NEC Versa LX User manual

First Printing — March 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 a service mark of NEC Corporation and/or one or more of its subsidiaries.
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 the NEC Versa
Getting to Know Your NEC Versa......................................................1-2
NEC Versa LX Notebook....................................................................1-3
Around the Front of the System ..........................................................1-4
LCD Panel......................................................................................1-4
Status Panel....................................................................................1-5
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit.......................................................1-7
Around the Back of the System.........................................................1-10
Around the Left Side of the System ..................................................1-11
Around the Right Side of the System................................................1-13
Around the Bottom of the System.....................................................1-15
2 Getting Started
Power Sources for Your NEC Versa...................................................2-2
Using the AC Adapter....................................................................2-2
Powering On .............................................................................2-4
Using the Main Battery Pack..........................................................2-5
Determining Battery Status.......................................................2-6
When to Change the Battery.....................................................2-8
Battery Handling.......................................................................2-8
Replacing the Battery................................................................2-9
Battery Precautions .................................................................2-11
Recharging Battery Precautions..............................................2-12
Extending Battery Life............................................................2-12
NEC VersaBay III........................................................................2-12
Internal Batteries..........................................................................2-12
CMOS Battery.........................................................................2-13
Bridge Battery.........................................................................2-13
System Care.......................................................................................2-14
Precautions...................................................................................2-14
Storage Requirements ..................................................................2-15
Routine Cleaning..........................................................................2-16

iv Contents
Introducing the Software...................................................................2-17
Traveling with your NEC Versa........................................................2-17
Power Connections.......................................................................2-18
Checklists.....................................................................................2-18
What to Take...........................................................................2-18
Preparing your NEC Versa for Travel ....................................2-19
3 Using the Software
BIOS Setup..........................................................................................3-2
How to Enter the BIOS Setup........................................................3-2
BIOS Setup Utility Main Menu ................................................3-3
How to Use BIOS Setup.................................................................3-3
Looking at Screens....................................................................3-4
Using Keys................................................................................3-5
Checking/Setting System Parameters .......................................3-5
BIOS Setup Menus....................................................................3-9
Other BIOS Setup Options......................................................3-14
Password Protection................................................................3-14
Using BIOS Setup to Set Power Management.............................3-15
Using the Save to File (STF) Feature......................................3-15
Updating the BIOS.......................................................................3-17
Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette ......................................3-17
Changing the Switch Settings .................................................3-18
Performing the BIOS Update..................................................3-18
Windows Introduction.......................................................................3-19
Windows 98..................................................................................3-20
Desktop Icons..........................................................................3-20
Taskbar Icons..........................................................................3-21
Windows 95..................................................................................3-22
Windows NT................................................................................3-24
Service Pack 4.........................................................................3-25
Adding Hardware....................................................................3-26
NEC Utilities.....................................................................................3-26
NEC Customize Utility ................................................................3-26
Using the NEC Customize Utility...........................................3-27
HDPREPEZ Utility......................................................................3-28
Using HDPREPEZ in Windows 98 or 95 ...............................3-28
NEC Help Center...............................................................................3-29
Software Applications and Drivers....................................................3-29
Using the Application and Driver CD..........................................3-30
Launching the Application and Driver CD.............................3-30

