NEC Versa Series User Manual

1-2 Introducing Your NEC VersaBefore You BeginThis manual is the user’s guide for both the NEC Versa UltraLite and Versa DayLitenotebook computers.

10-2 Solving System ProblemsProblem ChecklistFirst check the items in the following list. If these items don't help, see the table thatfollows

Solving System Problems 10-3TroubleshootingProblem ResolutionAn optional componentdoes not work.Make sure the component is securely installed orconn

10-4 Solving System ProblemsPost Error MessagesThe NEC Versa computer has a built-in checking program that automatically tests itscomponents when yo

Solving System Problems 10-5Post Error MessagesMessage ResolutionCMOS Display TypeMismatchThe amount of memory on the system board is differentthan

10-6 Solving System ProblemsPost Error MessagesMessage ResolutionOff Board Parity Error Parity error in an expansion slot. Contact your NECComputers

Solving System Problems 10-7Beep CodesNumber ofBeeps Error Description5 Processor Failure The CPU on the motherboardgenerated an error.6 Gate A20 Fa

11Getting Service and Support! Service and Support Contact Information! Web Site! FTP Site! Support Services! Email/Fax to Support Services

11-2 Getting Service and SupportService and Support Contact InformationService Contact InformationNEC Computers Inc. Web Site www.neccomp.comSupport

Getting Service and Support 11-3Web SiteIf you have a modem or are connected to a network, you can access the NECComputers web site. You can do this

11-4 Getting Service and SupportSupport ServicesNEC Computers also offers direct technical support through Support Services. (NECComputers Support S

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-3About Your NEC Versa NotebookThe NEC Versa notebook computer offers you a portable system filled with excitingresource

ASetting Up a Healthy Work Environment! Making Your Computer Work for You! Arrange Your Equipment! Adjust Your Chair! Adjust Your Input Devices! Adju

A-2 Setting Up a Healthy Work EnvironmentMaking Your Computer Work for YouComputers are everywhere. More and more people sit at computers for longer

Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment A-3Arrange Your EquipmentArrange your equipment so that you can work in a natural and relaxed position. Placei

A-4 Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment! If you use a mouse, position it at the same height as the keyboard and next to thekeyboard. Keep your wr

Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment A-5! Adjust the screen or external monitor's brightness and contrast controls to enhancereadability.! U

A-6 Setting Up a Healthy Work EnvironmentContact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning, cramping,stiffness, throbbing, weak

BSpecifications! System Components! Memory Map! Interrupt Controllers

B-2 SpecificationsSystem ComponentsThe following system component specifications are standard except where noted.Note The components that ship wit

Specifications B-3Input/Output (I/O) FacilitiesIntegrated industry-standard interfaces! Infrared — 1 FIR! VGA — 1 port, 20-pin (via CRT cable)! M

B-4 SpecificationsKeyboardMembrane 86 keys with country-specific QWERTY-key layout! Function keys — 12 keys! Cursor Control keys — 8 keys; arrow k

1-4 Introducing Your NEC VersaLCD PanelYour NEC Versa comes with a 10.4-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display thatyou can adjust for a comfo

Specifications B-524X-Maximum/10x Minimum Variable Speed CD-ROM Drive! Type — 5-inch CD-ROM Pack! Average Data Transfer Rates — 1545 KB/second to

B-6 SpecificationsBattery Pack! Main Battery — 9 Cell Lithium Polymer; 10.8 volts, 1800mAH! Secondary Battery — 3 cell Lithium-Ion; 11.1volts, 250

Specifications B-7Memory MapThe system supports system and video shadowing, both controlled throughcomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). T

B-8 SpecificationsInterrupt ControllersUsing interrupts, hardware can request software services. If non-Plug and Play softwareis being used, the int

CFrequently Asked Questions! External Mouse! Display! PC Cards! Diskette Drive! Booting! Power Management! Miscellaneous

C-2 Frequently Asked QuestionsExternal MouseHow can a mouse and an external keyboard be connected to thenotebook at the same time?The NEC Versa DayL

