NEC Versa LX User manual

NEC Versa®LX Notebook Computer
VERSA LX
S E R V I C E A N D R E F E R E N C E
M A N U A L

First Printing — March 1999
Copyright 1999
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1 Packard Bell Way
Sacramento, CA 95828-0903
All Rights Reserved
Proprietary Notice and Liability Disclaimer
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the
valuable property of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc. (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.
FaxFlash is a service mark of NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD), Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
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
Chapter 1 System Overview
Getting to Know the NEC Versa LX.................................................................................... 1-2
Around the Front of the System............................................................................................ 1-3
LCD Panel.......................................................................................................................1-3
Status Panel ..................................................................................................................... 1-4
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit........................................................................................ 1-5
Around the Back of the System............................................................................................ 1-7
Around the Left Side of the System...................................................................................... 1-8
Around the Right Side of the System................................................................................. 1-10
Around the Bottom of the System...................................................................................... 1-12
Internal Components........................................................................................................... 1-12
Battery Pack .................................................................................................................. 1-12
Hard Disk Drive ............................................................................................................ 1-13
File Bay ......................................................................................................................... 1-13
VersaBay III .................................................................................................................. 1-13
CPU Board .................................................................................................................... 1-13
Audio Board.................................................................................................................. 1-13
CMOS Battery............................................................................................................... 1-13
Bridge Battery ............................................................................................................... 1-13
ChipSet ............................................................................................................................... 1-14
Chapter 2 System Configuration and Setup
Power Sources for Your NEC Versa.................................................................................... 2-2
Using the AC Adapter..................................................................................................... 2-2
Powering On ......................................................................................................... 2-4
Using the Main Battery Pack........................................................................................... 2-4
Determining Battery Status................................................................................... 2-5
When to Change the Battery................................................................................. 2-6
Battery Handling................................................................................................... 2-7
Replacing the Battery............................................................................................ 2-7
Battery Precautions............................................................................................... 2-9
Recharging Battery Precautions.......................................................................... 2-10
Extending Battery Life........................................................................................ 2-10
NEC VersaBay III Battery............................................................................................. 2-10
Internal Batteries ........................................................................................................... 2-10
CMOS Battery .................................................................................................... 2-10
Bridge Battery..................................................................................................... 2-11
BIOS Setup......................................................................................................................... 2-11
How to Enter the BIOS Setup ....................................................................................... 2-11
BIOS Setup Utility Main Menu.......................................................................... 2-12
How to Use BIOS Setup................................................................................................ 2-12
Looking at Screens.............................................................................................. 2-13
Using Keys.......................................................................................................... 2-13
Checking/Setting System Parameters ................................................................. 2-14
BIOS Setup Menus........................................................................................................ 2-16
Standard CMOS Setup........................................................................................ 2-16

iv Contents
Advanced CMOS Setup ......................................................................................2-17
System Security Setup.........................................................................................2-17
Power Management Setup...................................................................................2-18
Boot Device Setup...............................................................................................2-19
Peripheral Setup ..................................................................................................2-20
Other BIOS Setup Options..................................................................................2-21
Password Protection............................................................................................2-21
Using BIOS Setup to Set Power Management ..............................................................2-21
Using the Save to File (STF) Feature..................................................................2-22
Updating the BIOS.........................................................................................................2-22
Preparing the BIOS Upgrade Diskette ................................................................2-23
Changing the Switch Settings..............................................................................2-24
Performing the BIOS Update ..............................................................................2-24
NEC CSD Utilities..............................................................................................................2-25
NEC Customize Utility..................................................................................................2-25
Using the NEC Customize Utility.......................................................................2-25
HDPREPEZ Utility........................................................................................................2-26
Using HDPREPEZ in Windows 95 and Windows 98.........................................2-26
Using HDPREPEZ in Windows NT....................................................................2-26
Software Applications and Drivers.....................................................................................2-27
Using the Application and Driver CD ...........................................................................2-27
Launching the Application and Driver CD .........................................................2-27
Installing the Software.........................................................................................2-28
Partition Magic ..............................................................................................................2-28
Using Partition Magic .........................................................................................2-28
Intel LANDesk Client Manager.....................................................................................2-29
SystemSoft PowerProfiler..............................................................................................2-30
SystemSoft CardWizard ................................................................................................2-30
Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks ...................................................................2-30
McAfee VirusScan.........................................................................................................2-31
Microsoft Internet Explorer...........................................................................................2-31
Netscape Navigator........................................................................................................2-31
Adobe Acrobat Reader...................................................................................................2-31
Enabling the IR Port ......................................................................................................2-31
Windows 95 Systems ..........................................................................................2-32
Windows NT Systems.........................................................................................2-32
Chapter 3 Disassembly and Reassembly
Required Tools and Equipment.............................................................................................3-2
Disassembly..........................................................................................................................3-2
Battery..............................................................................................................................3-2
Removing a Device from the VersaBay III .....................................................................3-4
Keyboard, Memory Module, Switch Settings..................................................................3-5
Switch Settings for Non-AGP Models..................................................................3-7
Switch Settings for AGP Models ..........................................................................3-7
Changing Switch Settings .....................................................................................3-8
Disassembly Differences .................................................................................................3-9
Disassembly – User Replaceable Drive System............................................................3-10
CPU Assembly...............................................................................................................3-10
File Bay Assembly.........................................................................................................3-11
Hard Disk Drive Assembly............................................................................................3-12

