NEC Versa TXi Series User manual

NEC®Versa®TXi Series Notebook Computers
VERSA TXi
SERVICE MANUAL

Preface vii
Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up and
maintain the NEC®Versa® TXi notebook computer.
The manual also provides hardware and interface information for users who need an overview of
the system design. The manual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts,
service center personnel, and dealers.
The manual is organized as follows:
Chapter 1, System Overview, provides an overview of the hardware and interface components.
Chapter 2,System Configuration and Setup, provides information on setup and how to operate
the notebook.
Chapter 3,Disassembly and Reassembly, provides detailed instructions on how to disassemble
the notebook.
Chapter 4,System Board Layout, shows the system boards and the board connectors.
Chapter 5, Preventive Maintenance, lists general notebook preventive maintenance procedures.
Chapter 6, Troubleshooting, lists troubleshooting procedures as well as helpful servicing hints.
Chapter 7, Specifications, lists physical specifications, memory map, and interrupt controllers.
A Glossary and an Index are included at the back of the manual.

Contents iii
Contents
Preface..........................................................................................................................................................vii
Abbreviations................................................................................................................................................ix
1 System Overview
About the Versa TXi Notebook................................................................................................................1-2
Front Features............................................................................................................................................1-2
LCD Panel............................................................................................................................................1-2
Base Unit..............................................................................................................................................1-3
Power Button .......................................................................................................................................1-5
Keyboard..............................................................................................................................................1-5
Front Features......................................................................................................................................1-7
Back Features.............................................................................................................................................1-8
Left Side Features......................................................................................................................................1-9
Right Side Features .................................................................................................................................1-10
Bottom Features.......................................................................................................................................1-11
Component Features................................................................................................................................1-12
Primary Battery..................................................................................................................................1-12
Secondary Battery.............................................................................................................................1-12
CMOS Battery...................................................................................................................................1-12
Hard Disk Drive ................................................................................................................................1-12
ROM Drives.......................................................................................................................................1-12
Chipset Features ......................................................................................................................................1-12
2 System Configuration and Setup
Power Sources...........................................................................................................................................2-2
Using the AC Adapter.........................................................................................................................2-2
Connecting the AC Adapter................................................................................................................2-2
Powering On the System.....................................................................................................................2-3
System Batteries..................................................................................................................................2-3
Primary Battery........................................................................................................................2-3
Secondary Battery...................................................................................................................2-4
CMOS Battery.........................................................................................................................2-4
Using the Primary Battery..................................................................................................................2-4
Determining Battery Status.....................................................................................................2-4
Low Battery Status..................................................................................................................2-5
Returning the Battery to its Normal State..............................................................................2-5
Extending Battery Life............................................................................................................2-5
Battery Handling .....................................................................................................................2-5
Replacing the Battery..............................................................................................................2-6
Charging the Battery...............................................................................................................2-6
Battery Precautions..................................................................................................................2-6
Precautions for Recharging the Battery.................................................................................2-7
BIOS Setup................................................................................................................................................2-7
BIOS Setup Main Menu......................................................................................................................2-8
How to Use Setup................................................................................................................................2-8
Main Menu.........................................................................................................................................2-10
Advanced Menu.................................................................................................................................2-13
Security Menu....................................................................................................................................2-15
Boot Menu .........................................................................................................................................2-16
Exit Menu...........................................................................................................................................2-17
System Power Management....................................................................................................................2-17
Microsoft Windows 2000 Power Options Properties......................................................................2-17
Microsoft Windows 2000 Power Schemes..........................................................................2-18
Microsoft Windows 2000 Alarms ........................................................................................2-19

