NEC VERSA P User manual

First Printing —November 1994
Copyright 1994 Copyright 1994
NEC Technologies, Inc. NEC Corporation
1414 Massachusetts Avenue 7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku
Boxborough, MA 01719 Tokyo 108-01, Japan
All Rights Reserved 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 Corporation (NEC) and/or its licensors.
NEC 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 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.
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 is prohibited.
Versa is a U.S. trademark of NEC Technologies, Inc.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

Using this Guide ix
Using this Guide
This Versa™ P Series User’s Guide contains all the infor-
mation you need to use your notebook computer. To help
you get the most out of your Versa P, this guide describes
system features, options, and setup programs.
Read the following chapters to find out more about
your Versa P.
■Chapter 1 gives basic information like setting up the
notebook computer, using function keys, and reading
LCD status icons.
Chapter 1 describes the Versa P buttons, controls,
PCMCIA slots, and other features.
■Chapter 2 offers ideas for using your Versa P for
multimedia presentations.
■Chapter 3 focuses on adding options, like PCMCIA
cards. This chapter also describes how to connect
external devices like printers, monitors, speakers,
and keyboards.
■Chapter 4 describes the power-saving programs that
come with your Versa P. It introduces options for
conserving energy and saving battery power.
■Chapter 5 introduces you to the Versa P Auto Setup
program. This software lets you change the system
date and time, set a password, and define many other
system options.
■Chapter 6 gives you a checklist to follow if you
have problems with the Versa P. Solutions are
also suggested.

x Using this Guide
■Chapter 7 provides telephone numbers for NEC help and
information lines. This chapter guides you to locating
the help you need for basic system service or upgrades.
■Chapter 8 provides switch setting information on SW1.
■Appendix A lists system specifications.
■Appendix B describes the NEC Communications
Assistant.
■Appendix C gives information on using the BIOS
Update utility.
Use this guide along with the software documentation that
comes with your Versa P.
TEXT SETUP
To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up
in the following ways.
■Cautions, notes, and tips have the following format:
CAUTION: Cautions indicate situations that can
damage the system hardware or software.
NOTE: Notes give particularly important information
about whatever is being described.
TIPS: Tips give helpful hints about getting the most
out of your system.

Using this Guide xi
■Names of keys are printed as they appear on the key-
board, for example, Ctrl, Alt, or Enter.
■Text that you have to type or keys that you must press
are presented in bold type. For example, type dir and
press Enter.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
In addition to this guide, a number of other documents ship
with your Versa P system, including:
Hardware Documents
■
The Versa P Quick Setup shows you how to set up your
system after you unpack it.
■The Versa P Series Battery Guide gives hints about
extending the life of your battery pack and suggests
energy conserving techniques.
■The Versa Series Quick Reference Card contains
brief descriptions of function keys, LEDs, NEC help
telephone numbers and troubleshooting tips. Tuck this
card inside the notebook when you take it with you.
The card is designed as a quick, portable reference to
frequently-used functions.
■The Versa Series PCMCIA User’s Guide contains
information about optional PCMCIA cards, their
installation, and use.
Software Documents
■
Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS 6 User’s Guide pro-
vides a comprehensive source of information for using
Windows™ and MS-DOS®.

Contents iii
Contents
Using this Guide...................................................................... ix
Text Setup ............................................................... x
Related Documents................................................... xi
1 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool
What’s in the Box .................................................... 1-1
The Outside of the Unit ............................................ 1-2
Versa P Setup .......................................................... 1-5
Opening the LCD Panel....................................... 1-5
Closing the LCD Panel........................................ 1-6
Connecting the AC Adapter................................. 1-6
Installing a Battery.............................................. 1-7
Replacing a Battery............................................. 1-8
Turning on the Versa P............................................. 1-11
Features................................................................... 1-13
LCD Panel.......................................................... 1-13
Keyboard............................................................ 1-14
Function Keys................................................ 1-14
Key Combinations.......................................... 1-15
Typewriter Keys............................................. 1-17
Cursor Control Keys ...................................... 1-17
Numeric Keypad ............................................ 1-17
Control Keys.................................................. 1-19
VersaTrackBall............................................... 1-19
Cleaning the VersaTrack ................................ 1-20
Buttons and Controls........................................... 1-21
Status Bar........................................................... 1-23
Microphone and Speaker ..................................... 1-27
PCMCIA Card Slots ........................................... 1-28
VersaBay............................................................ 1-29
Promotional Software.......................................... 1-29
Plug and Play...................................................... 1-29

