NEC VERSA NOTE User manual

First Printing — December 1998
Copyright 1998
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.
As an ENERGY star partner, NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD) has determined that this product
meets the ENERGY star guidelines for energy efficiency.
FaxFlash is a service mark of NEC CSD, Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
NEC and Versa are registered trademarks of NEC Corporation, used under license.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered trademark.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective trademark owners.

Contents iii
Contents
Using This Guide
Text Setup .......................................................................................................x
Related Documents.........................................................................................xi
1 Getting Started
Your NEC Versa Note ................................................................................. 1-2
Around the Front of the System.................................................................... 1-4
LCD Panel............................................................................................. 1-4
Control Panel......................................................................................... 1-6
Status Icons..................................................................................... 1-7
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit............................................................... 1-8
Around the Back of the System.................................................................... 1-9
Around the Left Side of the System.............................................................1-11
Around the Right Side of the System...........................................................1-12
Around the Bottom of the System................................................................1-14
NEC Versa Note Power Sources .................................................................1-15
Using the AC Adapter...........................................................................1-15
Powering On / Off..........................................................................1-16
Using the Battery Pack..........................................................................1-17
Replacing the Battery Pack.............................................................1-17
When Battery Power is Low...........................................................1-18
Battery Handling ..................................................................................1-19
Battery Life ..........................................................................................1-19
Extending Battery Life..........................................................................1-20
Battery Charging ..................................................................................1-20
Battery Precautions...............................................................................1-21
Battery Disposal...................................................................................1-21
Internal Batteries.........................................................................................1-22
CMOS Battery......................................................................................1-22
System Care................................................................................................1-23
Storage Requirements...........................................................................1-23
Routine Cleaning..................................................................................1-24
Important Safety Instructions ......................................................................1-25
Precautions...........................................................................................1-25
German Language Version of Important Safety Instructions........................1-28
Wichtige Hinweise Zur Sicherheit.........................................................1-28
Vorsichtsmaßnahmen............................................................................1-29

iv Contents
2 Understanding the Software
Windows Introduction.................................................................................. 2-3
Windows 98 .......................................................................................... 2-3
Desktop Icons.................................................................................. 2-3
Taskbar Icons.................................................................................. 2-4
Windows 95 .......................................................................................... 2-6
Active Desktop................................................................................ 2-7
Internet Explorer Channel Bar......................................................... 2-7
Taskbar Icons.................................................................................. 2-8
Windows NT......................................................................................... 2-8
Service Pack 4................................................................................. 2-9
Guide to Online Help..................................................................................2-10
Guide to NEC Utilities................................................................................2-10
Setup....................................................................................................2-11
NEC Customize Utility.........................................................................2-11
PHDisk.................................................................................................2-11
Other Software............................................................................................2-11
Adobe Acrobat Reader..........................................................................2-12
QuickLink MessageCenter III...............................................................2-12
eSafe Protect.........................................................................................2-12
Microsoft Office 97 Professional Edition (only on selected models)......2-12
World Wide Web Browsers.........................................................................2-12
Netscape Navigator...............................................................................2-13
Microsoft Internet Explorer...................................................................2-13
Applications and Drivers CD ......................................................................2-13
Launching the Applications and Drivers CD.........................................2-13
Installing the Software..........................................................................2-14
3 Using Setup and Power Management
Setup Utility ................................................................................................ 3-2
How to Enter Setup................................................................................ 3-2
How to Use Setup.................................................................................. 3-3
Looking at Screens.......................................................................... 3-3
Using Keys...................................................................................... 3-4
Checking/Setting System Parameters............................................... 3-5
Setup Menus.......................................................................................... 3-7
Main Menu...................................................................................... 3-7
Advanced Menu .............................................................................. 3-8
Security Menu................................................................................. 3-8
Power Menu.................................................................................... 3-9

