Nec N1200 User Guide

NEC VERSA N1200

Series

Electronic User Guide

Table of Contents

Page

Notebook Care

Introducing Your NEC VERSA

Introducing BIOS Setup for Windows® XP

Windows® XP Operating System Introduction

Notebook Components

Applications

Operating Environment

Preventive Maintenance

Taking Care of Your Notebook

Shipping Your Notebook

Preparing for Travel

Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment

Recovery Information (Windows® XP)

Contact NEC Customer Support

Safety Notices

Glossary

License Agreement

Trademarks

Official Name of the Software Used

About Your Electronic User Guide

The illustrations, colours and pictures shown are for descriptive purposes. They may vary slightly from country to country and the unit you purchase. Please refer to the finished product for final configurations. Specifications and model names are subject to change without notice.

Note

You may find that your notebook is not supplied with devices/accessories that can be used with your available slots/connections/ports. This is because the notebook you have purchased has been fitted with a wide range of slots/connections/ports, to allow you greater flexibility and options should you decide later on to use external or optional devices/accessories.

Text Setup

To make this document as easy as possible to use, additional texts will appear throughout it. The following explains the meaning of these additional texts.

Note

The note icon gives additional important information about the described item.

CAUTION

The caution icon indicates situations that can damage the notebook hardware or software.

WARNING

The warning icon alerts you to situations that could result in serious personal injury or even loss of life.

*For specific models only

Items marked with an asterisk (*) are supplied for specific models only. If the items are not found in the packaging box or preloaded in the notebook, it is because they are not applicable to the notebook you have just purchased. Thus, they are not provided together with the notebook.

Electronic User Guide

This Electronic User Guide aims to help you familiarise yourself with your new notebook. It contains information on your notebook, the devices and applications associated with it; ways to set up a healthy work environment; safety notices and Windows®.

Visit our website at www.nec-computers-ap.com regularly to download the most up-to-date Electronic User Guide and print it out for your reference.

Note

We recommend that you print this documentation. It will then be easily accessible even when your notebook is shut down. To print the Electronic User Guide, click “File” on the top menubar, and then click “Print” from the dropdown menu. You must have a printer installed and connected to be able to print.

Print in small booklets using recycled paper. Make two-sided prints and copies using the “duplex” function, print multiple images/page per page, and print only the quantity you need at the time you need it. This gives you a handy way to store the booklet nearby and saves paper.

Basic Care and Handling Tips

Protect the notebook from extremely low or high temperatures. Let the notebook warm (or cool) to room temperature before using it.

Keep the notebook away from magnetised areas (some airline tray tables are magnetic; do not set your notebook on top of them). Doing so may damage the data on your hard drive.

Keep the notebook dry. Do not wipe the notebook with a wet cloth or pour fluid onto it.

Protect the notebook from strong physical contact, such as being bumped or dropped.

Check the notebook for condensation. If condensation is present, allow it to evaporate before switching on the notebook.

Keep the notebook away from dust, sand and dirt.

Note For information on the specifications of your notebook, please refer to the System Configuration Label on the packaging box that comes with your system.

CAUTION

Before you connect or disconnect the power cords at the AC port of your notebook, please ensure that the power plug is disconnected from the AC power outlet.

WARNING

Do not place this notebook on your lap and/or allow it to be in contact with any part of your body while operating.

Notebook Care

Follow these guidelines to maintain the condition and performance of your notebook.

CAUTION

Immediately turn off and unplug the notebook under the following conditions :

• The power cord has been damaged or frayed.

• Liquid has spilled on or into the notebook.

• The notebook has been dropped or its casing has been damaged.

Precautions for Notebook Use

Take these precautions when using your notebook and AC adaptor:

• Be aware that your notebook may radiate heat when used for an extended period of time.

• Avoid dropping or bumping the notebook, or the AC adaptor.

• Do not stack heavy objects on the notebook, the AC adaptor, or the battery packs.

• Do not place items near the notebook that could block its air vents and cause overheating.

• Avoid moving the notebook during operation, especially while the hard disk or optical disc

drive is being accessed.

• When using the AC adaptor, make sure the power source falls within the compatibility

range of the notebook. Never use the AC adaptor if the voltage falls outside this range. Watch out for this when travelling to other countries.

• Shut down the notebook before attaching or removing non-plug-and-play devices.

• Disconnect the notebook from its AC power outlet if it is not going to be used for a long

time. This will avoid damage from transient over-voltage.

