NEC VERSA LXI - VERSION 02-2000 User manual

First Printing — February 2000
Copyright 2000
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. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY
STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
NEC is a registered trademark, Versa is a U.S. registered trademark, VersaBay, VersaGlide, and PortBar are
trademarks, and UltraCare is a U.S. registered service mark of NEC Corporation, and/or one or more of its
subsidiaries. All are used under license by NEC Corporation and/or one or more of its subsidiaries.
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
Using This Guide
Text Setup..............................................................................................................................x
Related Documents...............................................................................................................xi
1 Introducing Your NEC Versa
Before you Begin................................................................................................................1-2
About Your NEC Versa LXi Notebook..............................................................................1-3
Around the Front of the System..........................................................................................1-4
LCD Panel...................................................................................................................1-4
Base Unit.....................................................................................................................1-5
Operating Status LEDs................................................................................................1-6
Power Button........................................................................................................1-7
Keyboard.....................................................................................................................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 ....................................................................................1-16
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
Battery Gauge LEDs....................................................................................................2-7
Low Battery Status......................................................................................................2-8
Returning the Battery to its Normal State....................................................................2-8
Extending Battery Life................................................................................................2-8
Battery Handling .........................................................................................................2-8
Replacing the Battery..................................................................................................2-9
Battery Precautions....................................................................................................2-12
Precautions for Recharging the Battery.....................................................................2-12
System Batteries...............................................................................................................2-13
Main Battery..............................................................................................................2-13
CMOS Battery...........................................................................................................2-13
Bridge Battery ...........................................................................................................2-13
Optional Battery........................................................................................................2-13

iv Contents
System Care......................................................................................................................2-14
Precautions for System Use.......................................................................................2-14
Storage Requirements................................................................................................2-15
Routine Cleaning.......................................................................................................2-15
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.................................................................................................3-8
Establishing System Passwords...................................................................................3-9
Hard Disk Drive Passwords.........................................................................................3-9
Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords...........................................................3-10
Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords...............................................................3-10
Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection.....................................................3-11
Moving the Hard Disk Drive..............................................................................3-11
Power Management Setup.........................................................................................3-12
Boot Device Setup.....................................................................................................3-15
Peripheral Setup ........................................................................................................3-16
Other BIOS Setup Options........................................................................................3-17
Managing System Power..................................................................................................3-18
Windows 98 Power Management Properties.............................................................3-18
Windows 98 Power Schemes ....................................................................................3-19
Windows 98 Alarms..................................................................................................3-20
Windows 98 Power Meter.........................................................................................3-20
Windows 98 Advanced..............................................................................................3-21
Windows 98 Hibernate..............................................................................................3-21
Windows 98 Power Management States ...................................................................3-22
Recognizing the Windows 98 Power Management States ........................................3-22
Windows 95/NT Power Management States.............................................................3-23
Recognizing the Windows 95/NT Power Management States..................................3-23
Updating the BIOS ...........................................................................................................3-24
Obtaining the BIOS Update.......................................................................................3-24
Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette.........................................................................3-24
Identifying the Switch Settings..................................................................................3-25
Enabling the BIOS Flash Switch...............................................................................3-26
Performing the BIOS Update ....................................................................................3-29

