NEC VERSA SX HARD DISK DRIVE User manual

NEC Computer Systems Division,
A Division of Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We, the Responsible Party
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1 Packard Bell Way
Sacramento, CA 95828-0903
1-800-632-4525
declare that the product
NEC Versa SX
is in conformity with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this
product is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

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

Using This Guide ix
Using This Guide
The NEC Versa®SX User's Guide gives you the information you need to
maximize the use of your NEC Versa notebook computer. Read this
guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa and its features. For
specific information see
 Chapter 1, “Introducing the NEC Versa,” to acquaint yourself with
system hardware.
 Chapter 2, “Getting Started,” for instructions on how to connect,
power on, and care for your system, as well as, what to bring when
you travel with your NEC Versa notebook computer.
 Chapter 3, “Using the Software,” for a concise summary of the
applications and utilities loaded on your system. We included
software to let you experience the full spectrum of the system, from
customizing your notebook’s parameters and power management
settings to creating vivid presentations.
 Chapter 4, “Using the Hardware,” for an understanding of NEC Versa
features and functionality. You’ll learn how to swap VersaBay III
devices, install PC cards, and upgrade your system memory.
 Chapter 5, “Using External Devices,” to master procedures for
connecting external devices like an external monitor, headphones, a
printer, or speakers.
 Chapter 6, “Using Multimedia,” for steps on integrating video and
sound clips into impressive presentations.
 Chapter 7, “Solving System Problems,” for simple solutions to
common problems that may arise while operating your notebook.
 Chapter 8, “Getting Services and Support,” for information about
getting help when you need it from NEC Computer Systems Division
(NEC CSD).
 Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” for
guidelines that help promote a healthy work setting.

xUsing This Guide
 Appendix B, “Specifications,” to review NEC Versa system
specifications.
 Appendix C, “Frequently Asked Questions,” (FAQs) for a look at
questions that users commonly ask and the answers to those
questions.
 Glossary a listing of technical terms with definitions from this user’s
guide.
 Index for finding specific subject or keyword information within the
user’s guide.
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:
!
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 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 SX Quick Setup sheet helps get your system up and
running.
 The NEC Versa SX Quick Reference card provides an easy-to-carry
reference to LED meanings, controls, function key combinations, and
NEC CSD help numbers. (The quick reference card does not ship
with some systems purchased outside of the United States.)
 The NEC Help Center is a fully navigational, HTML-based document
containing multimedia elements, a full search capability, and all of
the information about your NEC Versa that you find in this printed
user's guide, and more.

Contents iii
Contents
Using This Guide..................................................................................... ix
Text Setup...........................................................................................x
Related Documents.............................................................................xi
1 Introducing the NEC Versa
Getting to Know Your NEC Versa................................................... 1-2
NEC Versa SX................................................................................ 1-3
Around the Front of the System....................................................... 1-4
LCD Panel.................................................................................. 1-4
Control Panel.............................................................................. 1-5
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit.................................................... 1-7
Around the Back of the System.......................................................1-10
Around the Left Side of the System................................................1-12
Around the Right Side of the System..............................................1-14
Around the Bottom of the System...................................................1-15
2 Getting Started
Power Sources for Your NEC Versa................................................ 2-2
Using the AC Adapter ................................................................ 2-2
Powering On ......................................................................... 2-4
Using the Main Battery Pack...................................................... 2-5
Determining Battery Status.................................................... 2-6
When to Change the Battery.................................................. 2-8
Battery Handling................................................................... 2-8
Replacing the Battery............................................................ 2-9
Battery Precautions...............................................................2-11
Recharging Battery Precautions............................................2-12
Extending Battery Life .........................................................2-12
NEC VersaBay III and Adapter Kit............................................2-12
Internal Batteries .......................................................................2-12
CMOS Battery......................................................................2-13
Bridge Battery......................................................................2-13
System Care...................................................................................2-14
Precautions................................................................................2-14
Storage Requirements................................................................2-15
Routine Cleaning.......................................................................2-16
Introducing the Software ................................................................2-17
Traveling with your NEC Versa .....................................................2-17