• Do not attempt to disassemble the notebook.

• Do not push any foreign objects into the notebook bays, connectors or slots.

• Keep the notebook away from magnetised areas (some airline tray tables are magnetic; do

not set your notebook on top of them). Doing so may damage the data on your hard drive.

• Avoid using the notebook or AC adaptor for extended periods under direct sunlight.

• Do not use the notebook in humid or dusty environments.

• Keep liquids and food away from the notebook.

• Turn notebook power off before cleaning it.

• Avoid exposing the notebook or AC adaptor to extreme changes in temperature or

humidity. If it is unavoidable, allow your notebook to adjust to room temperature before use.

• When cleaning the notebook, use a soft, clean, dry cloth. Avoid wiping the display surface

with abrasive material, including rough fabric. Do not use a cleaning solution; this may damage the plastic surface on the notebook.

• If the AC adaptor becomes extremely hot, unplug the adaptor and let it cool.

Be sure to follow these power cord safety tips:

• Unplug by gripping the plug only; do not pull on the cable.

• Place the power cord in such a way that it cannot be tripped or stepped on, and do not

place items directly on the power cord.

• Use an AC power outlet that is as close as possible to the notebook.

Storage Requirements

Store the notebook and AC adaptor in an environment that meets the following conditions:

Should the temperature of the notebook suddenly rise or fall (for example, when you move the notebook from a cold place to a warm one), vapour may condense inside the notebook. Turning on the notebook under such conditions can damage the internal notebook components.

Before turning on the notebook, wait until the internal temperature of the notebook stabilises with the new environment; and when the moisture on it has evaporated.

• Operate and store your notebook within the recommended temperatures and humidity

levels.

For more information, please refer to: Safety Notices → Product Storage Environment Guidelines in this Electronic User Guide.

• Keep the storage area away from vibratory and magnetic fields.

• Keep the notebook and its components away from organic solvents or corrosive gases.

• Avoid leaving the notebook and its components under direct sunlight or near heat sources.

Routine Cleaning

CAUTION

Never use harsh solutions, household cleaners, or spray cleaners that contain caustic materials on the notebook. These cleaners are usually high in alkalinity, making them very corrosive. Using these cleaners can cause the plastic surface on the notebook to crack or discolour.

Clean or dust your notebook as follows:

• LCD screen - carefully wipe the LCD screen with a soft cloth or special screen wipes

designed for cleaning LCD screens. Special screen wipes are available from your local notebook dealer.

• Notebook case - we recommend that you carefully wipe the case with a slightly damp, soft

cloth.

Introducing Your NEC VERSA

Getting to Know Your Notebook

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 notebook in the manner described in the section on “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment”.

• Read the section on “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment” for guidelines to help you to

use your notebook in a productive and safe manner. Information found in the section includes setting up and using your notebook while reducing the risk of developing nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.

For more information, please refer to: Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment in this Electronic User Guide.

• Read through this Electronic User Guide to familiarise yourself with the notebook.

NEC VERSA

The notebook offers you a portable system filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel.

To settle in comfortably with your notebook, read the following sections and take a tour round your notebook!

The Front View of the Notebook

Item

Description

Built-in Web Camera with LED Indicator

For recording video or taking pictures. The LED Indicator will light up when the web camera is turned on. The CyberLink YouCam webcam

application can be launched by double-clicking its icon from the Windows® desktop.

(Digital Microphone)

Allows you to record sound with your notebook.

LCD Panel

A colour LCD display with a screen resolution of 1024x576.

For more information, please refer to: Applications → Hiding the

Taskbar in this Electronic User Guide.

Keyboard

Standard QWERTY key layout (models purchased may be shipped with country-specific keyboard layouts).

Touchpad

Works like a standard computer mouse. Simply move your fingertip over the touchpad to control the position of the cursor.

LED Panel

A panel of several LEDs which indicate various system conditions.

For more information, please refer to: Introducing Your NEC

VERSA → LED Behaviour in this Electronic User Guide.

Power Button

Pressing this button switches the notebook on.

Item

Description

Speakers

Provides sound for your multimedia presentations or listening pleasure.

The Back View of the Notebook

Item

Description

Battery Bay

Equipped with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery.

The Left Side View of the Notebook

Item

Description

Security Cable Slot

This slot is for fitting a security cable device for extra protection for your notebook.

VGA Port

Use this 15-pin port to attach an external VGA or analogue monitor to your notebook.