iv Contents
Batteries.............................................................. 1-30
Main Battery.................................................. 1-30
Bridge Battery................................................ 1-31
CMOS Battery............................................... 1-32
Online Help......................................................... 1-32
System Care............................................................. 1-33
Precautions ......................................................... 1-33
Storage Requirements.......................................... 1-34
Routine Cleaning................................................. 1-34
2 Using Your Versa P for Multimedia
Audio....................................................................... 2-1
Recording............................................................ 2-1
Line-In........................................................... 2-2
Microphone.................................................... 2-2
CD-ROM Input................................................... 2-3
Mixing................................................................ 2-3
Playing Back....................................................... 2-3
MIDI Files..................................................... 2-4
Using Headphones.......................................... 2-4
Using Internal Speaker ................................... 2-4
Using External Stereo Speakers...................... 2-4
Video....................................................................... 2-5
Using Digital Video Files..................................... 2-5
Using Animation Files......................................... 2-5
Versa MediaDock................................................ 2-5
ultimedia Applications............................................. 2-6
3 Adding Options
PCMCIA Cards ....................................................... 3-2
Inserting and Removing Cards........................ 3-3
Modems................................................................... 3-4
Telephone Line Connections................................ 3-4
Connecting a Phone Cable.............................. 3-4
Connecting a Phone and a Versa P.................. 3-6
Memory Expansion .................................................. 3-8

Contents v
Hard Disk ................................................................ 3-10
External Devices ...................................................... 3-13
Parallel Devices................................................... 3-13
Serial Devices ..................................................... 3-15
External Keyboard .............................................. 3-16
Mouse................................................................. 3-18
Monitor............................................................... 3-19
Stereo Speakers/Headphones ............................... 3-21
External Microphone........................................... 3-21
Line-In Audio...................................................... 3-21
Docking Station........................................................ 3-22
Expansion Bays................................................... 3-22
Expansion Slots................................................... 3-22
Ports................................................................... 3-22
Port Replicator......................................................... 3-23
Ports................................................................... 3-23
4 Understanding Power Management
What is Power Management?.................................... 4-1
Default Settings................................................... 4-1
Power-Saving Modes........................................... 4-2
Active Mode................................................... 4-2
Local Stand-by Mode..................................... 4-2
Suspend Mode................................................ 4-3
Smart Power Switch....................................... 4-4
Prolonging Battery Life............................................ 4-5
5 Using Auto Setup
Auto Setup............................................................... 5-1
How to Enter Auto Setup..................................... 5-2
With an Error at POST .................................. 5-2
With No Error at POST ................................. 5-2
How to Use Auto Setup....................................... 5-3
Looking at the Screen..................................... 5-3
Using Key Functions ...................................... 5-4
Checking/Setting System Parameters .............. 5-5

vi Contents
System Parameter Options........................................ 5-6
Comms ............................................................... 5-8
Drives................................................................. 5-8
Keyboard............................................................ 5-9
Power ................................................................. 5-10
System................................................................ 5-12
Time/Date........................................................... 5-12
Security Options....................................................... 5-13
System Password ................................................ 5-13
Setting an Initial System Password ................. 5-13
Using the System Password............................ 5-14
Removing/Replacing a Password.................... 5-15
Keyboard Lock Hotkey........................................ 5-16
6 Problem Solving
Problem Checklist .................................................... 6-1
Start-Up Problems.................................................... 6-3
If You Need Assistance ............................................ 6-6
Direct Technical Support..................................... 6-6
Remote Technical Support................................... 6-7
Features......................................................... 6-8
7 If You Need Help
UltraCare Support.................................................... 7-3
Support from the NEC Reseller ................................ 7-4
Support from NEC................................................... 7-4
NEC FastFacts.................................................... 7-5
NEC Bulletin Board System ................................ 7-5
What is the BBS?........................................... 7-6
How Do You Use the BBS?............................ 7-6
NEC Technical Support ...................................... 7-7
E-mail/Fax Technical Support Services .......... 7-7
NEC Customer Service Response Center............. 7-8
Mail-in Service......................................................... 7-9
Maintenance Contracts............................................. 7-9

Contents vii
8 Setting Switch Functions
A Specifications
B NEC Communications Assistant
C Using the BIOS Update Utility
Receiving the BUU................................................... C-4
Start-Up................................................................... C-6
Menu Functions ....................................................... C-7
Information......................................................... C-7
Display BIOS Version......................................... C-8
Customize BIOS ...................................................... C-9
Install New BIOS................................................ C-10
Restore Original BIOS ........................................ C-12
Exit..................................................................... C-14
Errors and Messages ........................................... C-14
Glossary
Index
List of TablesAutomatic Power-Saving Features............................ 4-1
Auto Setup Quick Reference..................................... 5-4
System Parameter Options........................................ 5-7
Troubleshooting ....................................................... 6-2
POST Error Messages.............................................. 6-4

viii Contents

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-1
Getting to Know Your
New Information Tool
Your Versa™ P is a terrific tool that’s so easy to take along
that you’ll soon find it indispensable. It’s easy to carry
around with you and can be used for most of your informa-
tion and communication needs.
This chapter describes the basic features, connectors, buttons,
and controls on your Versa P notebook. It also describes
how to connect the basic devices you need to use the system.
Read it to familiarize yourself with the system.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Your Versa P comes with lots of features fully loaded on
the system. All you have to do is open the packing box,
unpack the notebook computer, the cables, and the Quick
Setup sheet. Look for the following.
Box contents
1
Notebook
Computer
AC Power
Cable
AC/DC
Adapter
User
Guides