Contents v
Installing the Software ............................................................3-31
Uninstalling the NEC Help Center..........................................3-32
Partition Magic.............................................................................3-32
Using Partition Magic.............................................................3-32
Intel LANDesk Client Manager...................................................3-33
SystemSoft PowerProfiler............................................................3-34
SystemSoft CardWizard...............................................................3-35
Intellisync for Notebooks.............................................................3-35
McAfee VirusScan.......................................................................3-36
Microsoft Internet Explorer..........................................................3-36
Netscape Navigator ......................................................................3-36
Adobe Acrobat Reader.................................................................3-36
4 Using the Hardware
LCD Panel...........................................................................................4-2
Keyboard .............................................................................................4-2
NEC VersaGlide..................................................................................4-5
Making VersaGlide Adjustments...................................................4-6
VersaGlide Tips..............................................................................4-7
NEC Versa File Bay............................................................................4-7
SuperDisk Drive..................................................................................4-8
Formatting Diskettes in the SuperDisk Drive ................................4-8
NEC VersaBay III ...............................................................................4-9
NEC VersaBay Swapping Utility.................................................4-10
Installing the NEC VersaBay Swapping Utility......................4-10
Using the NEC VersaBay Swapping Utility...........................4-10
Removing a Device from the VersaBay III..................................4-11
Installing a Device in the VersaBay III........................................4-13
Customizing Your System with the VersaBay III........................4-15
24X CD-ROM Drive.........................................................................4-15
CD Loading..................................................................................4-16
CD Care........................................................................................4-17
Changing the Auto Play Setting...................................................4-17
DVD-ROM Drive..............................................................................4-18
PC Cards............................................................................................4-19
Type II Cards................................................................................4-19
Type II Extended Cards................................................................4-19
Type III Cards ..............................................................................4-19
Communication Cards.............................................................4-19
PC Card Modems....................................................................4-20
Storage Cards..........................................................................4-21

vi Contents
Interface Cards........................................................................4-21
Other Cards.............................................................................4-21
PC Card Slots...............................................................................4-21
Inserting a PC Card......................................................................4-22
Removing a Card..........................................................................4-23
IR Port ...............................................................................................4-23
Using the IR Port..........................................................................4-24
Enabling the IR Port.....................................................................4-25
Windows 98 or 95 Systems.....................................................4-25
Windows NT Systems.............................................................4-25
Increasing System Storage and Memory...........................................4-26
Hard Disk .....................................................................................4-26
Memory Module Installation........................................................4-32
Switch Settings..................................................................................4-37
Changing Switch Settings ............................................................4-38
5 Using External Devices
External Monitor .................................................................................5-2
Printer..................................................................................................5-3
Parallel Devices..............................................................................5-3
Serial Devices.................................................................................5-4
External Keyboard/Mouse...................................................................5-5
External Bar Code Scanner..................................................................5-7
External Television Connections.........................................................5-7
External Audio Options.......................................................................5-9
USB Devices .....................................................................................5-10
NEC Versa Dock...............................................................................5-11
NEC Versa PortBar ...........................................................................5-11
PortBar Ports................................................................................5-11
6 Using Multimedia
Audio...................................................................................................6-2
Recording.......................................................................................6-2
Optimizing the Sound Quality ..................................................6-3
Line-In............................................................................................6-4
CD-ROM Input ..............................................................................6-4
Microphone ....................................................................................6-5
Mixing............................................................................................6-5
Playing Back ..................................................................................6-5
Using Headphones ....................................................................6-6
Using the Built-In Speakers......................................................6-6

Contents vii
Using External Stereo Speakers................................................6-7
MIDI Files......................................................................................6-7
Video ...................................................................................................6-7
Using Digital Video Files...............................................................6-8
Using Animation Files ...................................................................6-8
Multimedia Applications.....................................................................6-8
7 Solving System Problems
Problem Checklist ...............................................................................7-2
Start-Up Problems ...............................................................................7-4
Post Error Messages.......................................................................7-4
Using the Product Recovery CD .........................................................7-8
Guidelines for Using the Product Recovery CD ............................7-8
Recovery Choices...........................................................................7-9
Full/Express Restore ....................................................................7-10
Partition Restore...........................................................................7-12
Windows NT Recovery CDs........................................................7-14
If You Need Assistance.....................................................................7-15
8 Getting Services and Support
Services and Support Contact Information..........................................8-2
NECC Web Site...................................................................................8-2
NECC FTP Site ...................................................................................8-3
NECC Support Services......................................................................8-4
Email/Fax to Support Services............................................................8-4
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You..............................................A-2
Arrange Your Equipment ...................................................................A-3
Adjust Your Chair ..............................................................................A-4
Adjust Your Input Devices.................................................................A-4
Adjust Your Screen or Monitor..........................................................A-5
Vary Your Workday...........................................................................A-6
Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors ............................A-7
B Specifications
System Components...........................................................................B-2
Memory Map......................................................................................B-9
Interrupt Controllers.........................................................................B-10

viii Contents
C Frequently Asked Questions
External Mouse...................................................................................C-2
Display................................................................................................C-2
PC Cards.............................................................................................C-3
Diskette Drive.....................................................................................C-5
Booting...............................................................................................C-7
Power Management............................................................................C-7
Miscellaneous...................................................................................C-10
Glossary
Index