iv Contents
Microsoft Windows 2000 Power Meter............................................................................... 2-19
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced ................................................................................... 2-19
Microsoft Windows 2000 Hibernate.................................................................................... 2-20
Microsoft Windows 2000 and Intel SpeedStep Technology.............................................. 2-20
Microsoft Windows 98/Me Power Management Properties .......................................................... 2-21
Microsoft Windows 98/Me Power Schemes....................................................................... 2-21
Microsoft Windows 98/Me Alarms ..................................................................................... 2-22
Microsoft Windows 98/Me Power Meter............................................................................ 2-22
Microsoft Windows 98/Me Advanced.................................................................................2-23
Microsoft Windows 98/Me Hibernate.................................................................................2-23
Microsoft Windows 98/Me and Intel SpeedStep Technology........................................... 2-23
Microsoft Windows 2000/98/Me Power Management States........................................................ 2-24
Recognizing the Microsoft Windows Power Management States................................................. 2-24
Intel SpeedStep Applet ........................................................................................................................... 2-24
3 Disassembly and Reassembly
Required Tools and Equipment................................................................................................................3-2
Disassembly............................................................................................................................................... 3-2
Primary Battery................................................................................................................................... 3-3
Memory Module..................................................................................................................................3-4
NEC VersaBay IV Slot Devices.........................................................................................................3-6
Keyboard..............................................................................................................................................3-7
Front Cover and VersaGlide Assembly.............................................................................................3-8
Hard Disk Drive..................................................................................................................................3-9
CMOS Battery................................................................................................................................... 3-10
PC Card Assembly............................................................................................................................3-11
Bluetooth Board Assembly............................................................................................................... 3-12
USB Board......................................................................................................................................... 3-13
Top Cover Assembly........................................................................................................................ 3-14
Speakers.............................................................................................................................................3-16
Switch Board..................................................................................................................................... 3-17
LCD Panel ......................................................................................................................................... 3-18
Fan/Heat Plate Assembly.................................................................................................................. 3-19
Main Board........................................................................................................................................ 3-20
Mini PCI Board.................................................................................................................................3-21
Sound Board......................................................................................................................................3-22
Reassembly..............................................................................................................................................3-22
4 System Board Layout
Bluetooth Board ........................................................................................................................................4-2
USB Board.................................................................................................................................................4-2
Switch Board.............................................................................................................................................4-3
Sound Board..............................................................................................................................................4-3
Main Board, Side 1 ................................................................................................................................... 4-4
Main Board, Side 2 ................................................................................................................................... 4-5
Mini PCI Board .........................................................................................................................................4-5
5 Preventive Maintenance
Cleaning the Exterior................................................................................................................................6-2
Cleaning the Interior .................................................................................................................................6-2
Protecting the Hard Disk Drive................................................................................................................6-2
Maintaining the Primary Battery..............................................................................................................6-3
6 Troubleshooting
Problem Checklist.....................................................................................................................................7-2
Startup Problems ....................................................................................................................................... 7-3
POST Error Messages.........................................................................................................................7-3

Contents v
Beep Codes..........................................................................................................................................7-5
Diagnostics.................................................................................................................................................7-6
7 Specifications
System Components..................................................................................................................................9-2
Memory Map .............................................................................................................................................9-7
Interrupt Controllers..................................................................................................................................9-8
Glossary
Index

1
System Overview
nAbout the Versa TXi Notebook
nFront Features
nBack Features
nLeft Side Features
nRight Side Features
nBottom Features
nComponent Features
nChipset Features

1-2System Overview
About the Versa TXi Notebook
The NEC®Versa®TXi notebook computer is a portable system designed for home, business, or
travel. Standard features include an Intel®Pentium®III 750-MHz, 700-MHz, 650-MHz, or
600-MHz processor with Intel SpeedStep™ or an Intel Celeron™ 500-MHz processor that work
together with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) architecture.
The system also includes a high-performance hard disk drive, PC card support, an external USB
diskette drive, and an NEC VersaBay™ IV slot. The VersaBay IV slot might hold a CD-ROM
drive, CD-read/write (RW) drive, DVD-ROM drive, or combination CD-RW and DVD-ROM
drive. As an alternative, the VersaBay IV slot can hold an optional second battery for extended
computer use while on battery power. As a multimedia system, the Versa TXi notebook
provides the tools needed to create and present impressive images using video clips and sound.
Versa TXi notebook computer
Front Features
The following sections describe the Versa TXi notebook front features.
LCD Panel
The Versa TXi notebook comes with a 12.1-inch colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended
Graphics Array (XGA) or SuperVideo Graphics Array (SVGA) panel that can be adjusted for a
comfortable viewing position. To adjust the viewing angle, gently tilt the LCD panel into
position.
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 “Keyboard” later in this section.

System Overview 1-3
Base Unit
The base unit of the Versa TXi notebook has the features shown in the following figure. Feature
descriptions are provided after the figure.
LCD panel and base unit
A–Keyboard E–CD Control Buttons and Operating Status LEDs
B–Stereo Speakers F–Email/Internet Shortcut Keys
C–NEC Versa Logo G–Power Button
D–LCD Panel H–NEC VersaGlide Touchpad
nKeyboard —83 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models purchased outside
of the U.S. and Canada ship with country-specific keyboard layouts.)
nStereo Speakers —Provide stereo sound for multimedia presentations or listening pleasure.
The built-in sound system also supports 3D sound, which simulates the latest surround-
sound technology.
nLCD Panel —Provides a high-resolution display for sharp effective visuals on the system.
nCD Control Buttons (available on some systems) —Control the CD-ROM drive,
DVD-ROM drive, CD-RW drive, or combination DVD-ROM and CD-RW drive (with stop,
reverse, play/pause, and fast forward).
nOperating Status LEDs —Keep you informed of the notebook computer’s current operating
status. See the following figure and list for each LED’s meaning.