iv Contents
Power Connections....................................................................2-18
Checklists..................................................................................2-18
What to Take........................................................................2-18
Preparing your NEC Versa for Travel...................................2-19
3 Using the Software
BIOS Setup..................................................................................... 3-2
How to Enter the BIOS Setup..................................................... 3-2
BIOS Setup Utility Main Menu ............................................. 3-3
How to Use BIOS Setup............................................................. 3-3
Looking at Screens................................................................ 3-4
Using Keys............................................................................ 3-5
Checking/Setting System Parameters..................................... 3-5
BIOS Setup Menus...............................................................3-11
Other BIOS Setup Options....................................................3-16
Password Protection .............................................................3-16
Using BIOS Setup to Set Power Management............................3-17
Using the Save to File (STF) Feature....................................3-17
Updating the BIOS....................................................................3-18
Performing the BIOS Update................................................3-19
Windows Introduction....................................................................3-20
Windows 95..............................................................................3-20
Windows NT.............................................................................3-21
NEC CSD Utilities .........................................................................3-22
NEC Customize Utility..............................................................3-22
HDPREPEZ Utility ...................................................................3-23
Using HDPREPEZ in Windows 95.......................................3-23
Using HDPREPEZ in Windows NT......................................3-24
NEC Help Center ...........................................................................3-24
Software Applications and Drivers .................................................3-25
Using the Applications and Drivers CD.....................................3-26
Launching the Applications and Drivers CD.........................3-26
Installing the Software..........................................................3-26
Partition Magic..........................................................................3-27
Intel LANDesk Client Manager.................................................3-28
SystemSoft PowerProfiler..........................................................3-29
SystemSoft CardWizard ............................................................3-30
Intellisync 97.............................................................................3-30
McAfee VirusScan....................................................................3-31
Microsoft Internet Explorer .......................................................3-31
Netscape Navigator ...................................................................3-31

Contents v
Adobe Acrobat Reader ..............................................................3-31
4 Using the Hardware
LCD Panel....................................................................................... 4-2
Keyboard......................................................................................... 4-2
NEC VersaGlide.............................................................................. 4-5
Making VersaGlide Adjustments................................................ 4-6
VersaGlide Tips ......................................................................... 4-7
NEC VersaBay III........................................................................... 4-7
Removing a Device from the VersaBay III.................................. 4-8
Installing a Device in the VersaBay III ......................................4-10
Customizing Your System with the VersaBay III.......................4-11
24X CD-ROM Reader....................................................................4-12
CD Loading...............................................................................4-13
CD Care....................................................................................4-13
Changing the Auto Play Setting.................................................4-14
DVD-ROM Reader.........................................................................4-14
PC Cards........................................................................................4-15
PC Card Slots............................................................................4-15
Inserting a PC Card...................................................................4-15
Removing a Card.......................................................................4-16
CardWizard Services.................................................................4-17
Communication Cards...............................................................4-17
Storage Cards............................................................................4-18
Other Cards...............................................................................4-18
IR Port ...........................................................................................4-18
Increasing System Storage and Memory.........................................4-19
Hard Disk..................................................................................4-20
Memory Module Installation......................................................4-20
Switch Settings...............................................................................4-23
Changing Switch Settings..........................................................4-24
5 Using External Devices
External Monitor............................................................................. 5-2
Printer ............................................................................................. 5-3
Parallel Devices.......................................................................... 5-3
Serial Devices ............................................................................ 5-4
External Keyboard/Mouse............................................................... 5-6
External Bar Code Scanner.............................................................. 5-7
External Audio Options................................................................... 5-7
USB Devices................................................................................... 5-9