Ventilator

This provides ventilation, to ensure the temperature of your notebook is optimal.

USB Gadget Charger Port

Allows you to charge devices that can be charged from a USB port such as portable media players and mobile phones.

Microphone In Jack

Allows you to connect to an external microphone. This will transmit sound to your notebook.

Headphones Out Jack

Lets you plug in headphones or external speakers. It will convert audio output from the notebook into sound or music, usually for multimedia enjoyment.

The Right Side View of the Notebook

Item

Description

Memory Card Reader

This port allows you to read data from different types of memory cards that are compatible to it such as SD/SDHC and SDIO.

USB Ports

Each USB port allows you to connect USB-equipped peripheral devices such as printers, monitors and scanners to your notebook.

LAN Port

Connects to a network cable; allows your notebook to communicate with other devices over a network, such as via the Internet.

AC Power Port

Lets you attach the notebook to the AC Power source. Use the AC adaptor that comes with your notebook and keep the notebook connected to AC Power whenever possible.

The Bottom View of the Notebook

Item

Description

Battery Security Lock

Secures the battery inside the battery bay.

For more information, please refer to: Introducing Your NEC

VERSA → Replacing the Battery in this Electronic User Guide.

Battery Bay

Equipped with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery.

Battery Release Latch

Releases the battery from the battery bay.

For more information, please refer to: Introducing Your NEC VERSA → Replacing the Battery in this Electronic User Guide.

Keyboard

The keyboard is equipped with many features. However the outlook of the keyboard may be slightly different from your actual unit. These include:

• Function Keys (A) - function keys are available on the notebook keyboard. These keys work together with the Fn key to activate special functions. Function keys are applicationdriven.

For more information, please refer to: Introducing Your NEC VERSA → Function Keys in this Electronic User Guide.

• Numeric Keypad (B) - pressing Fn+Num Lock on the keyboard activates the numeric keypad numbers and functions printed in blue at the bottom right corner of the keys. The keypad lets you type numbers and mathematical operators (+, -) as you would on a calculator. The keypad is ideal for entering long lists of numbers. When you press Fn+Num Lock again, the keys revert to their normal functions as typewriter keys.

• Control Keys (C) - Ctrl, Alt, Fn and Shift are controls used in conjunction with other keys to change their functions. To use control keys, press and hold down the control key while pressing another key. For example, "Press Ctrl+c" means to hold down the Ctrl key and press the c key. Key combinations are specific to the application you are running.

• Windows® Keys (D) - use the following two keys to facilitate your work.

Shortcut/Application key - provides quick access to shortcut menus. (This key acts like the right-click button on a mouse.)

Floating Windows® key - displays the Start menu. (The outlook of the Floating Windows® key depends on the notebook you purchase.)

• Cursor Control Keys (E) - cursor control keys let you position the cursor on the screen. On the screen, the cursor is a blinking underline, block, or vertical bar depending on the application. The cursor indicates where the next typed character/text will be inserted.

LED Behaviour

Item

Description

Blue

Indicates that the notebook is active.

Blinks Blue

Indicates that the notebook is in suspend mode.

Amber

Indicates that the notebook is running on battery charged at an estimated 8% capacity or less.

Power LED Indicator

Blinks Amber

Indicates that the notebook is running on battery charged at an estimated 3% capacity or less.

Note

Connect the AC adaptor cable into the power port on the notebook when the battery is in warning or low status.

CAUTION

Before you connect or disconnect the power cable from the AC port on your notebook, please ensure that the power plug is disconnected from the wall outlet.

Off

Indicates that the battery is fully charged.

Amber

Indicates that the battery is charging.

Battery Charge LED Indicator

Blinks Amber

Indicates that there is a battery error.

Note

The battery may b e overheating and therefore cannot start charging. Disconnect the AC adapter from the wall outlet and allow both the notebook and battery to cool to room temperature.

Radio Wave LED Indicator

Green

Indicates that the Radio Wave is On.

Off

Indicates that the Wireless LAN is Off.

Wireless LAN LED Indicator

Blinks Green

Indicates that sending and receiving data is in progress.

Memory Card Reader LED Indicator

Green

Indicates that the notebook is accessing the memory card reader.

HDD Access

LED Indicator

Green

Indicates that the notebook is accessing the hard disk drive.

Caps Lock

LED Indicator

Green

Indicates that Caps Lock is activated.