Contents v
Boot Menu .....................................................................................3-11
Exit Menu ......................................................................................3-11
4 Using Your NEC Versa Note
LCD Panel................................................................................................... 4-2
Keyboard..................................................................................................... 4-2
NEC VersaGlide.......................................................................................... 4-5
Making VersaGlide Adjustments ........................................................... 4-6
VersaGlide Tips..................................................................................... 4-7
Integrated Drives.......................................................................................... 4-7
20X or 24X CD-ROM Reader................................................................ 4-8
CD Loading........................................................................................... 4-8
CD Care................................................................................................ 4-9
Changing the Auto Play Setting............................................................. 4-9
56K Internal Modem...................................................................................4-10
Connecting the Internal Modem............................................................4-11
PC Cards ....................................................................................................4-12
Type II Cards........................................................................................4-12
Type II Extended Cards........................................................................4-12
Type III Cards ......................................................................................4-12
Communication Cards....................................................................4-12
PC Card Modems ...........................................................................4-13
Storage Cards.................................................................................4-13
Interface Cards...............................................................................4-13
Other Cards....................................................................................4-13
PC Card Slots.......................................................................................4-14
Inserting a PC Card........................................................................4-14
Removing a Card............................................................................4-15
IR Port..................................................................................................4-16
USB Port..............................................................................................4-17
Enabling and Disabling Devices..................................................................4-18
Increasing System Storage and Memory......................................................4-19
Hard Disk Drive...................................................................................4-19
Memory Module Installation.................................................................4-19
Connecting Options ....................................................................................4-22
External Monitor ..................................................................................4-23
Printer ..................................................................................................4-23
Parallel Devices..............................................................................4-24
Serial Devices ................................................................................4-24
External Keyboard/Mouse/Keypad........................................................4-25
External Audio Options ........................................................................4-26

vi Contents
NEC PortBar ........................................................................................4-26
Using the PortBar...........................................................................4-26
Updating the System BIOS...................................................................4-29
5 Using Multimedia
Audio........................................................................................................... 5-2
Recording.............................................................................................. 5-2
Line-In .................................................................................................. 5-3
CD-ROM Input ..................................................................................... 5-4
Microphone........................................................................................... 5-4
Playing Back ......................................................................................... 5-4
Using Headphones........................................................................... 5-5
Using the Built-In Speakers............................................................. 5-5
Using External Stereo Speakers....................................................... 5-5
Video........................................................................................................... 5-5
Using Digital Video Files....................................................................... 5-6
Using Animation Files........................................................................... 5-6
Multimedia Applications.............................................................................. 5-7
6 Traveling with Your NEC Versa Note
Power Connections ...................................................................................... 6-2
Checklist Information................................................................................... 6-2
What to Take......................................................................................... 6-3
Preparing Your NEC Versa Note for Travel........................................... 6-3
7 Solving Problems
Problem Checklist........................................................................................ 7-2
Start-up Problems ........................................................................................ 7-3
POST Error Messages............................................................................ 7-4
If You Need Assistance................................................................................ 7-6
Product Recovery CD .................................................................................. 7-7
Full/Express Restore.............................................................................. 7-8
Partition Restore...................................................................................7-10
If You Need Assistance...............................................................................7-13
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You.........................................................A-2
Arrange Your Equipment.............................................................................A-3
Adjust Your Chair........................................................................................A-3
Adjust Your Input Devices...........................................................................A-4

Contents vii
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
Interrupt Controllers.....................................................................................B-7
DMA Settings..............................................................................................B-8
C Getting Services and Support
Quick Reference Chart.................................................................................C-2
NEC NOW..................................................................................................C-3
NEC CSD Web Site.....................................................................................C-4
NEC CSD FTP Site......................................................................................C-5
NEC CSD FaxFlash Service.........................................................................C-6
Email/Fax to Support Services .....................................................................C-8
NEC CSD Bulletin Board.............................................................................C-9
NEC CSD Support Services.......................................................................C-11
NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center......................................................C-11
Versa Laptop Fulfillment Hotline...............................................................C-12
Glossary
Index