Contents v
Front Cover.................................................................................................................... 3-13
Speaker Assembly, VersaGlide Assembly,
LCD Panel Latch Switch Assembly................................................................... 3-14
VersaGlide Assembly ......................................................................................... 3-14
LCD Panel Switch Board.................................................................................... 3-15
LCD Panel Assembly.................................................................................................... 3-15
LED Sub Assembly............................................................................................. 3-16
PC Card Assembly, CMOS Battery, Buzzer, and Audio Board.................................... 3-17
PC Card Assembly.............................................................................................. 3-17
CMOS Battery .................................................................................................... 3-18
Buzzer ................................................................................................................. 3-18
Main Board Assembly................................................................................................... 3-18
Fan Assembly...................................................................................................... 3-18
CPU Assembly.................................................................................................... 3-19
Bracket/Insulator Assemblies, Bridge Battery, Power Switch...................................... 3-19
Connector Board, Switch/Cable Cover, Switch/Cable.................................................. 3-19
Bottom Base Assembly ................................................................................................. 3-20
Disassembly – Non-User Replaceable Drive System....................................................3-20
CPU Assembly .............................................................................................................. 3-20
Front Cover.................................................................................................................... 3-21
Speaker Assembly, VersaGlide Assembly,
LCD Panel Latch Switch Assembly................................................................... 3-23
VersaGlide Assembly ......................................................................................... 3-23
LCD Panel Switch Board.................................................................................... 3-23
LCD Panel Assembly.................................................................................................... 3-24
LED Sub Assembly............................................................................................. 3-25
Hard Drive and PC Card Assemblies, CMOS Battery, Buzzer, Audio Board.............. 3-25
Hard Drive Assembly.......................................................................................... 3-26
PC Card Assembly.............................................................................................. 3-26
CMOS Battery .................................................................................................... 3-26
Buzzer ................................................................................................................. 3-27
Main Board Assembly................................................................................................... 3-27
Fan Assembly...................................................................................................... 3-27
CPU Assembly.................................................................................................... 3-27
Bracket/Insulator Assemblies, Bridge Battery, Power Switch...................................... 3-28
Connector Board, Switch/Cable Cover, Switch/Cable.................................................. 3-28
Bottom Base Assembly ................................................................................................. 3-29
Reassembly......................................................................................................................... 3-29
Chapter 4 System Board Layout
Audio Board ......................................................................................................................... 4-2
Connector Board................................................................................................................... 4-2
LCD Panel Switch Board......................................................................................................4-3
LED Status Board................................................................................................................. 4-3
Main Board........................................................................................................................... 4-4
Chapter 5 Illustrated Parts Breakdown
Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Non-AGPModels) ................................................................... 5-2
Parts List (Non-AGP Models).............................................................................................. 5-3
Illustrated Parts Breakdown (AGP Models)......................................................................... 5-5
Parts List (AGP Models) ...................................................................................................... 5-6

vi Contents
Chapter 6 Preventive Maintenance
Cleaning the Notebook Exterior ...........................................................................................6-2
Cleaning the Notebook Interior.............................................................................................6-2
Protecting the Disk Drives....................................................................................................6-2
Handling the Battery Pack ....................................................................................................6-3
Maintaining the LCD Quality...............................................................................................6-4
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Quick Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................7-2
Helpful Questions .................................................................................................................7-4
Chapter 8 Getting Services 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.....................................................................................................8-4
NEC CSD Support Services..................................................................................................8-5
NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center................................................................................8-6
Chapter 9 Specifications
System Components..............................................................................................................9-2
Pin Assignments....................................................................................................................9-7
Connector Locations...........................................................................................................9-12
Memory Map.......................................................................................................................9-13
Interrupt Controllers............................................................................................................9-14
Glossary
Index

