Nec POWERMATE CT user Manual

A Powerful, Versatile Corporate PC

P

OWER

U

SER’S

M

ATE®

G

UIDE

CT

Proprietary Notice and Liability Disclaimer

The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related
materials, is the valuable property of NEC Computers Inc. (hereinafter “NECC”)
and/or its licensors. NECC 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 NECC 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 NECC.

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
NECC is prohibited.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation.
PowerMate and MultiSync are regist ered trademarks and VistaScan is a trademark of NEC

Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. All are used under license by NEC Corporation
and/or one or more of its subsidiaries.

All other trademarks and registered t r ademarks are the property of their respect i ve

trademark owners.

First Printing — July 2000

Copyright 2000

NEC Computers Inc.

15 Business Park Way

Sacramento, CA 95828

All Rights Reserved

Contents

Using This Guide

Text Conventions............................................................................................x

Related Documents....................................................................................... xi

1 Reviewing System Features

Front Features ............................................................................................. 1-2

System Controls and Lamps............................................................... 1-3

Diskette Drive A................................................................................. 1-4

Universal Serial Bus Port ................................................................... 1-4

CD-ROM Drive.................................................................................. 1-5

DVD-ROM Drive............................................................................... 1-5

CD-RW Drive.....................................................................................1-5

Zip Drive............................................................................................ 1-5

Rear Features...............................................................................................1-5

External Connectors........................................................................... 1-8

Power Supply Features..................................................................... 1-10

Inside Features.......................................................................................... 1-11

System Board ................................................................................... 1-11

Power Management.......................................................................... 1-12

Hard Drive........................................................................................ 1-13

Network Board................................................................................. 1-13

Fax/Modem Board............................................................................ 1-13

AGP Video Board ............................................................................1-13

Chassis...................................................................................................... 1-14

Speakers.................................................................................................... 1-14

System Overview...................................................................................... 1-14

Hardware..........................................................................................1-14

Software............................................................................................1-15

Preloaded Software.................................................................. 1-15

NEC OS Restore CD................................................................ 1-16

NEC Application and Driver CD............................................. 1-17

Security............................................................................................. 1-17

Contents iii

2 Setting Up the System

Chassis Orientation......................................................................................2-2

Cable Connections.......................................................................................2-2

Startup.........................................................................................................2-3

Shutdown.....................................................................................................2-4

Power-Saving Operation .............................................................................2-5

System Care................................................................................................. 2-5

Protecting Your System From Damage..............................................2-6

Keeping Your System in Good Condition..........................................2-7

Moving or Shipping Your System......................................................2-7

More Information........................................................................................2-8

3 Configuring the System

Configuration Tools and Utilities................................................................3-2

BIOS Setup Utility ......................................................................................3-4

How to Start Setup..............................................................................3-4

How to Use Setup...............................................................................3-5

Main Menu..........................................................................................3-7

Advanced Menu................................................................................3-13

Security Menu...................................................................................3-22

Power Menu......................................................................................3-25

Boot Menu........................................................................................3-28

Exit Menu.........................................................................................3-28

Hard Drive Security...................................................................................3-29

Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords.........................................3-29

Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords..............................................3-30

Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection....................................3-31

Moving the Hard Drive.....................................................................3-32

FLASH Utility ...........................................................................................3-32

NEC INFO Center.....................................................................................3-33

NEC Application and Driver CD ..............................................................3-35

NEC OS Restore CD.................................................................................3-36

System Board Jumper Settings..................................................................3-37

Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility..........................................3-42

System Requirements .......................................................................3-42

Installation........................................................................................3-42

Processor Serial Number ..................................................................3-43

Frequently Asked Questions.............................................................3-43

Technical Support.............................................................................3-44

iv Contents

4 Installing Options

General Rules.............................................................................................. 4-2

Safety Precautions....................................................................................... 4-3

System Unit Covers .................................................................................... 4-4

Removing the Cover........................................................................... 4-4

Replacing the Cover...........................................................................4-6

Removing the Front Panel.................................................................. 4-7

Replacing the Front Panel...................................................................4-8

Expansion Boards ....................................................................................... 4-9

Locating Expansion Slots and Connectors....................................... 4-10

Removing the Retainer Bar.............................................................. 4-10

Removing an Expansion Board........................................................ 4-11

Installing a Slot Cover...................................................................... 4-12

Removing a Slot Cover .................................................................... 4-13

Installing an Expansion Board..........................................................4-14

Replacing the Retainer Bar............................................................... 4-15

System Board Options .............................................................................. 4-16

Memory Upgrade..............................................................................4-16

Checking System Memory.......................................................4-17

Removing a RIMM or Continuity Module.............................. 4-18

Installing a RIMM or Continuity Module................................ 4-20

Processor Upgrade............................................................................ 4-22

Removing the Processor .......................................................... 4-22

Installing an Upgrade Processor .............................................. 4-24

Data Storage Devices................................................................................ 4-26

Locating Device Bays.......................................................................4-26

Preparing the Device ........................................................................ 4-27

Connecting Device Cables................................................................4-28

Cabling Storage Devices .................................................................. 4-30

IDE Drive Cabling................................................................... 4-30

Diskette Drive Cabling ............................................................4-30

Network Board Wake-On LAN Cabling..................................4-31

Replacing 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Devices........................................ 4-31

Removing or Replacing a Bay Cover.......................................4-32

Storing and Retrieving Unused Rails....................................... 4-35

Removing or Installing Device Rails....................................... 4-36

Removing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device.............................. 4-36

Installing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device................................4-38

Replacing 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Devices........................................ 4-39

Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device.............................. 4-40

Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device................................4-42

Contents v

Replacing Internal Drives.................................................................4-44

Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Drive......................................4-44

Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Drive.......................................4-47

Minitower and Desktop Setup Options .....................................................4-49

Converting from Minitower to Desktop............................................4-49

Converting from Desktop to Minitower............................................4-51

5 Solving System Problems

Solutions to Common Problems..................................................................5-2

System Problems ................................................................................5-2

Diskette Drive Problems.....................................................................5-4

Monitor Problems...............................................................................5-5

Keyboard/Mouse Problems.................................................................5-6

CD-ROM Drive Problems..................................................................5-6

Speaker Problems ...............................................................................5-7

How to Clean the Mouse.............................................................................5-8

How to Replace the CMOS Battery ..........................................................5-10

6 Getting Services and Support

NECC Website............................................................................................6-2