Frequently Asked Questions C-3PC CardsWhy do certain PC Cards cause my battery life to drop noticeably?Certain hard disk cards and wireless radio ca

C-4 Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat happens if I leave a diskette in my diskette drive?Shutting down your system with a diskette in the diskette driv

Frequently Asked Questions C-5BootingWhat is the difference between a warm boot and a cold boot?A warm boot restarts the system while system power i

C-6 Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the purpose of Suspend to RAM (Standby)?You can initiate full Suspend-to-RAM by accessing Start, Shut Down,Sta

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-5! Keyboard — 86 keys with a country-specific QWERTY-key layout.! LCD Panel — Provides a high-resolution display for

Frequently Asked Questions C-7What is a time-out?A time-out is the amount of time your system or a particular component isinactive.MiscellaneousHow

C-8 Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy do I get a message “Insufficient memory” when I run somegames? I have 64 MB of memory.The “Insufficient memory” re

Frequently Asked Questions C-9I'm having a problem using the IR port. What can I do?Use the taskbar icon to enable the IR port. Next, enter the

Glossary 1GlossaryA AC adapterA device that connects an NEC Versa notebook computer and an AC wall outlet toprovide AC power for running the system

2 Glossary bits per second(bps) A unit of transmission. Also called baud rate. boardPrinted circuit board (PCB). Board on which computer components

Glossary 3 CMOSComplementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A chip that contains nonvolatile memoryin the NEC Versa notebook. CMOS is backed up by an in

4 Glossary extended RAMThe area of RAM above the first megabyte of memory in the system available forenhancing system performance.F FIRFast Infrared

Glossary 5 infraredTechnology that uses infrared waves to communicate data between the IR-equippeddevices without the use of cables. The IR port on

6 Glossary microprocessorA semiconductor central processing unit that is the principal component of amicrocomputer. Usually contained on a single ch

Glossary 7P pageA type of message transmission in which a message is sent or received via modem to apaging device from a computer (with paging commu

1-6 Introducing Your NEC VersaKeyboard PanelThe NEC Versa notebook’s keyboard offers the following features, which are describedafter the figure.Key

8 Glossary promptA special symbol indicating the beginning of an input line. Also a message that appearson the screen indicating that the user must

Glossary 9 serial printerA printer with a serial interface. SIRSerial Infrared, an infrared technology that sends data at 2.4 Mbit/second (2,400,000

10 GlossaryU USBUniversal Serial Bus. This external bus standard supports the connection of up to 127peripheral devices, such as mice, modems, and k

Glossary 11X XGAExtended Graphics Array. This high-resolution graphics standard supports 800 x 600 –1024 x 768 pixels and up to 16 million simultane

Index-1AAC adapter, 7-3connecting, 2-4using, 2-3AC Power port, 1-9ACPI, 3-12advanced power settings, 3-15alarms, 3-14hibernation, 2-6, 3-15power meter

Index-2Extending battery life, 2-8External devicesaudio options, 8-3CD-ROM drive, 5-3floppy diskette drive, 5-2microphone, 1-10speakers, 9-4FFAQsbooti

Index-3using animation files, 9-5using external speakers, 9-4using headphones, 9-4using internal speakers, 9-4NNECVersaGlide, 1-5NEC Computersemail/fa

Index-4installing, 5-11removing, 5-11Speaker, 1-5Specificationsbattery pack, B-6calendar clock, B-2CD-ROM drive, B-5diskette drive, B-4hard disk drive

Regulatory Statements 1Regulatory StatementsThe following regulatory statements include the Federal Communications Commission(FCC) Radio Frequency I

2 Regulatory StatementsEuropean Community Directive Conformance StatementThis product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EC Counci

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-7Fn-F11 — decreases the system speaker volume.Fn-F12 — toggles the scroll lock featureFn-Ins —print screenFn-Del — syst

NEC Computers Inc.DECLARATION OF CONFORMITYWe, the Responsible PartyNEC Computers Inc.15 Business Park WaySacramento, CA 95828declare that the produc

