7
Battery Handling.........................................................................................................2-7
Replacing the Battery..................................................................................................2-8
Charging the Battery .................................................................................................2-10
Battery Precautions ...................................................................................................2-11
Precautions for Recharging the Battery.....................................................................2-11
System Batteries...............................................................................................................2-12
Main Battery..............................................................................................................2-12
CMOS Battery...........................................................................................................2-12
Bridge Battery...........................................................................................................2-12
Optional Batteries......................................................................................................2-12

iv Contents
System Care.....................................................................................................................2-13
Precautions for System Use...................................................................................... 2-13
Storage Requirements............................................................................................... 2-14
Routine Cleaning...................................................................................................... 2-14
3 Using the BIOS Setup Utility
Introducing BIOS Setup .................................................................................................... 3-2
Entering BIOS Setup ......................................................................................................... 3-2
Pausing the Screen...................................................................................................... 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
Standard CMOS Setup................................................................................................ 3-6
Advanced CMOS Setup.............................................................................................. 3-7
System Security Setup................................................................................................ 3-7
Establishing Passwords............................................................................................... 3-8
Hard Disk Drive Passwords........................................................................................ 3-8
Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords............................................................ 3-9
Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords................................................................ 3-9
Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection ...................................................... 3-9
Moving the Hard Disk Drive............................................................................. 3-10
Power Management Setup........................................................................................ 3-10
Boot Device Setup.................................................................................................... 3-13
Peripheral Setup........................................................................................................ 3-14
Other BIOS Setup Options....................................................................................... 3-15
Managing System Power................................................................................................. 3-15
Windows Power Management Properties................................................................. 3-15
Power Schemes......................................................................................................... 3-16
Alarms ...................................................................................................................... 3-17
Power Meter ............................................................................................................. 3-17
Advanced.................................................................................................................. 3-17
Hibernate .................................................................................................................. 3-18
Windows 98 Power Management States .................................................................. 3-19
Recognizing the Power Management States............................................................. 3-19
Updating the BIOS .......................................................................................................... 3-20
Obtaining the BIOS Update...................................................................................... 3-20
Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette........................................................................ 3-20
Identifying the Switch Settings................................................................................. 3-21
Enabling the BIOS Flash Switch.............................................................................. 3-22
Performing the BIOS Update.................................................................................... 3-25

Contents v
4 Using the Operating System and Utilities
Windows Introduction........................................................................................................4-2
Windows 98 ................................................................................................................4-2
Desktop Icons.......................................................................................................4-2
Taskbar Icons.......................................................................................................4-3
NEC Utilities......................................................................................................................4-4
NEC Customize Utility ...............................................................................................4-4
NEC Customize Utility Screen ............................................................................4-4
Using the NEC Customize Utility........................................................................4-5
HDPREPEZ Utility .....................................................................................................4-5
Using the HDPREPEZ Utility..............................................................................4-5
Application and Driver CD ................................................................................................4-6
Launching the A&D CD with Windows 98 ................................................................4-6
Application and Driver CD Dialog Box......................................................................4-6
Installing the A&D CD Software................................................................................4-7
NEC Info Center.................................................................................................................4-7
Installing the NEC Info Center....................................................................................4-7
Uninstalling the NEC Info Center...............................................................................4-7
Partition Magic...................................................................................................................4-8
Product Recovery CD.........................................................................................................4-8
Guidelines for Using the Product Recovery CD .........................................................4-9
Product Recovery CD Options....................................................................................4-9
Full Disk Drive Restore.............................................................................................4-10
Partition Only Restore...............................................................................................4-12
System Diagnostics...................................................................................................4-13
5 Using the System Drives and Bays
External Floppy Diskette Drive..........................................................................................5-2
Connecting the External Floppy Diskette Drive..........................................................5-3
Disconnecting the External Floppy Diskette Drive.....................................................5-4
External 24X CD-ROM Drive............................................................................................5-4
Using the CD-ROM Drive with your NEC Versa.......................................................5-7
Using the CD-ROM Drive as a Stand-Alone CD Player.............................................5-9
Disconnecting the CD-ROM Drive.............................................................................5-9
CD Care.....................................................................................................................5-10
External Drive Connect Utility.........................................................................................5-10
Installing the External Drive Connect Utility............................................................5-11
Using the External Drive Connect Utility .................................................................5-11
Hard Disk Drive ...............................................................................................................5-12
Memory Modules.............................................................................................................5-12
6 Communicating with Your NEC Versa
PC Cards.............................................................................................................................6-2
Type II Cards...............................................................................................................6-2
Type II Extended Cards...............................................................................................6-2
Type III Cards.............................................................................................................6-2
Communication Cards.................................................................................................6-2