NECC FTP Site...........................................................................................6-3

Email/Fax Technical Support Service.........................................................6-3

NECC Technical Support Services .............................................................6-4

A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment A-1

Making Your Computer Work for You......................................................A-2

Arrange Your Equipment........................................................................... A-3

Adjust Your Chair...................................................................................... A-4

Adjust Your Input Devices......................................................................... A-6

Adjust Your Monitor..................................................................................A-8

Vary Your Workday................................................................................. A-10

Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors...................................A-11

Checking Your Comfort: How Do You Measure Up?............................. A-11

Checking Your Chair.......................................................................A-11

Checking Your Keyboard................................................................ A-12

Checking Your Mouse.....................................................................A-12

Checking Your Monitor...................................................................A-12

Checking You.................................................................................. A-12

vi Contents

B System Specifications

Models ........................................................................................................B-2

System Board..............................................................................................B-2

Storage Devices...........................................................................................B-3

Graphics...................................................................................................... B-4

Input/Output Devices..................................................................................B-4

Expansion....................................................................................................B-5

Power Management.....................................................................................B-5

System Management...................................................................................B-5

Operating System Software.........................................................................B-6

Operating Environment...............................................................................B-6

Compliance.................................................................................................B-6

Index

Regulatory Statements

Contents vii

Using This Guide

The PowerMate® CT User’s Guide provides a comprehensive reference to
information about your system.

The guide contains the following information:

! Chapter 1, Reviewing System Features, provides a look at the front,

back, and inside features of the system. It also gives a summary of the
system’s hardware, software, and security features.

! Chapter 2, Setting Up the System, briefly describes how to set up, start

up, and shut down the system. The chapter also provides information
on installing applications, and tips on caring for the system.

! Chapter 3, Configuring the System, describes how to use the software

utilities shipped with your system, includin g the BIOS Setup Utility,
the FLASH Utility, the NEC INFO Center, the NEC Applicatio n and
Driver CD, and the NEC OS Restore CD. The chapter also includes
information for setting system jumpers.

! Chapter 4, Installing Options, provides installatio n pr ocedures for

processor and memory upgrades, expansion boards, and storage
devices.

! Chapter 5, Solving System Problems, contains troubleshooting tips for

solving simple problems. The chapter also includes procedures for
cleaning the mouse and replacing the system battery.

! Chapter 6, Getting Services and Support, describes the services

available to you for information and help, and describes how to access
the services.

! Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment, contains

guidelines t o help you use your computer prod uctively and safely.
This appendix also instructs you on how to set up and u se your
computer to reduce your risk of developing nerve, muscle, or tendon
disorders.

! Appendix B, System Specifications, provides technical specifications

for your system and its components.

Using This Guide ix

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.

Text Conventions

This guide uses the following text conventions.

! Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following meanings:

in serious personal injury or loss of life.

hardware or software.

Prolonged or improper use of a computer

Warnings alert you to situations that could result

Cautions indicate situations that can damage the

Note

described.

! Names of keyboard keys are printed as they appear on the keyboard,

Notes give important information about the material being

for example,

! Text or keystrokes that you enter appear in boldface type. For

example, type

x Using This Guide

Ctrl, Alt

abc123

, or

Enter

and press

.

Enter

.

Related Documents

In addition to this guide, the following printed doc umentation ships with
your system.

! NEC PowerMate CT Quick Setup/Quick Reference

The Quick Setup shows how to quickly get the system connected and
powered on.

The Quick Reference briefly describes the documentation, NEC
utilities, software applications, and services available with the NEC
PowerMate CT system.

! How Does Your Workplace Measure Up?

This brochure provides information for setting up and using the
computer productively and safely. Information includes guidelines to
reduce the risk of injury associated with using a computer.

! NEC PowerMate CT Release Notes

Release Notes provide additional information about the computer that
was not available at the time the user’s guide was printed. Infor mation
in the Release Notes is the result of extensive pro duct testing.

Your system also comes with the NEC INFO Center online
documentation on your hard drive. The NEC INFO Cent er is an onli ne
guide to your PowerMate system. It provides information about the
system through the following online modules: Tour, User’s Guide,
Questions, Solutions, and Services.

In addition to the documentation that ships with the system,
documentation is available from the NECC website.

! NEC PowerMate CT Service and Reference Manual

This manual provides information for maintaining, troubleshooting,
and repairing the system. This manual also includes hardware and
interface information for programmers, engineers, and others who
need to know how the system is designed.

Service and reference manuals are available on the Internet at the
Service and Support area of the NECC website (see Chapter 6 for
access information).

! NEC PowerMate C T User’s Guide

Check the website for the most current online version of your p rinted
user’s guide.

Using This Guide xi

Reviewing System Features

!

Front Features

!

Rear Features

!

Inside Features

!

Chassis

!

Speakers

!

System Overview

1

workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury,
set up and use the computer in the manner described in Appendix A,
“Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment.”

This chapter highlights system hardware and software features, and
describes the security features of the system.

Front Features

You can use your PowerMate CT system as a minitower or as a desktop
system. The following figures show the features on the front of the system
for both configurations. Brief descriptions follow the figures.

PowerMate CT minitower front features

Prolonged or improper use of a computer

A – USB Port F – Power/Sleep Button
B – CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive G – Power/Sleep Lamp
C – 5 1/4-Inch Bay H – Disk Activity Lamp
D – Diskette Drive I – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device
E – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible

Device Bay

1-2 Reviewing System Features

Bracket

PowerMate CT desktop front features

A – Power/Sleep Button F – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bracket
B – CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive G – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bay
C – 5 1/4-Inch Bay H – Diskette Drive
D – Power/Sleep Lamp I – USB Port
E – Disk Activity Lamp

System Controls and Lamps

System controls and lamps are identical for the minitower and desktop
systems. The controls and lamps include a power/sleep button,
power/sleep lamp, and hard drive activity lamp. The previous figures
show the controls and lamps on the front of the systems.

! Power/sleep button

Press this button to turn on system power. To turn off power, close all
applications, and shut down Windows. If you have Windows
Windows 2000, the system automatically powers down. If you have
Windows NT

®

, close all applications, shut down Windows NT, and

®

press in the button until the system powers down (about four seconds).
Press and immediately release the power/sleep button to suspend

system operation and go into a power saving mode. If you have a
VESA-compliant monitor, your monitor also goes into a power-saving
mode.