vi Contents
NEC Versa Dock............................................................................5-10
NEC Versa PortBar........................................................................5-10
6 Using Multimedia
Audio.............................................................................................. 6-2
Recording................................................................................... 6-2
Line-In....................................................................................... 6-2
CD-ROM Input.......................................................................... 6-3
Microphone................................................................................ 6-3
Playing Back.............................................................................. 6-3
Using Headphones................................................................. 6-4
Using the Built-In Speakers................................................... 6-4
Using External Stereo Speakers............................................. 6-4
MIDI Files.................................................................................. 6-5
Video.............................................................................................. 6-5
Using Digital Video Files ........................................................... 6-5
Using Animation Files................................................................ 6-5
Multimedia Applications ................................................................. 6-5
7 Solving System Problems
Problem Checklist ........................................................................... 7-2
Start-Up Problems........................................................................... 7-4
Post Error Messages................................................................... 7-4
Using the Product Recovery CD...................................................... 7-8
Full/Express Restore................................................................... 7-9
Partition Restore........................................................................7-12
If You Need Assistance..................................................................7-14
8 Getting Services and Support
Quick Reference Chart .................................................................... 8-2
NEC NOW...................................................................................... 8-3
NEC CSD Web Site......................................................................... 8-3
NEC CSD FTP Site......................................................................... 8-4
NEC CSD FaxFlash Service............................................................ 8-4
E-mail/fax To Support Services....................................................... 8-6
NEC CSD Bulletin Board................................................................ 8-7
NEC CSD Support Services............................................................. 8-9
NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center ..........................................8-10
Versa Laptop Fulfillment Hotline ...................................................8-10

Contents vii
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
Adjust Your Screen or Monitor........................................................A-5
Vary Your Workday........................................................................A-6
Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors...........................A-7
B Specifications
System Components........................................................................B-2
Memory Map ..................................................................................B-9
Interrupt Controllers......................................................................B-10
C Frequently Asked Questions
External Mouse ...............................................................................C-2
Display............................................................................................C-3
PC Cards.........................................................................................C-4
Diskette Drive.................................................................................C-9
Booting.........................................................................................C-11
Power Management.......................................................................C-13
Miscellaneous................................................................................C-16
Glossary
Index

1
Introducing the NEC Versa
 Getting to Know Your NEC Versa
 NEC Versa SX
 Around the Front of the System
 Around the Back of the System
 Around the Left Side of the System
 Around the Right Side of the System
 Around the Bottom of the System

1-2 Introducing the NEC Versa
Getting to Know Your NEC Versa
!
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 SX notebook computer is ready to go! To get
started, look at the following:
 Read Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” for
guidelines that help you use your computer productively and safely.
Information includes how to set up and use your computer to reduce
your risk of developing nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.
 Take the Online System Tour to get acquainted with the NEC Versa.
The System Tour is part of the NEC Help Center.
 Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-3
NEC Versa SX
The NEC Versa SX notebook computer offers you a portable system
filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard
features include a powerful Intel® Pentium 233-MMX, or the Intel
Pentium II 233 MHz or 266-MHz microprocessor that works together
with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) architecture.
In addition, your system provides a high-performance hard disk drive,
diskette drive or SuperDisk and PC card support. Most models are
equipped with a 24X CD-ROM reader or an optional DVD module. As a
multimedia system, your NEC Versa also provides the tools needed to
create and present impressive images using video clips.
To get comfortable with your notebook, read the following sections and
take a tour around your system!
NEC Versa SX notebook computer

1-4 Introducing the NEC Versa
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the
front of the NEC Versa. The following sections describe front features,
beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.
LCD Panel
Your NEC Versa SX comes with a color LCD panel that you can adjust
for a comfortable viewing position. Depending on the model, your
system is equipped with:
 a 13.3-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended Graphics
Array (XGA) panel.
 a 14.1-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended Graphics
Array (XGA) panel.
To adjust the LCD panel brightness:
 Press the Fn-F8 and Fn-F9 functions keys to adjust the brightness up
or down. There are 8 levels of brightness.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-5
Control Panel
The NEC Versa control panel provides the features shown in the figure.
These features are described after the figure.
Control panel
A- LCD Panel B- Power/Sleep Button C- LED Control Panel D- Speaker
E- Microphone F- Power Status LEDs G- VersaGlide H- Keyboard

Operating Status LEDs — keeps you informed of your NEC Versa's
current operating status. See the following figure and list for each
icon's meaning.