1-4System Overview
Operating status LEDS
A–Hard Disk Drive C–Scroll Lock
B–Caps Lock D–Num Lock
—Hard disk drive –lights when the system writes data to or retrieves data from the
internal hard 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 in effect.
nEmail Shortcut Key —Launches the dial-up networking connection (if not connected to a
LAN) and Microsoft®Outlook Express.
nInternet Shortcut Key —Launches the dial-up networking connection (if not connected to a
LAN) and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Email/Internet keys
A–Email Shortcut Key C–Power Button
B–Internet Shortcut Key

System Overview 1-5
nPower Button —Press the Power button to power on, power off, and to resume from
Standby mode. For more information about the Power button, see “Power Button,” next.
nNEC VersaGlide™ Touchpad —Works like a standard computer mouse. Move your
fingertip over the VersaGlide Touchpad to control the position of the cursor. Use the left
and right selection buttons below the VersaGlide Touchpad to select menu items. Use the
scroll button to scroll up or down in a document.
Power Button
The Power/Sleep button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it recognizes when the system is in
Standby mode. If in 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.”)
Put the unit in Standby mode when you need to be away from the system for a short period of
time and want to return to where you left off. Standby mode shuts down all devices in the
system while retaining data and system status. Go to Start, Shutdown, Standby to put the system
into Standby mode.
Use the Power button in the following ways:
nPress the Power button to power on.
nPress the Power button to resume from Standby mode and proceed with normal operation.
nPress and hold the Power button in place for four or more seconds to power off the system
(power override). Only use this option if you cannot power off the system using Start,
Shutdown.
Keyboard
The Versa TXi notebook keyboard offers the following features, which are described after the
figure.
Keyboard
A–Function Keys D–Cursor Control Keys
B–Numeric Keys E–Control Keys
C–Windows Keys

1-6System Overview
nFunction keys —Twelve function keys, F1 through F12, are available on the keyboard.
These keys work together with the Fn key to activate special functions. Several keys are
pre-programmed with dual functions and some 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 with the application.
The following function key combinations are pre-programmed for the Versa TXi notebook.
Fn-F2 —toggles Bluetooth power on and off (only in systems with Bluetooth).
Fn-F3 —toggles between four video modes; LCD, CRT, both LCD and CRT, or TV-Out.
Fn-F5 —zooms the screen in or out slightly.
Fn-F6 —sets the speaker beeper volume to full on or mute.
Fn-F7 —functions when the Microsoft Windows®operating system is configured for
Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI) mode.
Fn-F8 —increases the LCD panel brightness.
Fn-F9 —decreases the LCD panel brightness.
Fn-ScrLck —toggles the Num lock function.
Fn-Pause —break.
Fn-Left Ctrl —simulates pressing the right control key to support IBM®327X connections
(not supported in U.S./Canada).
nNumeric keypad —Pressing NumLk 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 NumLk again, the keys revert to their normal functions as typewriter keys.
nCursor 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.
nWindows keys —use the following two keys for quick access to shortcut menus and the
Start menu.
Shortcut/Application key –provides quick access to shortcut menus.
(The key acts like a right mouse button.)
Floating Window key –displays the Start menu.
nControl keys —Ctrl, Alt, Fn, and Shift are controls used in conjunction with other keys to
change their functions. To use control keys, press and hold the control key while pressing
another key. For example, “press Ctrl c” means to hold down the Ctrl key and type the letter
c. How the key combination works depends on the application.
nTypewriter keys —The typewriter keys (also called alphanumeric keys) are used to enter
text and characters. Keys with blue printing on them behave differently when combined
with control keys or the Fn key.