vi Contents
Storage Cards.............................................................................................................. 6-3
Other Cards................................................................................................................. 6-3
PC Card Slots ............................................................................................................. 6-3
Inserting a PC Card..................................................................................................... 6-4
Removing a PC Card.................................................................................................. 6-4
Mini-PCI LAN................................................................................................................... 6-5
Connecting the Mini-PCI LAN .................................................................................. 6-5
Internal Modem ................................................................................................................. 6-6
Connecting the Internal Modem................................................................................. 6-6
Installing the Online Modem Guide ........................................................................... 6-7
Internet Connections.......................................................................................................... 6-7
Accessing the Internet ................................................................................................ 6-8
Sending and Receiving Email..................................................................................... 6-8
Modifying the Internet and Email Shortcut Keys....................................................... 6-8
IR Port ............................................................................................................................... 6-9
Enabling the IR Port................................................................................................. 6-10
Using the IR Port...................................................................................................... 6-10
7 Traveling Tips
Preparing for Travel........................................................................................................... 7-2
Packing for Travel ............................................................................................................. 7-2
Using Power Connections.................................................................................................. 7-3
Getting Through Customs.................................................................................................. 7-3
Using Your Modem........................................................................................................... 7-4
8 Using Peripheral Devices
External Monitor................................................................................................................8-2
Parallel Devices................................................................................................................. 8-3
Disconnecting a Parallel Device................................................................................. 8-4
External Audio Options..................................................................................................... 8-4
USB Devices...................................................................................................................... 8-5
9 Using Multimedia
Audio................................................................................................................................. 9-2
Recording ................................................................................................................... 9-2
Microphone................................................................................................................. 9-3
Mixing ........................................................................................................................ 9-3
Playing Back............................................................................................................... 9-3
Using Headphones...................................................................................................... 9-4
Using the Built-In Speakers........................................................................................ 9-4
Using External Stereo Speakers.................................................................................. 9-4
MIDI Files.................................................................................................................. 9-4
Video ................................................................................................................................. 9-4
Using Digital Video Files........................................................................................... 9-4
Using Animation Files................................................................................................ 9-5
Multimedia Applications ................................................................................................... 9-5

Contents vii
10 Solving System Problems
Problem Checklist ............................................................................................................10-2
Start-Up Problems............................................................................................................10-3
Post Error Messages..................................................................................................10-4
Beep Codes................................................................................................................10-6
If You Need Assistance....................................................................................................10-7
11 Getting Service and Support
Service and Support Contact Information ........................................................................11-2
NECC Web Site................................................................................................................11-3
NECC FTP Site ................................................................................................................11-3
NECC Support Services...................................................................................................11-3
Email/Fax to Support Services.........................................................................................11-4
NECC Customer Assistance Center.................................................................................11-5
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-3
Adjust Your Screen or Monitor.........................................................................................A-4
Vary Your Workday..........................................................................................................A-5
Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors ...........................................................A-5
B Specifications
System Components..........................................................................................................B-2
Memory Map.....................................................................................................................B-7
Interrupt Controllers..........................................................................................................B-8
C Frequently Asked Questions
External Mouse..................................................................................................................C-2
Display ..............................................................................................................................C-2
PC Cards............................................................................................................................C-3
Diskette Drive....................................................................................................................C-4
Booting..............................................................................................................................C-6
Power Management...........................................................................................................C-6
Miscellaneous....................................................................................................................C-8
Glossary
Index
Regulatory Statements