1-2 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool
When you first unpack your Versa P, follow the instruc-
tions on the Quick Setup sheet. They’ll help you get
your notebook up and running quickly. After setting up
your system the first time, use the instructions found in
this chapter.
THE OUTSIDE OF THE UNIT
Look over the outside of the Versa P for the external ports,
buttons, and features without opening the LCD panel.
Some of the ports on the back of the system are behind a
protective cover. Use your fingernail to press down on the
port cover latch and swing the cover open.
Opening the port covers
Right-Rear Cover
and Latch
Left-Rear Cover
and Latch

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-3
The following figure shows the ports on the back of the
system.
Rear ports
■Keyboard/Mouse port — gives you the option of attach-
ing a PS/2-style external keyboard or mouse to the system.
The system automatically determines whether a mouse
or keyboard is attached.
■CRT port — allows you to attach a super VGA external
monitor for use with your system.
■Serial port — lets you attach a serial device, like a serial
printer, to your Versa P.
■Printer port — provides a place to connect an external
device, like a printer.
■Microphone port — allows you to attach a microphone
to the system.
■Headphones port — lets you attach stereo headphones
for use with the system.
Power
Connector
Port
Expansion Port
Headphones Port
Microphone Port
Printer Port
Serial Port
CRT Port
Keyboard/Mouse
Port
Line-In
Port

1-4 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool
■Line-In port — lets you attach a line-level stereo or CD
player to the Versa P.
■Expansion port — allows you to connect the Versa to
the docking station or port replicator.
■Power connector port — lets you plug in the AC adapter
so you can run the Versa P on AC power.
The following figure shows the features on the sides and
front of the Versa P.
Side and front features
■Battery — provides battery power for running the
Versa P.
■PCMCIA slots — allow you to add optional PCMCIA
cards to enhance your system. The protective cover
keeps dust and foreign objects from getting into the unit.
■LCD release latch — locks the LCD panel when the
system is not in use. Also releases the LCD panel to let
you use the system.
LCD Release Latch
Hard Disk
PCMCIA Slots
Primary
Battery
VersaBay Slot
(For Diskette Drive,
Secondary Battery,
PCMCIA,etc.)
Expansion
Memory

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-5
■Expansion memory — lets you expand system memory
up to 40 MB.
■VersaBay slot — DoubleTime™ allows the diskette
drive to be removed and replaced with a secondary
battery or other VersaBay option. Currently available
options include a PCMCIA Pak and a Video Pak.
■Diskette drive — lets you use diskettes with the system.
■Hard disk — this contains the system software to oper-
ate the Versa P.
VERSA P SETUP
Setting up your system is easy. Just follow these simple
instructions.
Opening the LCD Panel
1. Locate and press the front latch to open the notebook.
Pressing the latch and opening the notebook
LCD Release Latch

1-6 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool
2. Position the LCD panel to a comfortable viewing angle.
You can open the screen to an angle of 180 degrees.
NOTE: Do not attempt to change LCD panels while
system power is on.
You can, however, reverse the panel so it faces the
other way while system power is on but in Suspend
mode.
Closing the LCD Panel
To close the LCD panel, simply lower the panel over the
keyboard. Press down until the latch catches to secure the
LCD panel.
Connecting the AC Adapter
Connect the AC adapter to your computer as follows.
1. Insert the adapter’s DC cable into the power connector
port on the back of the system.
The power connector
Power Connector
Port

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-7
2. Insert the matching end of the AC power cable into the
AC adapter.
CAUTION: Only use the AC adapter model pro-
vided with your notebook.
3. Connect the other end of the AC power cable to a 100-
to 240-volt wall outlet.
Installing a Battery
It is easy to install a battery in your notebook computer.
Simply insert the battery completely into the battery
compartment as shown in the figure.
Inserting the battery
Battery

1-8 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool
Replacing a Battery
Follow these instructions to replace a primary battery in-
stalled in your notebook computer. The system does not
have to be shut off if battery replacement requires less than
five minutes.
1. Press the suspend button to suspend the system if in use.
(Refer to “Buttons and Control” later in this chapter.)
If the system is attached to AC power, you need not put
it in Suspend mode.
2. Close the LCD panel securely. Disconnect any external
options you have connected.
3. Turn the Versa P upside down.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-9
4. Locate the battery release latch on the bottom of the
system and slide it sideways.
The other latches are for removing and installing
VersaBay options.
Locating the release latch
5. Pull the battery out of the system.
6. Slide the new battery into the system until the release
latch clicks and locks the battery in place.
7. Turn the Versa P right side up and reconnect any
external options you disconnected.
8. Resume the system or turn on power to continue
operation.
Battery Release
Latch

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-9
1