System Overview 1-7
Front Features
The front features of the Versa TXi notebook are described after the figure.
Front features
A–Microphone E–IEEE 1394 Connector
B–Power Status LED F–Microphone In
C–Battery Charging LED G–Dual Headphone Jack and Optical In/Out
D –Bluetooth Status LED H –Volume Control
nMicrophone —Built-in microphone for recording monophonic sound directly into the
notebook computer.
nPower Status LED —Lights to indicate the following:
—Lights green when the system power is on.
—Blinks green when the system is in Standby mode.
—Lights yellow (blinks when in Standby mode) to indicate that battery power is at 8%
capacity or less.
—Lights amber (blinks when in Standby mode) to indicate that battery power is at 3%
capacity.
nBattery Charging LED —Lights to indicate battery charging activity.
—Lights amber when the primary battery is charging. Blinks amber to indicate an error.
The primary battery is installed in the battery bay.
—Lights green when the secondary battery is charging. Blinks green to indicate an error.
The secondary (optional) battery is in the NEC VersaBay IV slot.
nBluetooth Status LED —Lights when Bluetooth power is on (only in systems with
Bluetooth).
nIEEE Port —Use this port to daisy chain up to 63 IEEE devices to the system. IEEE
devices support the 1394 standard of Plug and Play connectivity for transfer rates up to
400 Mbps.
nMicrophone (MIC) —Lets you connect an external microphone for monophonic recording
or amplification through the system. Plugging in an external microphone disables the built-
in microphone.

1-8System Overview
nDual Headphone Jack and Optical In/Out Connector —Lets you connect external
headphones to the system or connect a device such as a SONY Mini-Disc player/recorder.
Connecting to this port disables the built-in system speakers.
nVolume Control —Lets you control speaker or headphone volume.
Back Features
The back of the Versa TXi notebook offers the following features, which are described after the
figure.
Back features
A–Battery Bay C–External Monitor Port
B–TV Out Connector
nBattery Bay —Contains the system’s standard Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) primary battery or an
optional Extra Life Li-Ion battery.
nTV-Out Connector —Allows watching DVD movies on a TV that’s connected to the
system.
nExternal Monitor (Video) Port —Use this 15-pin port to attach an external monitor to the
notebook computer. Run the LCD display and the external monitor simultaneously or run
either alone.

System Overview 1-9
Left Side Features
The left side of the Versa TXi notebook has the following features, which are described after the
figure.
Left side features
A–RJ-45 Jack D–Parallel/Serial Port
B–RJ-11 Jack E–Fan
C–AC Power Port F–PC Card Slots
nRJ-45 Jack —Use this jack to connect the internal LAN adapter to a local area network
(LAN). (Not available in all systems.)
nRJ-11 Jack —Use this jack to connect an internal modem to an analogue telephone line.
nAC Power Port —Use this port to connect the notebook to a DC power source, such as the
AC adapter or the optional DC auto adapter.
nParallel/Serial Port —Use this port to connect a parallel adapter cable to the notebook and
to an external printer or other parallel device. This port can also be used to connect a serial
adapter cable to the notebook and to an external serial device. The parallel adapter cable
ships with the notebook. The serial adapter cable, when available, will also ship with the
notebook.
nFan —Cools the interior of the notebook to maintain a safe operating environment.
Always keep the fans and vents unobstructed to allow proper notebook
cooling.
nPC card slots —Use the slots for inserting two Type II PC cards or one Type III PC card.

1-10 System Overview
Right Side Features
The right side of the Versa TXi notebook has the following features, which are described after
the figure.
Right side features
A–USB Ports (3) C–Kensington Lock
B–NEC VersaBay IV Slot
nUSB Ports —The Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports allow connection of up to
127 USB-equipped peripheral devices (printers, monitors, scanners, etc.) to the system.
nNEC VersaBay IV Slot —Houses a CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or combination
CD-RW and DVD-ROM drive. Also accepts an NEC VersaBay IV battery.
Kensington®Lock Slot —Provides added security by providing a connection for an optional
Kensington Lock.

System Overview 1-11
Bottom Features
The bottom of the Versa TXi notebook has the following features, which are described after the
figure.
Bottom features
A–Primary Battery D–Vents
B–Battery Release Latch E–Memory Module Bay
C–NEC VersaBay IV Slot
nPrimary Battery —Supplies power when the system is not connected to an AC power
source.
nBattery Bay Release Latch —Releases the system’s primary battery for removal.
nNEC VersaBay IV Slot —Houses a CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or combination
CD-RW and DVD-ROM drive. Also accepts an NEC VersaBay IV battery.
nVents —Allows the system to cool properly and maintain a safe operating temperature.
Always keep the vents unobstructed to allow proper system cooling.
nMemory Module Bay —Stores the system’s memory module.