Press any key or move your mouse to resume system operation at the
point where you stopped it.

Reviewing System Features 1-3

98 or

! Power/sleep lamp

The power/sleep lamp indicates whether system power is on or off. It
also lets you know if the system is operating in a power-saving mode.

A steady green lamp indicates that the power is on to all system
components. An unlit lamp indicates that power is not on.

A steady amber lamp and a blank monitor (VESA-compliant) screen
indicates that the system is in a power-saving (sleep) mode, with
full-power reduction.

! Hard drive lamp

A blinking green lamp indicates that the hard drive is active. The
green lamp tells you that the hard drive is reading or writing data.

necessary while the hard drive lamp is lit. To do so can damage your hard
drive or data.

Diskette Drive A

Use the diskette drive to copy data files to and from a diskette. You can
also use the diskette drive as a bootable drive for loading and starting
programs from a diskette.

Do not turn off the system unless absolutely

To prevent damage to your diskette drive and
data, do not turn off the system or remove a diskette while the diskette
drive busy lamp is lit.

Universal Serial Bus Port

The universal serial bus (USB) port on the front of the system allows you
to easily and conveniently add plug and play USB devices without
opening up the system. You simply plug the USB device into the port.
You can connect up to 127 devices including a mouse, monitor, keyboard,
printer, scanner, speakers, and more. A second USB port is on the rear of
the system.

1-4 Reviewing System Features

CD-ROM Drive

Systems come with a 40X Max or higher variable speed CD-ROM drive.
Use the CD-ROM drive to load and start programs from a compact disc
(CD). You can also use the CD-ROM drive to play your audio CDs.

The CD-ROM drive operates at different speeds depending on whether
the CD you are using contains data or music. This allows you to get your
data faster and to see smoother animation and video.

DVD-ROM Drive

Some systems come with an 8X or higher digital video disc (DVD)-ROM
drive. The drive offers many improvements over the standard CD-ROM
technology, including superior video and audio playback, faster data
access, and greater storage capacities.

The DVD-ROM drive uses DVD technology to read DVD discs as well as
standard audio and video CDs.

CD-RW Drive

Some systems come with a 8x (record) 4x (rewrite) 32x (read) compact
disk-rewritable (CD-RW) drive. Use the drive to record your data on a
CD disc, just like you would on a diskette, Zip

®

disc, or hard drive.

Zip Drive

Some systems come with a 250-MB capacity Zip drive. Use the Zip drive
with 3 1/2-inch Zip disks to back up work, archive old files, and transport
your work. The Zip drive supports 250-MB and 100-MB Zip disks.

Rear Features

On the rear of your system, you’ll find external connectors, the power
supply socket, a monitor power socket, a voltage switch, and expansion
board slots. The following figures show these features.

Reviewing System Features 1-5

PowerMate CT minitower rear features

A – AC Power Connector F – Locking Tab
B – Monitor Power Socket G – Expansion Slots
C – Power Supply H – System Board Connectors
D – Keyboard/Mouse Anti-Theft Bracket I – Voltage Switch
E – AGP Video Board

1-6 Reviewing System Features

PowerMate CT desktop rear features

A – Power Supply F – System Board Connectors
B – Keyboard/Mouse Anti-theft Bracket G – Monitor Power Socket
C – AGP Video Board H – Voltage Switch
D – Locking Tab I – AC Power Connector
E – Expansion Slots

Minitower rear connector locations

A – Keyboard Connector G – Line In
B – Mouse Connector H – Line Out
C – Parallel Port I – Serial Port 2
D – MIDI/Game Port J – Serial Port 1
E – VGA Connector K – USB Port
F – Microphone In

Reviewing System Features 1-7

Desktop rear connector locations

A – Mouse Connector G – Line Out
B – Parallel Port H – Serial Port 2
C – MIDI/Game Port I – Serial Port 1
D – VGA Connector J – USB Port
E – Microphone In K – Keyboard Port
F – Line In

External Connectors

External connectors let you attach peripheral devices, such as a monitor,
keyboard, mouse, and printer to your s yst em. Your system has the
following external connectors.

! Mouse port

Attach the mouse that comes with your system to this port. The mouse
port supports a PS/2
mouse.

! Keyboard port

Attach the keyboard that comes with your system to the keyboard
port.

The keyboard port supports a PS/2-compatible 101-key or 104-key
keyboard (in the U.S. and Canada) or a 102-key keyboard (in the
United Kingdom and Germany) with a 6-pin mini DIN connector.

1-8 Reviewing System Features

®

-compatible (personal system/2-compatible)

! Universal Serial Bus port

This port adds USB capability at the rear of the system. A second
USB port is on the front of the system.

! Serial port 1 (COM A) and serial port 2 (COM B)

Attach a serial device with a 9-pin connector to these serial ports.
Serial devices include a pointing device, serial printer, or a modem.

! Printer port

Use this port to connect a parallel printer with a 25-pin connector to
the system.

! MIDI/Game port

Use this port to attach a musical MIDI device or a gaming device to
your system.

! VGA monitor connector

The system comes with a video graphics array (VGA) connector on
the 4X accelerated graphics port (AGP) video board installed in your
system. Attach the signal cable from your monitor to the VGA
connector on the video board. Use this port to connect an NEC
MultiSync

®

monitor, NEC VistaScan™ monitor, or other

VGA-compatible monitor with a 15-pin connector.

! Audio connectors

The system comes with sound integrated on the system board. The
following audio connectors are at the rear of the system (see the
preceding figure for locations).

— Microphone in jack

Use this jack to connect a microphone for recording audio
information in your data system files.

— Line in jack

Use this jack to connect a stereo audio device such as a stereo
amplifier or a cassette or minidisc player for playback or
recording.

— Line out jack

Use this jack to connect an amplified output device, such as
powered speakers or headset, a stereo tape recorder, or an external
amplifier for audio output.

Reviewing System Features 1-9

! Fax/Modem port

Some systems come with a V.90 rated 56-kilobits per second (Kbps)
PCI fax/modem board. The board allows the connection of a phone
line to the system for data communications functions.

! LAN port

Some systems come with a local area network (LAN) board. Use the
RJ-45 compatible LAN port on the board for connecting the system to
an Ethernet LAN.

Power Supply Features

Your system has the following power supply features:

! Power socket

Connect your power cable to this socket.