1-8 Introducing Your NEC Versa! Typewriter keys — The typewriter keys (also called alphanumeric keys) are used toenter text and characters. Keys wi

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-9! IR Port — Use this infrared (IR) port to transfer files between your NEC Versa andan IR-equipped desktop or noteboo

1-10 Introducing Your NEC Versa! USB Port — The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port allows you to connect up to 127USB-equipped peripheral devices (pri

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-11! PC Card Slot — Accommodates one type II PC Card. These cards are often storageor communication devices such as Sta

First Printing - March 2001Copyright 2001NEC Computers Inc.15 Business Park WaySacramento, CA 95828All Rights ReservedProprietary Notice and Liabilit

1-12 Introducing Your NEC VersaAround the Bottom of the SystemThe bottom of the NEC Versa notebook offers the following features, which aredescribed

2Getting Started! NEC VersaGlide Touchpad! Power Sources for Your NEC Versa notebook! AC Adapter! Primary Battery Pack! Secondary Battery Pack! Syste

2-2 Getting StartedNEC VersaGlide TouchpadThe NEC VersaGlide is an easy way to control the cursor with your finger. Lightlyglide your finger across

Getting Started 2-3Making VersaGlide AdjustmentsThe NEC VersaGlide offers a number of options that let you customize how itfunctions. The options le

2-4 Getting StartedKeep the adapter connected whenever possible. It charges the battery when it isconnected, whether the NEC Versa notebook is power

Getting Started 2-52. Plug one end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter and the other end into aproperly grounded 120- or 240-volt, 50- or 60-H

2-6 Getting StartedPowering On Your SystemPower on the system as follows:1. Locate the latch on the front of the unit, slide it to the right, and ra

Getting Started 2-7To prevent accidental battery ignition or explosion, adhere tothe following:! Keep the battery away from extreme heat.! Keep meta

2-8 Getting Started! Leave the battery in the system and connect your NEC Versa notebook to the ACadapter and a wall outlet. If you connect the sys

Getting Started 2-9Replace the secondary battery installed in your NEC Versa notebook system as follows.Note Use the batteries in the NEC Versa no

Contents iiiContentsUsing This GuideText Setup ...

2-10 Getting Started4. Continue to hold the battery release latch as you slide the battery out of the system.Removing the batteryA – Battery Bay Con

Getting Started 2-11Charging the BatteryCharge the primary and secondary batteries by simply connecting your NEC Versasystem to an AC power source.

2-12 Getting Started! Take extra precautions to keep a leaking battery away from fire. There is adanger of ignition or explosion.Precautions for Rec

Getting Started 2-13System CareThe NEC Versa notebook is designed to be a durable, dependable system built forextensive use and travel. Follow these

2-14 Getting StartedStorage RequirementsStore the computer and AC adapter in an environment that meets the followingconditions:If the temperature of

3Using the BIOS Setup Utility! Introducing BIOS Setup! Entering BIOS Setup! Managing System Power! Updating the BIOS! Configuring the Switch Settings

3-2 Using the BIOS Setup UtilityIntroducing BIOS SetupYour NEC Versa DayLite/UltraLite computer comes with a hardware program calledBIOS Setup that

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-3BIOS Setup Main MenuAfter you press F2, the system displays the BIOS Setup Main Menu screen, similar tothe following

3-4 Using the BIOS Setup UtilityUse the keys listed in the legend bar on the bottom of the Setup menu to make theselections or exit the current menu

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-5Main MenuChoose the Main menu by selecting Main in the legend bar on the Main menu screen.Other Main menu options ar

iv Contents3 Using the BIOS Setup UtilityIntroducing BIOS Setup ...