Contents v
4 Using the Operating System and Utilities
Windows Introduction........................................................................................................4-2
Windows 98 Second Edition .......................................................................................4-2
Desktop Icons.......................................................................................................4-2
Taskbar Icons.......................................................................................................4-3
Windows 95.................................................................................................................4-4
Windows NT ...............................................................................................................4-5
NEC Utilities ......................................................................................................................4-6
NEC Customize Utility................................................................................................4-6
NEC Customize Utility Screen.............................................................................4-6
Using the NEC Customize Utility........................................................................4-7
HDPREPEZ Utility .....................................................................................................4-7
Using HDPREPEZ with Windows 98/95.............................................................4-7
Using HDPREPEZ with Windows NT.................................................................4-8
SpeedStep Applet ...............................................................................................................4-8
Application and Driver CD.................................................................................................4-8
Launching the CD with Windows 98/95.....................................................................4-8
Launching the CD with Windows NT.........................................................................4-9
Application and Driver CD Dialog Box......................................................................4-9
Installing the A&D Software.......................................................................................4-9
NEC Info Center...............................................................................................................4-10
Installing the NEC Info Center..................................................................................4-10
Uninstalling the NEC Info Center .............................................................................4-10
Partition Magic.................................................................................................................4-11
Product Recovery CD.......................................................................................................4-11
Guidelines for Using the Product Recovery CD........................................................4-12
Product Recovery CD Options..................................................................................4-12
Full Disk Drive Restore.............................................................................................4-13
Partition Only Restore...............................................................................................4-14
5 Using the System Drives and Bays
NEC Versa File Bay...........................................................................................................5-2
SuperDisk Drive.................................................................................................................5-2
Formatting Diskettes in the SuperDisk Drive..............................................................5-3
NEC VersaBay III ..............................................................................................................5-3
NEC VersaBay III Swap Utility.........................................................................................5-4
Installing the NEC VersaBay III Swap Utility ............................................................5-4
Using the NEC VersaBay III Swap Utility..................................................................5-5
Removing a Device from the NEC VersaBay III........................................................5-6
Installing a Device in the NEC VersaBay III ..............................................................5-7
Other NEC VersaBay III Devices ...............................................................................5-8
24X CD-ROM Drive..........................................................................................................5-9
CD Loading...............................................................................................................5-10
CD Care.....................................................................................................................5-10
Changing the Auto Play Setting ................................................................................5-10
CD Read/Write Drive.......................................................................................................5-11

vi Contents
6X DVD-ROM Drive.......................................................................................................5-12
Hard Disk Drive................................................................................................................5-13
Memory Modules .............................................................................................................5-18
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
Storage Cards ..............................................................................................................6-3
Other Cards..................................................................................................................6-3
PC Card Slots ..............................................................................................................6-3
Using the PC Card Slots..............................................................................................6-4
Inserting a PC Card .....................................................................................................6-4
Removing a Card.........................................................................................................6-5
PC Card Modems ........................................................................................................6-6
Mini-PCI Modem ...............................................................................................................6-6
Mini-PCI LAN....................................................................................................................6-7
Mini-PCI LAN/Modem......................................................................................................6-7
Installing the Online LAN/Modem Guides .................................................................6-8
Internet Connections...........................................................................................................6-8
Internet Connection Wizard in Windows 98...............................................................6-8
Internet Connection Wizard in Windows 95...............................................................6-9
Connecting to the Internet in Windows 95..................................................................6-9
Connecting to the Internet in Windows NT.................................................................6-9
IR Port ..............................................................................................................................6-10
Infrared Communications..........................................................................................6-10
Using the IR Port in Windows 98..............................................................................6-10
Using the IR Port in Windows 95..............................................................................6-11
Enabling the IR Port in Windows 98.........................................................................6-11
Enabling the IR Port in Windows 95.........................................................................6-11
7 Traveling Tips
Preparing for Travel............................................................................................................7-2
Packing for Travel..............................................................................................................7-2
Using Power Sources..........................................................................................................7-3
Getting Through Customs...................................................................................................7-3
Using Your Modem............................................................................................................7-4
8 Using Peripheral Devices
External Monitor ................................................................................................................8-2
Printer.................................................................................................................................8-3
Parallel Devices...........................................................................................................8-3
Serial Devices..............................................................................................................8-4