! Monitor power socket

If you have a plug adapter, plug the monitor power cable into this
socket instead of a wall outlet.

! Voltage switch

Sets the voltage for your system to 115 volts or 230 volts.

area. Most wall outlets in the United States and Canada are 115 volts.
Outlets in Europe are 230 volts.

Set the switch correctly for the voltage in your

! Power supply fan

The power supply fan cools the power supply and other system
components to keep them from overheating. Keep the area near the
fan clear for proper ventilation.

1-10 Reviewing System Features

Inside Features

See the following figure for the location of features within the system.
Feature descriptions follow.

A – Power Supply F – PCI Expansion Board Connectors
B – System Board G – AGP Video Board
C – RIMM Memory Sockets H – AMR Connector
D – Accessible Device Cage I – Processor
E – Internal Drive Bracket

Inside the system

System Board

The system processor, memory, system battery, internal connectors, and
most external connectors are on the system board. For information on the
external connectors, see “External Connectors” earlier in this chapter.

Reviewing System Features 1-11

Internal connectors on the system board include:

! diskette drive connector
! primary and secondary IDE connectors that support up to four IDE

drives

! processor Socket 370
! two RIMM sockets
! five PCI connectors for expansion boards
! AGP board connector for AGP video and graphics boards
! audio modem riser (AMR) board connector for sound and modem

boards

! front panel connectors for system lamps and USB
! power connectors
! additional connectors, including Modem In, Wake-On LAN (WOL),

Wake-On Ring (WOR), a nd CPU fan.

Power Management

Your system comes with Advanced Power Management (APM) and
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). Included as a
subset to ACPI is Instantly Available Technology.

APM features Soft Power Off, which automatically powers down your
system when you exit Windows 98 or Windows 2000 (not available for
Windows NT). This featur e is enabled or disabled through your system’ s
BIOS (see Chapter 3, “Configuring the System,” for Power Management
BIOS settings).

Instantly Available Technology features the ACPI sleep mode which
maximizes power savings. When in the sleep mode, your system appears
to be off. The power supply and fans are off and the power lamp is amber.
Pressing a key or moving the mouse instantly wakes up your system and
returns it to where you were before placing the system in the sleep mode.
This feature is enabled or disabled by setting jumpers on the system board
(see Chapter 3, “Configuring the System” for information on setting
system board jumpers).

1-12 Reviewing System Features

If you have an optional internal or external modem installed, you can use
the Wake On Ring (WOR) and Resume O n Ring (ROR) features of your
system. With WOR, your system can be powered up through the modem
from either the Soft Power Off or ACPI modes. The first call through the
modem powers on the system and a second call allows access to your
system.

The ROR feature allows a single call on your modem to resume system
operation and allow you system access. The ROR feature can be used
while the system is in the sleep mode or the ACPI power on state.

See Chapter 3, “Configuring the System,” for infor mation on sett ing the
WOR and ROR features through the system’s BIOS. In addition, for the
WOR feature, a cable must be connected to the modem and to the WOR
connector on the system board.

Hard Drive

All systems come standard with a 10-GB or higher Ultra DMA66 hard
drive with Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting (SMART
technology.

Network Board

Some systems come with an Intel® EtherExpress® Pro100+ 10/100
Ethernet network board, an Accton 10/100 TX4 or TX5 Ethernet network
board, or a 3Com
installed in a PCI slot.

Fax/Modem Board

Some systems come with a V.90 PCI fax/modem board installed in a PCI
slot. Connect your telephone line to this board.

AGP Video Board

Systems come with an AGP 4X video board. Connect your monitor to the
VGA connector on this board.

®

10/100 3C905C TX-M Ethernet network board

®

)

Reviewing System Features 1-13

Chassis

The NEC convertible chassis conforms to the Intel ATX form factor
specification. The chassis has the following features:

! standardized chassis size and dimensions
! standardized system board size and dimensions
! standardized ATX 235-watt power supply

! switchable drive cage so system can be used in a minitower or desktop

orientation.

Note

Choose the position that best suits your space. See Chapter 4 for
procedures on converting your system to a different orientation.

The system can be placed in the minitower or desktop position.

Speakers

Some systems come with two high-quality stereo speakers. If the speaker
set has a volume control, adjust the speaker volume by using this control.
You can also use the Windows
To launch the Windows sound software, double click the speaker icon on
the taskbar (next to the system clock). Use the software to control speaker
volume or to balance the sound between the left and right speakers.

System Overview

Your system hardware and software deliver the performance and
technologies you need for all your challenging tasks toda y and into the
future. See the following sections for information about your system’s
hardware, software, and security features.

Hardware

The PowerMate CT system includes the following hardware features:

! PC99 Compliance

All the hardware in the system has been certified by Microsoft
PC99 compliant.

®

sound software to control the speakers.

®

to be

1-14 Reviewing System Features

! Processor

The system comes with an Intel
processor with a 100-MHz or higher front side bus (FSB) or a
Pentium

®

III 667-MHz or higher processor with a 133-MHz or higher

®

Celeron® 533-MHz or higher

FSB. Processor speed and FSB depends on the system configuration.

! Audio features

The system comes with sound integrated on the system board. The
chipset on the system board gives you a surround sound system for
three-dimensional sound effects — much like a live performance. It
also provides wavetable synthesis. (Wavetable synthesis uses actual
recordings of real sound effects and musical instruments for a
dynamic audio experience.)

! Flashable ROM BIOS

The system’s ROM BIOS features system setup configuration, plug
and play support, and flash support for easy and economical BIOS
upgrades.

! System memo r y

Your system comes with at least 64 MB of Rambus
access memory (RDRAM). The system supports up to 256 MB of
RDRAM in each RIMM socket, for a total of 512 MB RDRAM.

! Power manage me n t op ti ons

The system comes with power management features that help you
conserve energy and reduce power costs (see “Power Management
Features” earlier in this chapter).

Software

NECC provides a variety of applications and hardware utilities with your
system to let you take advantage of your hardware capabilities.

Preloaded Software

Your system comes preloaded with the Microsoft® Windows® 98
operating system or the Windows 2000/Windows NT
configuration.

If you have a Windows 2000/Windows NT configuration, you must
choose the operating system you want to load. The operating system you
choose is your only operating system and is the one that the NEC OS
Restore program restores.