Using This Guide ix
Using This Guide
The NEC Versa®FX 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, “Introducing Your NEC Versa,” to acquaint yourself with system
hardware.
!Chapter 2, “Getting Started,” for instructions on how to connect, power on, and care
for your system.
!Chapter 3, “Using the BIOS Setup Utility,” for details about modifying system
parameters and managing system power.
!Chapter 4, “Using the Operating System and Utilities,” for an understanding of your
Windows operating system. You’ll also learn how to use the system utilities and
and CDs for loading applications, drivers, and the NEC Info Center.
!Chapter 5, “Using the System Drives and Bays,” to master procedures for
connecting the external floppy disk drive, connecting the external CD-ROM drive,
and installing memory modules.
!Chapter 6, “Communicating with Your NEC Versa,” for essential information about
using PC cards and other communication features of the system.
!Chapter 7, “Traveling Tips,” for a variety of checklists to help you to prepare your
notebook computer for getting through customs and using your modem when you
are on the road.
!Chapter 8, “Using Peripheral Devices,” to master procedures for connecting
external devices like an external monitor, headphones, a printer, or speakers.
!Chapter 9, “Using Multimedia,” for steps on integrating video and sound clips into
impressive presentations.
!Chapter 10, “Solving System Problems,” for simple solutions to common problems
that may arise while operating your notebook.
!Chapter 11, “Getting Service and Support,” for information about getting help when
you need it from NEC Computers Inc. (NECC).
!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.

xUsing This Guide
!Appendix C, “Frequently Asked Questions,” (FAQs) for a look at questions that
users commonly ask and the answers to those questions.
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:
Warnings alert you to situations that could result in serious
personal injury or loss of life.
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 notebook
computer:
!The NEC Versa FX Quick Setup sheet helps get your system up and running.
!The NEC Versa FX Quick Reference card provides an easy-to-carry reference to
LED meanings, controls, function key combinations, and NECC help numbers.
(The quick reference card does not ship with some systems purchased outside of the
United States and Canada.)
!The NEC Info Center is a fully navigational, pdf document containing multimedia
elements, a full search capability, and all of the information about your NEC Versa
that you find in this printed user's guide, and more.

1
Introducing Your NEC Versa
!Before You Begin
!About Your NEC Versa FX 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 Your 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 FX notebook computer 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.
!Take the online Tour to get acquainted with the NEC Versa’s information
resources. The Tour is part of the NEC Info Center. Use the Application and Driver
CD that ships with your NEC Versa FX system to install the NEC Info Center.
Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-3
About Your NEC Versa FX Notebook
The NEC Versa FX notebook computer offers you a portable system filled with
exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include a Celeron
400-MHz or Pentium III 400-MHz or 500-MHz 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
To get comfortable with your notebook, read the following sections and take a tour
around your system!

1-4 Introducing Your 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
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.”

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-5
Base Unit
The base unit of your NEC Versa offers the following features which are described
after the figure.
After extended use, the surface of the base unit, below the
keyboard, may become hot to the touch.
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 — 83 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.

1-6 Introducing Your NEC Versa
!Email Shortcut Key — Launches your dial-up networking connection (if not
connected to a LAN) and Outlook Express. For details about configuring your
Internet Connection and modifying the shortcut keys, see Chapter 6,
“Communicating with Your NEC Versa.”
!Internet Shortcut Key — Launches your dial-up networking connection (if not
connected to a LAN) and Microsoft Internet Explorer. For details about
configuring your Internet Connection and modifying the shortcut keys, see Chapter
6, “Communicating with Your NEC Versa.”
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.”

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-7
!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.
—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
mouse pointer. Use the selection buttons below the VersaGlide to select menu
items. VersaGlide settings and features are described in detail in Chapter 2.

1-8 Introducing Your NEC Versa
Power Button
The Power 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, Shut Down,
Standby to put your system into Standby mode.
Use the Power button in the following ways:
—Slide the Power button 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, Shut Down.
Keyboard Panel
The NEC Versa keyboard 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

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-9
!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.
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 configured for Advanced Configuration
Power Interface (ACPI) mode.
Fn-F6 — sets the beeper volume to low, medium, high, or mute.
Fn-F7 — No function when Windows 98 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-ScrLk — 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.

1-10 Introducing Your NEC Versa
!Windows keys — In Windows 98 use the following two keys to facilitate your
work.
Quick access to shortcut menus
Displays 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.