Using This Guide ix
Using This Guide
The NEC Versa

Note User’s Guide gives you the information you need
to use your NEC Versa Note notebook computer. The information in this
guide refers to the Windows 98, Windows 95, and Windows NT
operating systems. Read this guide to familiarize yourself with the
system and its features. For specific information, see
 Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” acquaints you with the system
hardware.
 Chapter 2, “Understanding the Software,” summarizes the
applications loaded on your system. Software included lets you
experience the full spectrum of the system, from creating vivid
multimedia presentations to accessing the Internet.
 Chapter 3, “Using Setup and Power Management,” explains how to
customize your notebook’s parameter and power management
settings.
 Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa Note,” describes the NEC Versa
Note features and functions. You’ll also master procedures for
connecting external options like a headphone, microphone or
speakers.
 Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” details how to integrate video and
sound clips into impressive presentations.
 Chapter 6, “Traveling with Your NEC Versa Note,” lists valuable tips
for getting the most out of your system while on the road.
 Chapter 7, “Solving Problems,” provides simple solutions to common
problems that may arise while operating your notebook.
 Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” provides
guidelines to help promote a healthy work setting.
 Appendix B, “Specifications,” reviews NEC Versa Note system
specifications.

xUsing This Guide
 Appendix C, “Getting Services and Support,” describes the variety of
services available for you when you need help with your system.
Text Setup
To make this guide easy to use, text is set up in the following ways.
 Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following format:
WARNING
Warnings alert you to situations that could result in
serious personal injury or loss of life.
CAUTION
Cautions indicate situations that can damage the
system hardware or software.
Note:
Notes give particularly important
information on 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 Note notebook computer:
 The NEC Versa Note Quick Setup sheet helps you get your system up
and running.
 The NEC Versa Note Quick Reference card provides an easy-to-carry
reference to LED meanings, controls, function key combinations, and
NEC help numbers.
 The NEC Versa Note User’s Guide is a fully navigational, HTML-
based document containing a full search capability and all of the
information about your NEC Versa Note that you find in this printed
user’s guide, and more. This is installable from the Applications and
Drivers CD that ships with the system.

`
1
Getting Started
 Your NEC Versa Note
 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
 NEC Versa Note Power Sources
 Internal Batteries
 System Care
 Important Safety Instructions
 German Language Version of Important Safety
Instructions

1-2 Getting Started
Your NEC Versa Note
WARNING
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 Note system is ready to go! To get started:
 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.
 Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa
Note.
The NEC Versa Note notebook computer offers you a portable system
filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard
features include a powerful Intel®Pentium microprocessor that works
together with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
architecture. Depending on the model, your NEC Versa Note is equipped
with one of the following processors: Pentium Tillamook or Pentium II.

Getting Started 1-3
In addition, your all-in-one system provides a high-performance hard
disk drive, diskette drive, 20X or 24X CD-ROM, PC card slots, and a
V.90-compliant 56 kilobits per second (Kbps) modem (modem only
available on some models). As a multimedia system, your NEC Versa
Note provides the tools needed to create and present impressive images
using video clips and sound.
To get comfortable with your notebook, read the following sections and
take a tour around your system!
NEC Versa Note notebook computer

1-4 Getting Started
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa Note is compact with features on every side. First, look
at the front of the system. The following sections describe front features,
beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.
LCD Panel
The NEC Versa Note comes with a color LCD panel that you can adjust
for a comfortable viewing position. The LCD panel can be a
12.1-inch Dual Scan Super-Twisted Nematic (DSTN) or Thin Film
Transistor (TFT), Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) color display, or
a 13.3-inch TFT, Extended Graphics Array (XGA). The features of the
LCD panel are described after the figure.
LCD panel
 Power and Suspend Status LEDs — (identified by icons) are located
just under the front of the LCD panel. The status LEDs are duplicated
on the back of the LCD panel to allow viewing when the panel is
closed.

Getting Started 1-5
Power and Suspend LEDs
1. Power LED 2. Battery Charging LED 3. Suspend Mode LED
Power LED — lets you know that power to the system is turned
on. This LED is positioned so that you see the power state
whether the LCD panel is opened or closed.
– Lights green when the system is powered on using the AC
adapter, battery, or PowerXtender™ Auto adapter.
– Lights green when on and has normal battery power. Lights
yellow when on and low (8% to 4%) battery power. Lights
amber when in Suspend mode and very low (3% or less)
battery power.
Battery Charging LED — lights to indicate battery charging
status.
– Lights amber to indicate the battery is charging.
– Lights off to indicate the battery is fully charged.
Suspend Mode LED — is on when the system is in Standby
mode, blinks in Suspend mode and off in full on or Power off
mode.
❶
❷
❸

1-6 Getting Started
Control Panel
The NEC Versa Note control panel provides the features shown in the
following figure. The control panel features are described after the
figure.
Control Panel
1. Status LEDs 2. Power Button

Status LEDs — keep you informed of your NEC Versa Note’s current
operating status. Descriptions of the status icons appear in the
following section.