®

dynamic r andom

®

operating system

Reviewing System Features 1-15

NECC-provided applications, drivers, and utilities come loaded on the
hard drive. You can install some of your applications from icons on the
Windows desktop. Software available on your system includes the
following applications:

! Microsoft

®

Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer provides a top-notch browser with preloaded links
for easy access to the world wide web. Also use Internet Explorer to
access one of the many new browser-based utilities.

! Norton AntiVirus™ 2000 Software

Protect your system from viruse s by running Norto n’s virus scan
software.

! Adobe

®

Acrobat® Reader
Use the Adobe Acrobat Reader to read and print portable document
format (PDF) files found on the Internet and PDF documents included
with various software applications.

! NEC INFO Center

Get quick access to information about your system in the online NEC
INFO Center. NEC INFO Center modules include Tour, User’s Guide,
Questions, Solutions, and Services. See “NEC INFO Center” in
Chapter 3 for a description of the modules and how to use the INFO
Center.

! Intel LANDesk

®

Client Manager
Use LANDesk software to track system information such as serial
number, BIOS version, memory capacity, disk capacity, expansion
board settings, and applications. Use LANDesk software for remote
starts from a server system using Wake-On LAN and remote reboot.

NEC OS Restore CD

Your system comes with an NEC OS Restore CD and bootable diskette.
Should a problem occur that causes data loss or corruption, you can use
the NEC OS Restore CD to restore your system to its original factory state
or you can restore just the operating system and drivers. A full system
restore loads the operating system and all the factory-supplied software
that comes on your hard drive. See “NEC OS Restore CD” in Chapter 3
for information about using the restore options.

1-16 Reviewing System Features

NEC Application and Driver CD

Use the NEC Application and Driver CD to install drivers for NEC
system options that are not part of the factory configuration. Also use the
NEC Application and Driver CD to reinstall NECC-supplied software.
See “NEC Application and Driver CD” in Chapter 3 for information about
installing software from the CD.

Security

The system has hardware, software, and mechanical security features that
offer protection against unauthorized access to your system and data. The
following security features are available with the system.

! Password security

The BIOS Setup Utility includes a feature that lets you set up a user
password, a supervisor password, or both.

The user password controls booting of the system and controls access
to the Setup Utility and the keyboard. (User access to the BIOS Setup
Utility is limited to a subset of all BIOS Setup parameters when a
supervisor pa ssword has been set.)

The supervisor password allows full access to the system and the
BIOS.

! Windows networ k se cur it y fea tur e s

To learn more about the network security features available through
the Windows operating system, refer to your Windows documentation
or consult your system administrator.

! Keyboard/mouse anti-theft bracket

Secure the mouse and keyboard cables within the anti-theft bracket to
make it dif ficult to remove them from your s y stem. See “Cover
Removal” in Chapter 4 for procedures on securing the cables in the
anti-theft bracket.

! Locking tab

The system also has a locking tab on the rear of the chassis. The tab
fits through a slot on the rear edge of the chassis cover when the cover
is on. When a padlock is used in the tab, the system is physically
protected from chassis intrusion.

Reviewing System Features 1-17

! Chassis intrusion notificat ion

Whenever the chassis cover is removed, a hidden switch (if installed)
sends a signal to LANDesk Client Manager (LDCM). LDCM logs the
incident and then reports it on screen the next time the system is
rebooted.

! Hard Drive Security

Your system supports password protection for the hard drive. Hard
drive password protection restricts access to the drive if the drive is
removed and installed in another system. The system does not prompt
for hard drive passwords while the drive remains in the current
system.

The passwords are written to the system BIOS and to the hard dr ive to
ensure that the password protection travels with the drive if it is
moved to another system. See Chapter 3, “Configuring the System,”
for additional information on using hard drive security.

1-18 Reviewing System Features

Setting Up the System

!

Chassis Or ientation

!

Cable Connections

!

Startup

!

Shutdown

!

Power-Saving Operation

!

System Care

!

More Information

2

This chapter provides the basic information you need to set up and use
your system. This includes cable connections, system startup procedures,
system shutdown procedures, and system care. The chapter also includes
a chart showing where to find additional information about the syste m.

Chassis Orientation

The NEC PowerMate CT system can be used either as a minitower or as a
desktop system. The accessible drives in the system can be po sitio ned to
accommodate either orientation. Rubber feet on the system allow it to rest
securely at your work area when the system is in either position.

The system ships ready for use as a minitower system. You can easily
convert the system for use as a desktop. See “Minitower and Desktop
Setup Options” in Chapter 4 for instructions on converting to a desktop
orientation, or back to a minitower orientation.

Cable Connections

After unpacking the system, converting the system to the desktop
orientation (if desired), and positioning the system unit in your wor k area,
connect the system components using your Quick Setup poster and the
following tips.

! Use the icons on the rear of the system unit to identify the keyboard,

mouse, printer, USB, and monitor connectors.

! If the system comes with an optional LAN board, connect the LAN

cable to the RJ-45 connector on the board. See your network
administrator for guidelines on configuring the system for network
access.

! If the system comes with an optional fax/modem board, connect it to

the telephone line as follows:
— Unplug the telephone from the telephone jack on the wall.
— Plug the telephone cable that comes with the system into the line

jack on the rear of the system and into the telephone jack on the
wall.

— Plug the cable on the telephone into the phone jack on the rear of

the system.

2-2 Setting Up the System

! Set the voltage switch correctly for your area. The correct setting for

! Connect system power cables to a surge protector (recommended) or a

to a surge protector.

Startup

Press the power button to start up your system. The power lamp lights
green to indicate that the system is on. The system performs its
Power-On Self-Test (POST) and several messages appear indicating that
your system is checking its subsystems. To see the messages, press
during POST.

At the bottom of the NEC startup screen, the following message appears:

the U.S. and Canada is 115V.

Set the voltage switch correctly for your area.

properly grounded wall outlet.

NECC recommends connecting the power cable

Esc

Press F2 to enter BIOS Setup

If you want to enter the BIOS Setup, immediately press F2 while the
startup screen disp lays.

One beep indicates that the system has successfully completed the
power-on test.

After a short delay, Windows starts up.
If a problem occurs, a series of beeps may sound. If this happens

repeatedly after powering on, power off the system and turn to Chapter 5,
“Solving System Problems.” The chapter provides helpful hints for
solving system prob le ms.

Setting Up the System 2-3

Note

have changed, run the BIOS Setup Utility (see Chapter 3, “Configuring the
System”).