1-6 Introducing the NEC Versa
Operating status LEDs
A- Hard Drive B- VersaBay III C- Caps Lock D- Scroll Lock E- Num Lock
Hard Drive — lights when the NEC Versa writes or reads data
from the hard drive.
VersaBay III™ — lights when the NEC Versa writes data to or
retrieves data from a device in the VersaBay III.
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.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-7
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit
The NEC Versa keyboard panel and base unit contains the following
features that are described after the figure.
Keyboard panel and base unit
A -Power/Sleep Button

Power/Sleep Button — press the Power/Sleep button to power on,
power off, and to put the computer into Suspend mode. Your NEC
Versa ships with the power on and power off function, to use the
Sleep functionality, refer to “BIOS Setup” in Chapter 3 for setting up
the Power/Sleep functions.
Press the Power/Sleep button to power on.
Hold the Power/Sleep button in place for 5 or more seconds to
power off.
Hold the Power/Sleep button in place for 4 or fewer seconds to
put the system into Suspend mode.

1-8 Introducing the NEC Versa
The Power/Sleep button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it
recognizes when the system is in Suspend mode. If in Suspend mode,
you cannot power off until you press the Power/Sleep button again to
bring it out of Suspend mode.
In addition, the Smart Power switch invokes an orderly shutdown in
the Windows 95 and Windows NT environments. If you use the
Power/Sleep button to turn off your system while applications are
running, the Smart Power switch alerts the operating system. The
operating system prompts you to save all data and invokes an orderly
shutdown procedure.
Put the unit in Suspend 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 shuts down all devices in the system while
retaining data and system status. Use the Fn Power/Sleep key
combination to initiate a manual save-to-file. Hold the Smart power
Switch (Power/Sleep button) in place to resume from a save-to-file.
You can find more detailed information on using Suspend mode in
Chapter 3, “Using the Software.”
 Keyboard — 85 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. See
Chapter 4 for complete details. (Models purchased outside of the U.S.
and Canada ship with country-specific keyboard layouts.)
 NEC VersaGlide — The NEC VersaGlide works like a standard
computer mouse. Simply move your fingertip over the VersaGlide to
control the position of the cursor. Use the selection buttons below the
VersaGlide to select menu items. VersaGlide settings and features are
described in detail in Chapter 4.
 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.
 System Power LEDs — keeps you informed of the system’s current
power status.

Introducing the NEC Versa 1-9
System power LEDs
A- Power Status LED B- Battery Charging LED C- Microphone D- IR Port
Power Status LED — lights green to indicate the power is on or
amber to indicate low power condition when operating under
battery power.
Note:
When both the primary and a
secondary battery are installed, the power
status LED indicates the total (primary plus
secondary) battery status.
Battery Charging LED — lights green for secondary battery or
amber to indicate primary battery charging activity.
Microphone — A strategically positioned built-in microphone
allows you to record monophonic sound directly into your
notebook computer. See Chapter 6, “Using Multimedia,” for
details about recording.

1-10 Introducing the NEC Versa
IR Port — Use this infrared (IR) port to transfer files between
your NEC Versa and an IR-equipped desktop or notebook
computer. Use the Windows 95 IRMON utility to communicate
with other
IR-equipped devices.
Around the Back of the System
You'll find system ports for connecting optional devices (like printers,
docking station, or external monitor) on the back of your NEC Versa.
These ports are described following the figure.
Ports on the back of the system
A- PS/2 Port B- Serial Port C- Parallel Port D - External Monitor E- Expansion
Port F- DC Power Port G- Tilt Feet H- Docking Notches

PS/2 Port — Use the standard PS/2 port to connect an external PS/2-
style mouse or a PS/2-style keyboard to the system. With an optional
Y-cable adapter, you can connect both a mouse and a keyboard at the
same time.

Serial Port — Use this port to connect an external modem or other
serial device.

Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel printer or other
parallel device. The port is an Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP). The
ECP standard provides you with a greater processing speed than the
conventional parallel port. It also supports Enhanced Parallel Port
(EPP) bi-directional and uni-directional protocols.