Preface vii
Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary
to set up and maintain the NEC Versa ® LX 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 Services and Support, provides information as to how to
contact NEC CSD for service information, technical support, product
information and ordering information from FaxFlash.
Chapter 9, Specifications, lists physical specifications, video modes, pin
assignments, 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
Abbreviations

x
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
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

xi
VESA video electronics standards
association
VFC VESA-compliant feature
connector
VGA Video Graphics Array
VRAM video RAM
Wwatt
Wwrite
XGA Extended Graphics Array

1
System Overview
!Getting to Know the NEC Versa LX
!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

1-2 System Overview
Getting to Know the NEC Versa LX
The NEC Versa LX notebook computer is a portable system filled with exciting
resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include a powerful
Intel® Pentium 200-MHz or 233-MHz, or Pentium II 233-MHz, 266-MHz,
300-MHz, 300-PE, 333-MHz, 366-MHz, or 400-MHz microprocessor that
works together with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
architecture. Some systems also include Advanced Graphics Port (AGP)
support.
In addition, the system provides a high-performance hard disk drive, a diskette
drive or SuperDisk™ drive, and PC card support. Most models are equipped
with a 24X CD-ROM drive, or a DVD-ROM drive. As a multimedia system, the
NEC Versa also provides the tools needed to create and present impressive
images using video clips and sound.
NEC Versa LX notebook computer
To get comfortable with the notebook, read the following sections and take a
tour around the system!

System Overview 1-3
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the front of
the NEC Versa. The following sections describe front features, beginning with
the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.
LCD Panel
The NEC Versa LX comes with a color LCD panel that can be adjusted for a
comfortable viewing position. Depending on the model, the system is equipped
with a:
!12.1-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Super Video Graphics Array
(SVGA) panel.
!13.3-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended Graphics Array
(XGA) panel.
!14.1-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended Graphics Array (XGA)
panel.
To adjust the LCD panel brightness:
!Use the slide switch on the front of the panel (12.1-inch TFT, SVGA
panel only).
!Press the Fn-F8 and Fn-F9 function keys.
In addition to the superior display panel, the NEC Versa is equipped with a
Pentium II processor with AGP. AGP adds new features for graphics
accelerators such as dedicated access to main memory and faster transfer rates.
AGP further expands current 3D capabilities to new levels of visual realism
providing higher performance 3D graphics capabilities.

1-4 System Overview
Status Panel
The NEC Versa status panel provides the features shown in the figure. These
features are described after the figure.
Status panel
A – Microphone B – Operating Status LEDs
!Microphone — A strategically positioned built-in microphone allows the
user to record monophonic sound directly into the notebook computer.
!Operating Status LEDs — informs users of the NEC Versa’s current
operating status. See the following figure and list for each icon’s
meaning.
Operating status LEDs
A– IDE/VBIII Devices B– Caps Lock C– Num Lock
D– Scroll Lock E– File Bay
IDE/VBIII devices — lights when the NEC Versa writes data to or
retrieves data from the internal hard disk drive or a device in the
VersaBay III.
Caps Lock — lights when Caps Lock mode is in effect.
Num Lock — lights when Num Lock mode is active.
Scroll Lock — lights when Scroll Lock mode is in effect.

System Overview 1-5
File Bay — lights when the NEC Versa accesses either the floppy
disk drive or SuperDisk drive installed in the file bay.
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit
The NEC Versa keyboard panel and base unit contain the following features
which are described after the figure.
Keyboard panel and base unit
A– Stereo Speaker B– VersaGlide C– Keyboard
D– System Power Status LEDS E– VersaBay III
!Stereo Speakers — provide stereo sound for multimedia presentations or
listening pleasure. The built-in sound system also supports 3D sound,
which simulates the latest surround-sound technology.
!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 left button below the
VersaGlide to select menu items.
!Keyboard — 85 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models
purchased outside of the U.S. and Canada ship with country-specific
keyboard layouts.)