On systems with Windows 2000, enter your password at the log-on box.
On systems loaded with the Windows NT 4.0 operating system, press

Ctrl Alt Del

for entering a password.

Shutdown

Follow these steps to power off your system.

If the system is in sleep mode (power lamp is amber and screen is

1.

blank), press a key or move the mouse to take it out of sleep mode
(see “Power Saving Operation” in the next section).

Save your work and exit all open application programs.

2.

Make sure that the hard drive, diskette drive, and any other drives are

3.

not in use. A lit device lamp indicates that the device is in use.

before using the Windows shut down procedures in step 4.
Unless absolutely necessary, never power off the system if the system

power lamp is amber (sleep mode), if the hard drive lamp, diskette drive,
or other device lamp is flashing, or if any applications are open.
Information on the device might be lost or damaged.

If the system displays a message indicating that system settings

when prompted on-screen to do so. The log-on box appears

Wait until all applications are saved and closed

4.

Click

on the taskbar, then point to and click

Start

Selecting Shut Down gives you several choices in the pop-up
submenu. Select

for shut down.

Enter

! If the system is configured with Windows 98 or Windows 2000,

Shut down the computer

the system shuts down automatically after a short interval.

! If your system is configur ed with Windows NT, and after you

perform a Windows shutdown, power off the system by pressing
and holding in the power button for four seconds or longer
before releasing.

Turn off power to your monitor.

5.

2-4 Setting Up the System

Shut Down

, then click

Yes

.

or press

Power-Saving Operation

If the system is running Windows 98 or Windows 2000, you can put it in
sleep mode (a power-saving state) by pressing and immediately releasing
the power button on the front of the system unit. The sleep mode is a way
of conserving energy if you are away from your system for a short period
of time. (See “Power Management” in Chapter 1 for additional
information on saving power.)

Take care to press and immediately release the
power button to enter the sleep mode. Avoid pressing and holding in the
power button longer than three seconds. If you do so, you might turn off
power and lose data from any open application.

The system also goes into sleep mode when it has been inactive, if the
power management has been enabled, and an inactivity timeout has been
enabled. To see if power management is enabled, click

Settings,

Click the
setting other power ma nagement functions.)

When the system goes into sleep mode, it saves data and system status
and then shuts off power to all possible components. Sleep mode lets you
save power without first saving your work.

click

Control Panel

tab and check the settings. (Also see Chapter 3 for

Power

, and double click

, point to

Start

Power Management

.

An amber power lamp and a blank screen indicates that the system is in
sleep mode. Press a key or move the mouse to resume system operation
where you l eft off.

System Care

Your system is a durable, dependable system built for heavy use. With
protective measures and proper care, you can prevent problems and
promote the successful operation and long life span of your system.

Setting Up the System 2-5

Protecting Your System From Damage

There are several ways that you can protect your system from possible
damage. NECC strongly recommends the following protective measures.

! Connect a surge suppressor between your system and a grounded wall

outlet. A surge suppressor protects your system from sudden transient
increases and decreases in electrical power.

Be sure to connect all peripherals, such as your monitor and printer, to
the surge suppressor. The surge protector should be the only device
that you plug into the wall outlet.

! Avoid repeated power-on cycles. These subject the system

components to temperature variations and stress.

! Disconnect your system from telephone and power lines when an

electrical storm threatens. If you have a fax/modem, lightning can
travel in on the phone line and damage both the fax/modem and the
system unit. Lightning can also travel in on power lines and damage
your monitor and system unit.

! Be sure that system power is off before you connect or disconnect a

cable. Never make cable changes when the system power is on. Doing
so can damage the system and its peripherals.

! Use your Norton AntiVirus 2000 detection software regularly to

protect your system from system viruses.
If you plan to load software programs other than ones NECC has

supplied on the Application and Driver CD, NECC strongly
recommends that you take the necessary steps, such as virus checks, to
protect your system.

! Position your system away from direct sunlight and extreme hot and

cold temperatures.
The recommended operating environment is from 41°F to 95°F (0°C

to 35°C).
The recommended non-operating environment (shipping or storage) is

from 14°F to 158°F (-10°C to 70°C).

! After turning off power, wait about five seconds for the hard drive to

spin down before you power on again.

2-6 Setting Up the System

! Be sure that nothing is placed on top of your system power cables.
! Prevent dust from entering your system by covering it when it is not in

use.

Keeping Your System in Good Condition

Maintain the condition of your system by periodically using the following
procedures.

For safety, power off and unplug your system,

monitor, and any external devices before cleaning them.

! Clean the outside of the system with a soft clean cloth.

You can remove stubborn stains with a cloth slightly dampened with a
mild detergent. Never use a strong cleaner or solvent on any part of
the system.

! Keep food and liquids away from your system.
! Periodically clean the keyboard with a vacuum cleaner brush

attachment. Do not use any liquid cleaners on the keyboard as they
can damage the keyboard.

If an object, such as a paper clip, falls into the keyboard, turn the
keyboard over and gently shake it.

! Clean the monitor screen with a glass cleaner and wipe it with a clean,

lint-free cloth. You can use wet/dry cleaning pads manufactured for
monitor screens.

Moving or Shipping Your System

Use these steps to prepare your system for moving or shipping.

Back up the files on the hard drive to diskettes, Zip disks, tape

1.

cartridges, server hard drives, CD-RW discs, or other backup devices.
Take precautions for storing and transporting Zip disks, diskettes, or

tape cartridges so that they are not exposed to magnetic fields or
electrical impulses.

Setting Up the System 2-7

Remove all removable media from your drives, inc luding CDs,

2.

DVDs, CD-RW discs, diskettes, Zip disks, and tape cartridges.
Turn off the system unit and any external options connected to it.

3.

Unplug the system unit power cable from the wall outlet or surge

4.

suppressor, then from the unit itself.
Unplug any external options from the wall outlets or surge

5.

suppressor, then disconnect them from the s ystem unit.
Pack the system components in the original shipping materials and

6.

cartons. If these are not available, be sure to use adequate packing
materials to protect the components.

To set up your system, follow the steps on the PowerMat e CT Quick
Setup poster that comes with the system.

More Information

Once you have your system up and run ning, we suggest that yo u do the
following:

! Install applications provided by NECC.
! See “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment” in Appendix A.
! Install any of your own applications. See the documentation that

comes with the application.

See the following quick reference chart to find information about using
the system.