3-6 Using the BIOS Setup UtilityMain Menu ItemsMenu Item Settings (default is bold)Boot Display DeviceBoth, LCD, CRTAllows you to choose either disp

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-7Internal HDD Submenu ItemsMenu Item Settings (default is bold)TypeAuto, None, UserWhen set to Auto, the values for C

3-8 Using the BIOS Setup UtilityInternal HDD Submenu ItemsMenu Item Settings (default is bold)LBA Mode ControlEnabled, DisabledWhen Enabled is selec

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-9Setting items on this menu to incorrect values can cause yoursystem to malfunction.Advanced MenuMenu Item Settings (

3-10 Using the BIOS Setup UtilitySecurity MenuChoose the Security menu by selecting Security from the Main menu screen. OtherSecurity menu options a

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-11Boot MenuChoose the Boot menu by selecting Boot in the legend bar on the Main menu screen.Other Boot menu options a

3-12 Using the BIOS Setup UtilityExit Menu ItemsMenu Item Settings (default is bold)Discard Changes Loads previous values from BIOS for allsetup fie

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-13Windows 2000 Power SchemesUse the Power Schemes options to define the appropriate Power scheme for yoursystem, and

3-14 Using the BIOS Setup Utility! System standby — Selects the system standby timeout period for your system whenrunning under AC or DC power.! S

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-15Windows 2000 AdvancedThe Advanced window allows you to select behaviors for the taskbar icon, standbypassword, LCD

Contents vCD Care ... 5-8Hard Dis

3-16 Using the BIOS Setup UtilityWindows 2000 Power Management StatesACPI uses different levels or states of power management. The power managements

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-17Updating the BIOSThe BIOS is code transmitted onto your system’s Flash ROM. As indicated in thischapter, you use th

3-18 Using the BIOS Setup Utility4. Type a:\install at the DOS prompt and follow the on-screen instructions.Install.bat copies the DOS system files

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-198. Power on your computer. A CMOS Checksum message appears and prompts youto press F1 to enter Setup.9. Press F1 to

3-20 Using the BIOS Setup Utility3. Remove the screw and lift off the memory module bay cover. See “Identifying theSwitch Settings” for information

Using the BIOS Setup Utility 3-21Note The system memory expansion slot is also located here. Therefore, if youneed to install/replace SO-DIMM modu

4Using the Operating System and Utilities! Microsoft Windows Introduction! Transmeta LongRun Utility! Product Recovery CD

4-2 Using the Operating System and UtilitiesMicrosoft Windows IntroductionYour NEC Versa comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 2000 operati

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-3Note Before choosing and registering for an online service, you must connect anoptional modem to your

4-4 Using the Operating System and UtilitiesTransmeta LongRun UtilityThe Crusoe processor that powers your NEC Versa notebook is equipped with theLo

vi ContentsVideo...9-

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-5Product Recovery CDThe Product Recovery CD contains the NEC Product Recovery Utility that allows youto r

4-6 Using the Operating System and Utilities— Partition Only — Lets you preserve your existing hard disk drive partitionstructure and format only t

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-7Choose your restore option carefully to prevent losing data andapplications installed on your system.6.

4-8 Using the Operating System and UtilitiesUse the Product Recovery Utility to perform a Partition Only restore as follows:1. Check the Product Rec

Using the Operating System and Utilities 4-98. When the recovery process is complete, you are prompted to remove the CD fromthe CD-ROM drive and reb

5Using the System Drives and Bays! External Floppy Diskette Drive! External Variable-Speed CD-ROM Drive! Hard Disk Drive! Memory Modules

5-2 Using the System Drives and BaysExternal Floppy Diskette DriveThe NEC Versa notebook ships with a standard 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB external floppydisk

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-3Connecting the External Floppy Diskette DriveFollow these steps to connect the external floppy diskette drive to

5-4 Using the System Drives and BaysUse the external CD-ROM drive in the following ways:! Connect the drive to one of the USB ports to load and sta

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-5! Status LED — Lights green when powered on or connected to the NEC Versanotebook. Lights amber during data rea

Using This Guide viiUsing This GuideThe NEC Versa® DayLite™/UltraLite™ User's Guide gives you the information youneed to maximize the use of yo

5-6 Using the System Drives and BaysUsing the CD-ROM Drive with your NEC Versa NotebookFollow these steps to connect to and use the external CD-ROM

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-74. Slide the release latch toward the front of the CD-ROM drive to open the cover.Opening the CD-ROM drive cover