Contents vii
External Keyboard/Mouse..................................................................................................8-5
External Television Connections........................................................................................8-6
External Audio Options......................................................................................................8-8
USB Devices ......................................................................................................................8-9
NEC Versa Dock..............................................................................................................8-10
NEC Versa PortBar ..........................................................................................................8-11
PortBar Ports.............................................................................................................8-11
9 Using Multimedia
Audio..................................................................................................................................9-2
Recording ....................................................................................................................9-2
Playing Back................................................................................................................9-3
Optimizing the Sound Quality.....................................................................................9-3
Line-In.........................................................................................................................9-4
CD-ROM Input............................................................................................................9-4
Microphone .................................................................................................................9-4
Mixing.........................................................................................................................9-5
Using Headphones.......................................................................................................9-5
Using External Stereo Speakers ..................................................................................9-5
Using the Built-In Speakers.........................................................................................9-5
Digital Audio Output...................................................................................................9-5
MIDI Files...................................................................................................................9-6
Video..................................................................................................................................9-6
Using Digital Video Files............................................................................................9-6
Using Animation Files.................................................................................................9-6
Multimedia Applications....................................................................................................9-7
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 ...................................................................................................11-4
Email/Fax to Support Services .........................................................................................11-4
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You.............................................................................A-2
Arrange Your Equipment ..................................................................................................A-3
Adjust Your Chair .............................................................................................................A-3

viii Contents
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-9
Interrupt Controllers........................................................................................................B-10
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
Regulatory Statements

Using This Guide ix
Using This Guide
The NEC Versa®LXi 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 power management.
!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
CDs for loading applications, drivers, and the NEC Info Center.
!Chapter 5, “Using the System Drives and Bays,” to master procedures for swapping
VersaBay III devices, upgrading the hard disk drive and installing memory
modules.
!Chapter 6, “Communicating with Your NEC Versa,” for essential information about
using PC cards, optional mini-PCI modems or LANs, 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 travel, 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 LXi Quick Setup sheet helps get your system up and running.
!The NEC Versa LXi 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 LXi 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 LXi 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 LXi 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 LXi Notebook
The NEC Versa LXi notebook computer offers you a portable system filled with
exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include a powerful
Intel®Pentium III 450-MHz, 500-MHz, 600 MHz with SpeedStep™, or 650 MHz with
Speedstep microprocessor, all with AGP (advanced graphics port). Intel’s SpeedStep
technology allows you to customize high-performance computing on your notebook
system to optimize performance speed and conserve battery life. The 14.1-inch or 15.0-
inch TFT XGA LCD panel provides high-resolution display for sharp, effective visuals.
In addition, your system provides a high-performance hard disk drive, a diskette drive
or SuperDisk™ drive, PC card support, and a 24X CD-ROM drive, a CD Read/Write
drive or a 6X DVD-ROM drive. To optimize your connectivity options, some models
ship with an internal mini-PCI modem, internal mini-PCI LAN, or combination internal
mini-PCI LAN/modem. 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 LXi 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 LXi comes with a 1024x768, 64K color LCD panel that you can
adjust for a comfortable viewing position. To adjust the viewing angle, gently tilt the
LCD panel into position. Depending on the model, your system is equipped with a:
!14.1-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended Graphics Array (XGA) panel,
or a
!15.0-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 the section, “Keyboard,” later
in this chapter.

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.
LCD panel and base unit
A– Stereo Speakers D– Operating Status LEDs
B– Keyboard E– Power Button
C– LCD Panel F– NEC VersaGlide
!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.
!Keyboard — 85 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models purchased
outside of the U.S. and Canada ship with country-specific keyboard layouts.)
!LCD Panel — Provides a high-resolution display for sharp, effective visuals on
your NEC Versa.
!Operating Status LEDs — Keeps you informed of your NEC Versa's current
operating status. See the following section for details about the operating status
LEDs.
!Power Button — Press the Power button to power on, power off, and to resume
from Suspend (Windows 95) or Standby (Windows 98) mode.