2-8 Setting Up the System

Quick Reference to Information About Your System

Information Where to Find It

Accessing the world wide web Chapter 6
Adding system upgrades Chapter 4
Configuring your system Chapter 3
Converting the system to a desktop

configuration
Converting the system to a minitower

configuration
Installing the NEC INFO Center online

documentation
Protecting the system from viruses Chapter 1, Chapter 3
Reinstalling the applications prov ide d

by NECC
Setting a password Chapter 3
Setting up your system Chapter 2
Taking care of the system “System Care” in Chapter 2
Troubleshooting tips Chapter 5

Using support services Chapter 6

“Converting from Minitower to
Desktop” in Chapter 4

“Converting from Desktop to
Minitower” in Chapter 4

“NEC INFO Center” in Chapter 3

“NEC Application and Driver CD” in
Chapter 3

Setting Up the System 2-9

Configuring the System

!

Configuration Tools and Utilities

!

BIOS Setup Utility

!

Hard Drive Security

!

Flash Utility

!

NEC INFO Center

!

NEC Application and Driver CD

!

NEC OS Restore CD

!

System Board Jumper Settings

!

Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility

3

This chapter provides information on configuring your system. The
chapter includes information on:

! Phoenix

®

Technologies Ltd. BIOS Setup Ut ility for configuring your

system

! Hard drive security for password protection of the internal hard drive
! FLASH Utility for BIOS updates
! NEC INFO Center for quick access to information about your system
! NEC Applications and Driver CD for installing the NECC-supplied

applications and installing optional drivers

! NEC OS Restore CD for restoring the operating system
! jumper settings for setting various system configurations.
! Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utilit y for co ntrolling the

reading of the processor serial number.

See the following table for a quick guide to the utilities, tools, or
procedures required for configuring the system. For detailed information
about these and other tools, see the sections following the table.

Configuration Tools and Utilities

The following table lists ways you can configure the system, and the
utility, tool, or procedure to use for the configuration.

Configuration Tools and Utilities

Configuration Method, Tool, or Utility

BIOS, updating FLASH Utility
Boot devices, determining BIOS Setup (Boot Menu)
Boot order, changing BIOS Setup (Boot Menu)
Clearing CMOS Jumper Settings

Configuring jumpers on system board Jumper Settings
Diskette drive, enabling BIOS Setup (Main Menu)

3-2 Configuring the System

Configuration Tools and Utilities

Configuration Method, Tool, or Utility

Drivers for NECC hardware, installing NEC Application and Driver CD
Hard drive, setting a pre-delay BIOS Setup (Power Menu)
Hard drive, setting password protection BIOS Setup (Security Menu)
Inactivity timeout, setting BIOS Setup (Power Menu)
NEC INFO Center, installing NEC Application and Driver CD (see

“NEC INFO Center”)
NEC INFO Center, uninstalling See “NEC INFO Center”
Operating system, restoring NEC OS Restore CD
Parallel port, enabling, configuring BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)
Password, setting or clearing (user,

supervisor, or both)
Plug and Play, enabling BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)
Power management, enabling,

configuring
Serial ports, enabling BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)
Software, reinstalling (NECC provided) NEC Application and Driver CD
Sound, enabling BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)
Time and date, setting BIOS Setup (Main Menu)
USB functions BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)
Windows 98, Windows NT,

Windows 2000, restoring

BIOS Setup (Security Menu)

BIOS Setup (Power Menu)

NEC OS Restore CD

Configuring the System 3-3

BIOS Setup Utility

The Phoenix BIOS Setup Utility lets you configure the main components
of your system. The utility is resident in the system FLASH memory and
does not require a diskette or an operating system present to run.

Your system ships from the factory with the correct system parameters for
your configuration. Unl ess you add optional hardware, yo u do not need to
run the BIOS Setup Utility to opera t e your system. However, you might
wish to run the BIOS Setup Utility to set features that customize your
system, such as security features.

NECC recommends that you print out or write down your current BIOS
Setup parameters and store the information in a safe place. This lets you
restore your system to the current parameters if you need to have the
CMOS battery replaced (see “How to Replace the CMOS Battery” in
Chapter 5).

How to Start Setup

To start the BIOS Setup Utility, follow these steps.

Turn on or reboot the system.

1.

Press

2.

screen). You have about fi ve seconds to press
Setup’s Main Menu window appears similar to the follo wing scr een.

Note

10.0-GB hard drive. The actual settings on the menu screen depends
upon the hardware installed in your system.

3-4 Configuring the System

at the NEC startup screen (

F2

The following screen is a typical screen for a system with a

appears on the bottom of the

F2

.

F2

How to Use Setup

The Setup Utility has a Main Menu window and six top-level menus with
submenus (see the above figure). The menu bar at the top of the Main
Menu window lists the following top-level men us.

Setup Main Menu

! Main  Use the Main Menu for basic system configuration. For

example, select Main to set the system date, set diskette and hard disk
parameters, check memory parameters, or disable the processor serial
number feature.

! Advanced  Use the Advanced Menu to set the system for Plug and

Play, PCI configuration, serial port and printer port addresses and
interrupts, memory cache configurations, I/O device configuration,
DMI event logging, and more.

! Security  Use this menu to set User and Supervisor Passwords,

security mode, password on boot, network boot, virus check, and hard
drive password protection.

! Power — Use t he Power Menu to set po we r management parameters

such as power savings, auto suspend timeout, hard disk timeout, and
system switch.

Configuring the System 3-5

! Boot — Use this menu to set boot options, including restore on

ac/power loss, set boot sequence, and assign drive letters to removable
devices.

! Exit — Exits the Setup Utility with various save or discar d options.

Use the keys listed in the legend bar on the bottom of the Setup Menu to
make the selections or exit the current menu. The following table
describes the l egend keys.

Setup Key Functions

Key Function

F1 Provides help for the parameter field

being displayed.
Esc Exits the menu.
Up or down arrow keys Moves cursor up and down for item

selection.
Left or right arrow keys Selects next menu.

-/+ keys Changes values.
Enter Executes a command or selects

submenu.
F9 Loads the default configuration values

F10 Saves the current values and exits

To select one of the six menus from the menu bar, use the left and right
arrow keys. Us e the up or down arrow keys to select a n item under t he
menu.

Menu items preceded by a > contain a submenu of selectable fields for
setting system parameters. Displa y a submenu by using the up or down
arrow keys to move the cursor to the desired submenu, then pr ess

3-6 Configuring the System

for the current menu.