Scroll Lock LED Indicator

Green

Indicates that Scroll Lock is activated.

Num Lock

LED Indicator

Green

Indicates that Num Lock is activated.

Function Keys

Function keys are available on the notebook keyboard. These keys work together with Fn key to activate special functions. Function keys are application-driven.

The following function key combinations are pre-programmed for the notebook.

Keys

Function

Description

Fn + 1

Mail

Launches a mail application.

Fn + 2

Internet

Launches an Internet browser.

Fn + F1

Sound Mute / Release Mute

Toggles Sound Mute / Release Mute. Sound Mute disables sound while Release Mute enables sound.

Fn + F2

Radio Wave On/Off

Toggles On/Off the Radio Wave function.

Fn + F3

Display Device

Switches between display devices, such as an external monitor or projector.

Fn + F6

System Beep On/Off

Toggles On/Off the system speaker. When toggled On, the notebook will beep once.

Fn + F8

Brightness Down

Lowers the brightness of your screen display. Each press lowers the brightness by one level.

Fn + F9

Brightness Up

Increases the brightness of your screen display. Each press increases the brightness by one level.

Fn + F10

Speaker Volume Down

Lowers the volume of your sound/audio system. Each press lowers the volume by one level.

Fn + F11

Speaker Volume Up

Increases the volume of your sound/audio system. Each press increases the volume by one level.

Fn + Scr

Scroll Lock

Toggles On/Off the Scroll Lock. When On, pressing the Cursor Control Keys scrolls the screen view.

Fn + Num

Num Lock

Toggles On/Off the Num Lock. When On, the numeric keypad numbers and function printed on the keyboard can be used.

Optional Accessories

For more information on accessories, please refer to or contact the local sales representative near you.

Using the Touchpad

The touchpad is an easy way to control the cursor with your finger. Lightly glide your finger across the touchpad and the cursor will replicate your movement on the screen.

To use the touchpad, you can:

• Tap once on the touchpad, or click once on the left button; which is equivalent to a single

click on the primary mouse button.

• Tap twice on the touchpad, or click twice on the left button; which is equivalent to a double

click on the primary mouse button.

• Click the left button with one finger and hold; and then use you finger on the other hand to

navigate on the touchpad; which equivalent to a click and drag on the primary mouse button.

Item

Description

Touchpad

This device replaces the mouse and is for positioning the cursor on a notebook display screen.

Left C lick Button

This is the primary button. Clicking it usually selects the item your cursor is pointing at.

Right Click Button

Clicking this button usually opens a menu of options available for the item currently selected.

If you find the double tapping difficult to use, go to the next section for general directions about adjusting the touchpad properties.

Note

If you install another mouse driver over the shipping default, the double-tap capability may be lost.

Touchpad Tips

Follow these basic ergonomic tips while working:

• Use a light touch on the touchpad surface.

• Set up the notebook with your keyboard and touchpad at a comfortable height. Keep your

forearms parallel to the floor. Your wrists should be relaxed and straight.

• While using the keyboard and touchpad, keep your shoulders and arms as relaxed as

possible.

• Take regular breaks from the notebook to rest your eyes. Perform stretching exercises to

relax your fingers, hands, wrists, forearms and shoulders.

Power Sources

The notebook can be powered using two different types of sources, making it a truly portable system. Operate your notebook just about anywhere by using one of the following power sources:

• The AC adaptor connected to an AC power outlet (usually on a wall).

• The battery pack.

For more information, please refer to: Introducing Your NEC VERSA → Using the Battery in this Electronic User Guide.

Read the following sections for specific information on using the power sources.

AC Adaptor

Use the AC adaptor and power cable that came with your notebook to run on AC power, or to recharge the battery pack. Try to use the AC adaptor whenever an AC power outlet is nearby.

Keep the adaptor connected whenever possible. The AC adaptor charges the battery when it is connected; regardless the notebook is powered on or off.

Note

The power cable may vary from country to country.

Note

Consult your dealer or the local electrical authorities if you are unsure of the type of power cord to use in your country. Failure to use the correct power cord/cable may result in electrical shock.

WARNING

Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adaptor. The AC adaptor has no userreplaceable or serviceable parts inside. Dangerous voltage in the AC adaptor can cause serious personal injury or death. The AC adaptor is intended for use with a notebook and must meet EN609050 standards.