1-6 Introducing Your NEC Versa
!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.
Operating Status LEDs
Operating status LEDs
A– IDE/VBIII Devices E– Num Lock
B– Diskette Drive F– Microphone
C– Caps Lock G– Power Button
D– Scroll Lock
!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.
!Diskette Drive — lights when the NEC Versa accesses the floppy diskette 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.
!Microphone — A strategically positioned built-in microphone allows you to record
monophonic sound directly into your notebook computer. See Chapter 9, “Using
Multimedia,” for details about recording.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-7
Power Button
The Power button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it recognizes when the system is in
Suspend mode in Windows 95*, or in Standby mode in Windows 98**. If in Suspend
or Standby mode, you cannot power off until you press the Power button to resume
operation.
* The BIOS parameter “System Switch” must be set to “Sleep.”
** The Advanced Power Management setting, “When I press the power button on
my computer,” must be set to Standby.
Put the unit in Suspend or 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. Suspend mode in
Windows 95 and Standby mode in Windows 98 shuts down all devices in the system
while retaining data and system status.
!In Windows 95, press the Power button for less than 4 seconds to put your system
into Suspend mode. The BIOS parameter “System Switch” must be set to “Sleep.”
!In Windows 98, go to Start, Shutdown, Standby to put your system into Standby
mode.
!Use the Power button in the following ways:
—Press the Power button to power on.
—Press the Power button to resume from Suspend (Windows 95) or Standby
(Windows 98) mode and proceed with normal operation.
—Hold the Power button in place for 4 or more seconds to initiate power override
(powers off the system). Only use this option if you cannot power off your
system using Start, Shutdown.

1-8 Introducing Your NEC Versa
Keyboard
The NEC Versa keyboard offers the following features, which are described after the
figure.
Keyboard
A– Function Keys D– Windows Keys
B– Numeric Keys E– Control Key
C– Cursor Control Keys F– Control Keys
!Function keys — Twelve function keys, F1 through F12, are available on the NEC
Versa keyboard. These keys work together with the Fn key to activate special
functions. Several keys are preprogrammed with dual functions, some of which 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
LXi computer.
Fn-F3 — Toggles between four video modes; LCD, CRT, both (LCD and CRT) or
TV out.
Fn-F4 — Sets Standby power management mode on, in Windows 95.
—In Windows 95, press any key to resume from Standby mode.
—No function when Windows 98 configured for Advanced Configuration and
Power Interface (ACPI). In Windows 98, Standby is equivalent to Windows 95
Suspend mode. To resume from Windows 98 Standby mode, press the Power
button.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-9
Fn-F6 — Sets the beeper volume to low, medium, high, or mute.
Fn-F7 — Toggles between various power management levels in Windows 95.
Beeps indicate the level chosen as follows:
1 beep Off
2 beeps Custom
3 beeps Highest Performance
4 beeps Longest Life
No function when Windows 98 configured for Advanced Configuration and Power
Interface (ACPI).
Fn-F8 — Increases the LCD panel brightness.
Fn-F9 — Decreases the LCD panel brightness.
Fn-F10 — Toggles LCD expansion mode (DOS only).
Fn-F12 — Toggles the scroll lock off and on.
Fn-ESC — Initiates a Save-to-Ram, in Windows 95. Saves your working
environment to memory.
Fn-Power — Initiates a Save-to-File on demand, in Windows 95. Saves your
working environment to a reserved area on the hard drive.
An additional preprogrammed function key, Fn-Left Ctrl, simulates pressing the right
control key for support of IBM 327x connections.
!Numeric keypad — Pressing NumLock 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 NumLock again, the keys revert to their normal functions as
typewriter keys.
!Cursor Control keys — Cursor control keys let you position the cursor on the screen
where you want. On the screen, the cursor is a blinking underline, block, or vertical
line depending on the application. The cursor indicates where the next text typed is
inserted.
!Windows keys — If you have Windows 98 or 95, you can use the following two
keys to facilitate your work.