Power Button — press the Power button either to power on or power
off the system.
Note:
If you are unable to power off the
system, use the power override. Press the Power
button and hold it in place until the system powers
off.

Getting Started 1-7
Status Icons
The NEC Versa Note system uses status lights marked with icons to
communicate system status. See the following figure and list for each
icon’s meaning.
Status LED icons
1. Hard Drive Access 2. Diskette Drive Access
3. Caps Lock 4. Scroll Lock
5. Num Lock

Hard Drive Access — lights when the NEC Versa Note accesses the
hard disk drive.

Diskette Drive Access — lights when the NEC Versa Note writes
data to or retrieves data from the 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.
❶ ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺

1-8 Getting Started
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit
The NEC Versa Note keyboard panel and base unit contain the following
features. The keyboard panel and base unit features are described after
the figure.
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit
1. Keyboard 2. NEC VersaGlide
3. Microphone 4. Built-in Speakers

Keyboard — standard QWERTY-key layout. See “Using the
Keyboard” in Chapter 4 for details about control keys, function keys,
and keyboard features. (Models shipped outside of the U.S. are
equipped with country-specific keyboard layouts.)
❶
❷
❸
❹

Getting Started 1-9
 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. See “NEC VersaGlide” in Chapter 4 for information about
customizing VersaGlide settings.
 Microphone — allows you to record monophonic sound directly into
your notebook computer. See Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” for
details about recording.
 Built-in Stereo Speakers — provides stereo sound for your
multimedia presentations or listening pleasure.
Around the Back of the System
You’ll find system ports for connecting your NEC Versa Note to
optional devices (like a printer or external monitor) on the back of your
NEC Versa Note. The ports are described after the figure.
Back system features
1. PortBar Notches 2. AC Power Port
3. PS/2 Port 4. Parallel Port
5. USB Port 6. Expansion Port
7. Serial Port 8. Monitor (Video) Port
9. Audio Ports (From left to right): Microphone, Line In & Headphones
 PortBar Notches — Use these notches to secure the PortBar to the
back of the system. (There are two PortBar notches located at the
both ends of the rear side of the system.)
❶❷❸❶
❹❺❻❼❽❾

1-10 Getting Started
 AC Power Port — Lets you attach the NEC Versa Note to the AC
power source using the AC adapter that comes with your system.
Keep the system connected to AC power whenever possible to keep
the battery pack and internal CMOS battery charged.
 PS/2 Port — Use the standard PS/2 port to connect an external PS/2-
style mouse, PS/2-style keyboard, or PS/2 style Numeric Keypad to
the system. With an optional Y adapter, you can connect up to two of
these devices at the same time.
 Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel printer or other
parallel device. The parallel port default supports the Enhanced
Capabilities Port (ECP) standard. The port also supports bi-directional
and output only protocols.
Note:
The default setting for the parallel port
on your NEC Versa Note is set to Enhanced
Capabilities Port (ECP). Some older parallel devices
may not function with the ECP default setting. You
may need to adjust the setting to accommodate your
parallel device. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3,
“Using Setup and Power Management,” to adjust the
setting.
 USB Port — The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port allows you to
connect up to 127 USB-equipped peripheral devices (for example,
printers, monitors, scanners) to your NEC Versa Note.
 Expansion Port — Use this port to connect the NEC PortBar.
 Serial Port — Use this port to connect a serial printer or other serial
device.
 Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach an external
monitor to your NEC Versa Note. You can run the LCD display and
the external monitor simultaneously or run either alone.

Getting Started 1-11
 Audio Ports
Microphone — Allows you to connect an external microphone for
monophonic recording or amplification through the unit. Plugging
in an external microphone disables the built-in microphone.
Line In — Lets you use 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.
Headphones — Lets you plug in stereo headphones or powered
speakers.
Around the Left Side of the System
The left side of your NEC Versa Note provides the features shown in the
following figure. The left side features are described after the figure.
Left side features
1. IR Port 2. Volume Control
3. CD-ROM Reader 4. Diskette Drive
❶
❷
❸❹