Connecting the AC Adaptor

Connect the AC adaptor as instructed below:

1. Connect the AC adaptor cable into the power port on the notebook.

2. Plug one end of the power cable into the adaptor.

3. Connect the power cable to a grounded 100- or 240-volt, 50- or 60-Hz AC power outlet.

CAUTION

• Do not cover or place objects on the AC adaptor. Keeping the adaptor clear of

objects to let the adaptor cool properly during use.

• Only use the AC adaptor that came with your notebook. Although other adaptors

may look similar, using them can damage your notebook.

CAUTION

This equipment uses an ungrounded power cable. Replace the cord if it becomes damaged. The cord must be rated at least 250VAC at 10 amps, and must bear the international safety agency approval. The plug must be appropriate for the country it is used in. Check with your local dealer for the HAR (Harmonisation certification mark) type 18 AWG (American Wire Gauge), 2 conductor cord, or better. Obtain replacement cords from an authorised service centre. The replacement must be of the same type and have the same voltage rating as of the original cord.

Using the Battery

Note

Although the battery was fully charged at the factory, transit and shelf time may have had reduced the initial battery charge. We recommend that when you use your notebook for the first time, to connect it to the AC power using the AC adaptor. This will also recharge your battery.

When the battery capacity is low, always respond by immediately saving your data, and connecting your notebook to the AC adaptor. If an AC adaptor is not available, change the battery using the battery replacement procedure.

For more information, please refer to: Introducing Your NEC VERSA → Replacing the Battery in this Electronic User Guide.

If you do not take any action, the notebook will automatically go into Hibernation (Save To File) mode.

WARNING

To prevent accidental battery ignition or explosion, adhere to the following:

• Keep the battery away from extreme heat.

• Keep metal objects away from the battery terminals to prevent a short circuit.

• Make sure the battery is properly installed in the battery bay.

• Read the precautions printed on the battery (if any).

• Remember to unplug the AC adaptor cable from the power port on the notebook

and from the grounded AC power outlet after your notebook is fully charged; when your notebook is not in use; or when you know that your notebook will be unattended for long hours.

• Do not disassemble the battery.

Charging the Battery

The charge up time depends on the notebook being in use or otherwise.

For maximum battery performance, fully discharge the battery before recharging it. To do so, unplug the AC adaptor, turn off the power management features (through BIOS Setup and Windows® power management), and turn on the notebook. Once the battery is fully discharged, plug in the AC adaptor and recharge the battery.

Precautions for Recharging the Battery

Adhere to the following precautions when recharging the battery.

• Use only the battery charger designed for your type of notebook battery. Different NEC

VERSA models require different types of batteries and battery chargers.

• Charge the battery for the specified charge time only.

• During charging, keep the environmental temperature between 5°C and 35°C.

• Read the instructions that came with the battery charger before attempting to charge the

battery.

Low Battery Power

When battery power runs low, connect your notebook to the AC adaptor. If no AC adaptor is available, change the battery by following the battery replacement procedure.

For more information, please refer to: Introducing Your NEC VERSA → Replacing the

Battery in this Electronic User Guide.

Conserving Battery Power

The battery performance is affected by the following conditions:

• When it is new and fully charged.

• When no peripherals are connected to your notebook.

• When you have no options installed.

While on the road, it is important to know how to extend the life of the main battery in the notebook. For instance, turning down the screen brightness (specific function key) will extend the battery life.

Power Management Features

Enabling power management features increases the battery life. The Hibernate power management state, also known as Save-To-File (STF), saves the current working environment to the hard drive in the notebook, then powers down the notebook to conserve battery power. You can configure your power management settings to enter into hibernation when your notebook reaches a critical low battery stage.

For more information, please refer to: Windows® XP Operating System Introduction → Managing System Power in this Electronic User Guide.

Battery Precautions

To prevent accidental battery ignition, rupture, or explosion, adhere to the following precautions.

WARNING

There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

To avoid personal injury and property damage, read these battery precautions on handling, charging and disposing batteries:

• Keep the battery away from heat sources which includes direct sunlight, open

fires, microwave ovens and high-voltage containers. Temperatures over 60ºC may cause damage.

• Do not drop or impact the battery.

• Do not solder the battery.

• Do not puncture the battery.

• Do not use a battery that appears damaged or deformed; has any rust on its

casing, is discoloured, overheats, or emits a foul odour.

• Keep the battery dry and away from water.

• Keep metal objects away from the battery terminals. Metal objects that come in

contact with the connectors can cause a short circuit and subsequently damage the battery.