1-6 System Overview
!System Power Status LEDs — informs users of the system’s current
power status.
System power status LEDs
A– Power Status LED B– Battery Charging LED
Power Status LED — lights green when system is using AC power.
When the system is using battery power, this LED lights to indicate
the following:
Lights green when the system power is on.
Blinks green when the system is in Suspend mode.
Lights yellow (blinks when in Suspend mode) to indicate that battery
power is at 8% capacity or less.
Lights amber (blinks when in Suspend mode) to indicate that battery
power is at 3% capacity.
Note:When both the primary and a secondary
battery are installed, the power status LED indicates the
total (primary plus secondary) battery status.
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 installed in the
VersaBay III.

System Overview 1-7
!NEC VersaBay III™ — A 24X CD-ROM drive, a SuperDisk drive, or a
DVD-ROM drive comes installed in the NEC VersaBay III on the front
of the system.
The VersaBay III accepts additional options, including an optional
SuperDisk drive, second Li-Ion battery, or an additional hard disk drive.
Around the Back of the System
You will find system ports for connecting optional devices (like a printer, a
docking station, or an external monitor) on the back of the NEC Versa. These
ports are described after the figure.
Ports on the back of the system
A– PortBar Notch B– Serial Port C– Expansion Port
D– AC Power Port E– External Monitor Port F– Parallel Port
G– PS/2 Port
!PortBar Notches — Use these notches to secure the PortBar to the back
of the system.
!Serial Port — Use this port to connect an external modem or other serial
device.
!Expansion Port — This port (also called the Docking port) provides a
connection for NEC Versa LX options including the NEC Versa Dock
and the NEC Versa PortBar.
CAUTION
Only dock the NEC Versa LX system on the NEC Versa
Dock. The cover of the NEC Versa Dock is specially
designed to allow for proper system cooling.
!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 auto adapter.
!External Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach an
external monitor to the NEC Versa. The user can run the LCD display
and the external monitor simultaneously or run either alone.

1-8 System Overview
!Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel printer or other parallel
device. The port is an Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP). The ECP
standard provides a greater processing speed than the conventional
parallel port. It also supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP),
bi-directional, and uni-directional protocols.
!PS/2 Port –— Use the standard PS/2 port to connect an external
PS/2-style mouse or a PS/2-style keyboard to the system. With an
optional Y-cable adapter, the user can connect both a mouse and a
keyboard at the same time.
Around the Left Side of the System
The left side of the NEC Versa offers the following features, which are
described after the figure.
Left side features
A– Fan Vents B– IR Port C– PC Card Slots
D– USB Port E– TV Out (RCA) Port F– TV Out (S-Video) Port
!Fan Vents — Allows the system to cool properly and maintain a safe
operating temperature.
CAUTION
Always keep the fan vents clear to allow proper system
cooling.
!IR Port — Transfers files between the NEC Versa and an IR-equipped
desktop, notebook computer, or other devices.
Note: The NEC Versa LX ships with the IR port
disabled.
!PC card slots — Provides two slots for inserting two Type II PC cards or
one Type III PC card.

System Overview 1-9
!USB Port — Connects up to 127 USB-equipped peripheral devices
(printers, monitors, scanners, etc.) to the NEC Versa.
!TV Out (S-Video) Port — Uses a television set equipped with an S-Video
input jack as an external monitor. This port supports both NTSC and PAL
signals.
!TV Out (RCA) Port — Uses a television set equipped with a standard
RCA jack as an external monitor. This port supports both NTSC and PAL
signals.
Note: The TV Out ports do not support the SECAM
signal used in some countries.

1-10 System Overview
Around the Right Side of the System
The right-side of the NEC Versa offers the features shown in the following
figure. Features are described after the figure.
Right side features
A– Headphones/Line Out B– Line In C– External Microphone
D– Kensington Lock E– File Bay F– Power/Sleep Button
G– Audio Volume
!Audio ports
Headphones/Line-Out — Allows the user to connect external
headphones or speakers to the NEC Versa. Plugging in headphones
disables the built-in system speakers.
Line-In — Uses another audio system, like a home stereo, as an input
source. Use a cable to connect to the Line-Out port on the other audio
system to record or play.
External Microphone (MIC) — Allows the user to connect an
external microphone for monophonic recording or amplification
through the unit. Plugging in an external microphone disables the
built-in microphone.
!Kensington Lock — Lets the user provide added security by installing an
optional Kensington Lock.
!File Bay — The NEC Versa ships with a 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskette drive
or the SuperDisk drive installed in the file bay.