5-8 Using the System Drives and Bays7. Run the setup, installation program or other instructions provided with the softwareapplication to start or l

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-9Hard Disk DriveYour NEC Versa notebook comes equipped with an internal fixed 2.5-inch, 9.5mmhard disk drive with

5-10 Using the System Drives and BaysInstalling a Memory ModuleFollow these steps to install a memory module.1. Make sure that the system is powered

Using the System Drives and Bays 5-114. Locate the connectors and alignment notch on the SO-DIMM.Memory module featuresA – Connectors B – Alignment

5-12 Using the System Drives and Bays! When the edge of the module pops up and is at approximately a 60 degreeangle, pull it from the socket.Removi

6Communicating with Your NEC Versa! PC Cards! Mini PCI LAN! Internal Modem! Internet Connections! IR Port

6-2 Communicating with Your NEC VersaPC CardsYour NEC Versa DayLite/UltraLite system is equipped with a PC Card slot thatsupports Type II PC Cards.P

Communicating with Your NEC Versa 6-3Storage CardsWhen you insert a memory or storage card in an NEC notebook computer, it appears asa unique drive

viii Using This Guide! Appendix C, “Frequently Asked Questions,” (FAQs) for a look at questions thatusers commonly ask and the answers to those que

6-4 Communicating with Your NEC VersaInserting a PC CardTo insert a PC Card, follow these steps.1. Align the card so that the 68-pin connector point

Communicating with Your NEC Versa 6-5Mini PCI LANYour NEC Versa system may ship with an internal Mini PCI LAN that allows you toconnect your system

6-6 Communicating with Your NEC VersaInternal ModemYour NEC Versa system ships with a V.90 internal modem that allows you to connectto the Internet,

Communicating with Your NEC Versa 6-7Internet ConnectionsYour NEC Versa system is equipped with the Microsoft Windows operating system toprovide a f

6-8 Communicating with Your NEC Versa3. Select the Advanced tab and choose a value for the MaxConnectRate property.Choose a transfer speed compatibl

7Traveling Tips! Preparing for Travel! Packing for Travel! Using Power Connections! Getting Through Customs! Connecting to the Internet

7-2 Traveling TipsPreparing for TravelThe NEC Versa DayLite/UltraLite computer makes a natural traveling companion.With a little preparation you can

Traveling Tips 7-3! USB diskette drive if you plan to use diskettes! Copy of proof of purchase for your computer and other equipment or customsreg

7-4 Traveling TipsConnecting to the InternetWhether you are on a business trip or vacation, connecting to the Internet while youtravel can be expens

Traveling Tips 7-5! Plug the LAN cable into your system and the LAN connector in the room or hallwhere you want to access the Internet.! After con

1Introducing Your NEC Versa! Before You Begin! About Your NEC Versa Notebook! Around the Front of the System! Around the Back of the System! Around t

8Using Peripheral Devices! External Monitor! External Audio Options! USB Devices

8-2 Using External DevicesExternal MonitorYou can add a standard external monitor to your NEC Versa DayLite/UltraLite systemusing a display signal c

Using External Devices 8-3External Audio OptionsThe NEC Versa notebook comes equipped with built-in audio ports that let you recordand play sound.Co

8-4 Using External DevicesUSB DevicesYour NEC Versa system is equipped with two USB ports that increase yourconnectivity choices. The USB ports on y

9Using Multimedia! Audio! Video! Multimedia Applications

9-2 Using MultimediaAudioThe NEC Versa notebook provides entertainment-level sound quality with its internalmono speaker or by plugging stereo speak

Using Multimedia 9-3Note Before recording from the external CD-ROM drive to the internal hard diskdrive, disable the internal microphone. To disab

9-4 Using MultimediaUsing HeadphonesThe NEC Versa notebook headphone port delivers sound at half a watt. Stereoheadphones (available at an electroni

Using Multimedia 9-5Using Animation FilesYou can create a dynamic presentation using an animation application. Animation canillustrate a concept, dr

10Solving System Problems! Problem Checklist! Start-Up Problems! If You Need Assistance