If the battery leaks:

• If the battery leaks onto skin or clothing, wash the area immediately with clean

running water. Battery fluid can cause skin rashes and damage fabric.

• If battery fluid gets into the eyes, DO NOT RUB. Rinse with clean water

immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

• Take extra precautions to keep a leaking battery away from fire. There is a

danger of ignition or explosion.

Replacing the Battery

This section describes how to remove and replace the primary battery.

WARNING

To prevent accidental battery ignition or explosion, strictly adhere to the following:

• Keep the battery away from extreme heat.

• Keep metal objects away from the battery terminals to prevent a short circuit.

• Make sure the battery is properly installed in the battery bay.

• Read the precautions printed on the battery (if any).

Removing the Battery in Your Notebook

CAUTION

Be sure to save your data before replacing the battery pack or connecting the AC adaptor. Failure to do so can result in data loss.

Note

Place your notebook in this position and follow the steps stated below to remove the battery.

Save your files, exit Windows®, and turn off system power.

Close the LCD panel and turn the system over.

CAUTION

Be extra careful to avoid damage to your notebook.

Unlock the battery security lock.

Hold the latch to the "Unlock" position.

Lift this area up.

Carefully remove the battery from its bay.

Installing the Battery in Your Notebook

Insert the new battery as follow:

Note

Place your notebook in this position and follow the steps stated below to install the battery.

Turn the notebook over.

CAUTION

Be extra careful to avoid damage to your notebook.

Make sure you unlock the battery security lock.

Align the battery w ith the battery bay slot and connector.

Place the battery into the battery bay. Carefully press and secure the battery into the battery bay.

Make sure you lock the battery security lock.

Handling the Battery

Review the following before handling the notebook battery.

CAUTION

Only use the type of battery specifically designed for the notebook. Using other NEC VERSA batteries, other manufacturer's batteries, or using a combination of very old and new batteries can cause battery and equipment performance to deteriorate.

Turn off the notebook power after use.

• Clean the battery connectors with a dry cloth if they get dirty.

• When not in use, store the battery in a dry cool area.

The following symptoms indicate that the battery life is nearing its end. Discard batteries that display these symptoms:

• Shorter work times.

• Discoloured, warped.

• Hot to the touch.

• Strange odour.

Disposing of the Battery

Before disposing the battery, put adhesive tape on the connectors. Contact your local waste management officials for information regarding environmentally sound collection, recycling and disposal of batteries.

Introducing BIOS Setup for Windows® XP

Your notebook comes with a hardware program called BIOS Setup that allows you to view and set the system parameters. BIOS Setup also allows you to set password features that protect your notebook from unauthorised use.

Use BIOS Setup to:

• Set the current time and date.

• Customise your operating system to reflect your notebook hardware.

• Secure your notebook with a password.

• Balance your performance needs with power conservation.

Entering BIOS Setup

The BIOS Setup can be accessed during the startup or booting of your notebook. Just press <F2> when the following prompt appears-

“Press <F2> to Enter BIOS Setup”

When you press <F2> to enter BIOS Setup, the system interrupts the Power-On Self-Test (POST) and displays the current CMOS RAM settings.

If the system detects an error during POST, it prompts you with a double beep and a message: "Press <F1> to resume." If you press <F2>, the system enters BIOS Setup automatically. If you want to fix the error, carefully read the error message that appears above the prompt (take notes if you want), and press F2. You will see this message if your CMOS battery has become fully discharged.

BIOS Setup Menus

The BIOS Setup features five menus, which are listed on the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Main - use this menu for basic system configuration. Advanced - use this menu to control system ports and components. Security - use this menu to establish system passwords and protect the boot sector of the

hard disk drive against infection by certain virus types. Exit - use this menu to exit BIOS Setup with various save or discard options.

Use the keys listed in the legend bar on the bottom of the Setup menu to make the selections or to exit the current menu.

The exact menu may be different from the notebook you purchased as it depends on the type of mainboard.

Updating the BIOS

Please note that these settings are rarely changed by the common user as factory settings are usually updated, and should only be accessed or changed by an experienced user.

The BIOS is the code transmitted onto Flash ROM on your notebook. As indicated in this chapter, use the BIOS Setup utility to configure software and hardware features on your notebook. Only update the BIOS using the update files specific to the notebook model.

CAUTION

You only need to update the BIOS if significant improvements or fixes have been made to the current system BIOS. Your authorised dealer or Support Services representative can help you determine this.

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