Using This Guide ix
Using This Guide
The NEC Versa®LX 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 the 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, as well as what to bring when
you travel with your NEC Versa notebook computer.
!Chapter 3, “Using the Software,” for a concise summary of the
applications and utilities loaded on your system. We included
software to let you experience the full spectrum of the system.
!Chapter 4, “Using the Hardware,” for an understanding of NEC Versa
features and functionality. You’ll learn how to swap VersaBay
devices, install PC cards, and upgrade your system memory.
!Chapter 5, “Using External Devices,” to master procedures for
connecting external devices like an external monitor, headphones, a
printer, or speakers.
!Chapter 6, “Using Multimedia,” for steps on integrating video and
sound clips into impressive presentations.
!Chapter 7, “Solving System Problems,” for simple solutions to
common problems that may arise while operating your notebook.
!Chapter 8, “Getting Services 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 LX Quick Setup sheet helps get your system up and
running.
!The NEC Versa LX 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 Help Center is a fully navigational, HTML-based 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 the NEC Versa
!Getting to Know Your NEC Versa
!NEC Versa LX Notebook
!Around the Front of the System
!Around the Back of the System
!Around the Left Side of the System
!Around the Right Side of the System
!Around the Bottom of the System

1-2 Introducing the NEC Versa
Getting to Know Your NEC Versa
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 LX 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 System Tour to get acquainted with the NEC Versa.
The System Tour is part of the NEC Help Center. Use the Application
and Driver CD for the NEC Versa LX that ships with your system to
install the NEC Help Center.
!Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-3
NEC Versa LX Notebook
The NEC Versa LX notebook computer offers you a portable system
filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard
features include a powerful Intel Pentium II 300-PE, 333-MHz or
366-MHz microprocessor with AGP (advanced graphics port) that works
together with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
architecture.
In addition, your 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, your 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 your notebook, read the following sections and
take a tour around your system!

1-4 Introducing the NEC Versa
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the
front of the NEC Versa. The following sections describe front features,
beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.
LCD Panel
Your NEC Versa LX comes with a 1024x768, 64K color LCD panel that
you can adjust for a comfortable viewing position. Depending on the
model, your system is equipped with a:
!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 press the Fn-F8 and Fn-F9 functions
keys. For more details about using the system’s function keys, see
Chapter 4, “Using the Hardware.”

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-5
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
you to record monophonic sound directly into your notebook
computer. See Chapter 6, “Using Multimedia,” for details about
recording.
!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.

1-6 Introducing the NEC Versa
Operating status LEDs
A– IDE/VBIII Devices B– Caps Lock C– Num Lock D– Scroll Lock E– Diskette Drive
IDE/VBIII devices — lights when the NEC Versa writes data to
or retrieves data from the internal hard disk drive, a SuperDisk
drive in the file bay, or a device in the VersaBay III.
Caps Lock — lights when Caps Lock is in effect.
Num Lock — lights when Num Lock mode is active.
Scroll Lock — lights when Scroll Lock is in effect.
Diskette Drive — lights when the NEC Versa accesses the floppy
diskette drive.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-7
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 your 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 selection buttons below the
VersaGlide to select menu items. VersaGlide settings and features are
described in detail in Chapter 4.
!Keyboard — 85 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. See
Chapter 4 for complete details. (Models purchased outside of the U.S.
and Canada ship with country-specific keyboard layouts.)

1-8 Introducing the NEC Versa
!System Power Status LEDs — keeps you informed 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 the system is under AC
power. When the system is under 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.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-9
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.
!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 your system.
The VersaBay III lets you add options, including an optional second
Li-Ion battery, or an additional hard disk drive. See “Customizing
Your System with the VersaBay III” in Chapter 4.