1-12 System Overview
Component Features
Review the following sections for a description of the system’s internal components.
Primary Battery
The system comes with a rechargeable 3-cell or an optional rechargeable 15-cell Li-Ion battery
as its transient power source. The 3-cell battery pack installs in a compartment on the bottom of
the system. The optional 15-cell battery pack fits under the system, and plugs into the battery
bay on the rear of the system.
Secondary Battery
An optional rechargeable secondary Li-Ion battery can be installed in the VersaBay IV slot on
the right side of the system.
CMOS Battery
The system comes with a 3-volt lithium battery that maintains data in the system’s
complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) RAM. This memory area contains
information on the system’s configuration (for example date, time, drives, and memory).
The CMOS battery charges when the system is connected to AC power. The CMOS battery may
discharge completely if the system remains unused for approximately two months.
Hard Disk Drive
A standard 2.5-inch, 9.5 mm hard disk drive ships with the system.
ROM Drives
A 24X CD-ROM drive, a 8X DVD-ROM drive, a CD-RW drive, or a combination CD-RW and
DVD-ROM drive comes installed in the system’s VersaBay IV slot.
Chipset Features
The following table provides information on the system chipset.
System Chipset
Chip Manufacturer Description
Celeron CPU
Pentium III CPU Intel Intel 500 MHz 600, 650, 700, or 750 MHz (with
Intel SpeedStep)
82443BX Intel System Controller
FDC37N869 Standard Microsystems Super I/O
Mobility-M1 ATI Video
ESS®Allegro™-1988 ESS Technology Audio
M38869 Mitsubishi Keyboard Controller
TI PCI 1420 Texas Instruments PCI CardBus Controller

2
System Configuration and Setup
nPower Sources
nBIOS Setup
nSystem Power Management
nBIOS Update
nSpeedStep Applet

2-2System Configuration and Setup
Power Sources
The Versa TXi notebook can be powered using three different sources:
nAC adapter connected to an electrical wall outlet (using AC power)
nbattery power
—primary battery (standard 3-cell or optional extended life 15-cell battery)
—with or without the optional secondary 6-cell battery that installs in the VersaBay IV
slot
noptional Auto adapter (not available in U.S. or Canada). For details about its use, refer to
the accessory sheet that ships with the option.
Using the AC Adapter
Use the AC adapter and power cable that came with the system to run the system on alternating
current (AC) power, or to recharge the battery pack.
Keep the adapter connected whenever possible. The AC adapter charges the battery when it is
connected, whether the system is powered on or off.
AC adapter
Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no
user-replaceable or serviceable parts inside. Dangerous voltage in the AC adapter can cause
serious personal injury or death. The AC adapter is intended for use with a computer and must
meet EN609050 standards.
Connecting the AC Adapter
Note The AC power cable type that the system uses depends on the country where it is
being used. Contact the local dealer to purchase the correct power cable.
Connect the AC adapter as follows:
1. Connect the AC adapter cable to the power port on the left side of the system.
2. Plug one end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter and the other end into a properly
grounded 120-or 240-volt, 50-or 60-Hz wall outlet.

System Configuration and Setup 2-3
Connecting the AC adapter
A–AC Power Port C–Power Cable
B–AC Adapter
Do not cover or place objects on the AC adapter. Keeping the adapter
clear of objects lets the adapter cool properly during use.
Only use the AC adapter that comes with the Versa TXi notebook. Although other adapters look
similar, using them can damage the system.
Powering On the System
Power on the system as follows:
1. Locate the latch on the front of the LCD panel, slide it to the right, and raise the panel.
2. Locate the power button and press it to turn on system power.
Note When powering on the Versa TXi notebook running the Microsoft®Windows®2000
operating system, you might see a warning message suggesting that a problem exists with the
hibernation file on the system. The warning message is inaccurate. To disable this message,
enable hibernate support. See the section "Microsoft Windows 2000 Hibernate" for details about
enabling hibernate support.
System Batteries
The Versa TXi notebook comes with a Li-Ion primary battery and a CMOS battery. In addition,
an optional Li-Ion secondary battery and an optional extended life 15-cell Li-Ion battery are
available.
Primary Battery
The Li-Ion primary battery is the power source for the system. The system comes with either a
3-cell Li-Ion battery that fits into the battery bay on the rear of the system, or an optional 15-cell
Li-Ion battery that attaches to the bottom of the system.
Secondary Battery
An optional rechargeable secondary Li-Ion battery can be installed in the VersaBay IV slot on
the right side of the system. Installing a second fully charged battery increases battery life while
away from an AC power source.