Setup.

Enter

.

An Item Specific Help window on the right side of each menu displays
the help text for the currently selected Setup option. It updates as the
cursor moves to each new field.

Pressing
describes the legend keys and their functions.

Press
The following subsections describe the six top level menus and their

submenus.

Main Menu

Choose the Main Menu by selecting Main in the legend bar on the Main
Menu screen. Other Main Menu options are available by selecting
submenus.

Use the arrow keys to select one of the Main Menu options and press

Enter

Explanations of each Main Menu item are in the following table.

can cause your system to malfunction.

Note

system configurations. You should record your system’s BIOS settings and
save them in a safe place in the event you need to restore or update the
BIOS.

on any menu brings up the General Help window that

F1

to exit the current window.

Esc

to select a submenu. Items with grayed-out text are not available.

Setting items on this menu to incorrect values

The following BIOS settings are typical and can vary between

Configuring the System 3-7

Main Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

System Time

System Date

Language

Legacy Diskette A Disabled

Set system time in this field. Press Tab or
Enter to move between hour, minute, and
second fields.

Example: 09:30:50
Set system date in this field. Press Tab or

Enter to move between month, date, and
year fields.

Example:
06/05/2000

English (US), Japanese
Selects the display language for the BIOS.

360 KB 5 1/4”

1.2 MB 5 1/4”
720 KB 3 1/2”

1.44/1.25 MB 3 1/2”

2.88 MB 3 1/2”
Selects the diskette drive type.

3-8 Configuring the System

Main Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Primary IDE Master
Primary IDE Slave
Secondary IDE Master
Secondary IDE Slave

10263 MB
None
CD-ROM
None

Note: The following setting information
applies to the primary and secondary master
and slave devices.

Each device menu item displays the hard
drive or CD-ROM identifier if a device is
installed.

If you install a hard drive that does not feature
auto IDE type detection or your IDE hard
drive was formatted on another system with
parameters different from those reported by
the drive, enter a parameter for each of the
fields in the device submenu.

Bring up a device submenu by pressing
Enter. Each submenu and its fields are
described next.

Configuring the System 3-9

Main Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Type

Cylinders When Type is Auto, value in the Cylinders

User, Auto, None, CD-ROM, IDE/ATAPI
Removable

When set to Auto, the values for Cylinders,
Heads, Sectors, Multi-Sector Transfer, LBA
Mode Control, Transfer Mode, and Ultra DMA
Mode are displayed but are read only.

When set to Auto, the BIOS detects what the
drive is capable of, not the translation
mechanism that was used to format the drive.
If a drive is run in a mode other than the
mode in which it was partitioned and
formatted, unpredictable results might occur,
including data loss.

When set to None, informs the system to
ignore this drive.

When set to CD-ROM or IDE/ATAPI
Removable, allows the manual entry of all
fields described next.

When set to User, allows the manual entry of
all fields described next.

field is auto-detected and field is read only.

Heads When Type is Auto, value in Heads field is

auto-detected and field is read only.

Sectors When Type is Auto, value in Sectors field is

auto-detected and field is read only.
Maximum Capacity 8455 MB
Total Sectors 20044080 total sectors
Maximum Capacity 10263 MB

3-10 Configuring the System

Main Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Multi-Sector Transfers Disabled, 2, 4, 8, 16 sectors

Determines the number of sectors per block
for multi-sector transfers.

When Type is Auto, value in Multi-Sector
Transfers field is auto-detected and field is
read only.

LBA Mode Control

32-Bit I/O

Transfer Mode Standard, Fast PIO1, Fast PIO2, Fast PIO3,

Ultra DMA Mode

Enabled, Disabled
When Enabled is selected, it causes logical

block addressing to be used in place of
cylinders, heads, and sectors.

When Type is set to Auto, the value in the
LBA Mode field is auto-detected and the field
is read only.

Disabled, Enabled
When Enabled, allows 32 bit data transfers.

Fast PIO4, Fast PIO3/DMA1, Fast
PIO4/DMA2

Selects the method for moving data to and
from the drive.

When Type set to Auto, the value in the field
is auto-detected and the field is read only.

Disabled, Mode 0, Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3,
Mode 4

Selects the Ultra DMA Mode for moving data
to and from the drive. Autotype the drive to
select the optimum transfer mode.

When Type set to Auto, the value in the field
is auto-detected and the field is read only.

Configuring the System 3-11

Main Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

SMART Monitoring Enabled, Disabled

IDE Failure Prediction

When Type is set to Auto, the value in the

field is auto-detected and the field is read

only.

Keyboard Features

Numlock

Key Click

Keyboard auto-repeat rate

Keyboard auto-repeat delay

Legacy USB Support

Boot-Time Diagnostics Screen

System Memory Displays amount of conventional memory

Press Enter to check or change keyboard

parameters.

Auto, On, Off

Selects the power-on state for Numlock.

Disabled, Enabled

Enables or disables key click.

30/sec, 26.7/sec, 21.8/sec, 18.5/sec,

13.3/sec, 10/sec, 6/sec, 2/sec

Selects key repeat rate.

1/4 sec, 1/2 sec, 3/4 sec, 1 sec

Selects delay before key repeat.

Disabled, Enabled

Disables or enables legacy USB support.

Disabled, Enabled

Selecting Enabled displays the diagnostic

screen during boot.

detected during boot.

3-12 Configuring the System

This field is read-only and cannot be changed

from BIOS Setup.

Example: 640 KB

Main Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Extended Memory Displays amount of extended memory

detected during boot.
This field is read-only and cannot be changed

from BIOS Setup.
Example: 130048 KB

BIOS Revision Displays the BIOS revision number.

This field is read-only and cannot be changed
from the BIOS Setup.

Example: 167A0118

Processor Serial Number

Advanced Menu

Choose the Advanced Menu by selecting Advanced in the legend bar on
the Main Menu screen. Other Advanced Menu options are available by
selecting submenus.

Use the arrow keys to select one of the Advanced Menu options and press

to select a submenu. Items with grayed-out text are not available.

Enter

Explanations of each Advanced Menu item are in the following table.

can cause your system to malfunction.

Disabled, Enabled
Controls detection of the processor serial

number.

Setting items on this menu to incorrect values

Configuring the System 3-13

Advanced Menu

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Plug and Play OS No, Yes

Select Yes if you are booting a Plug and
Play capable operating system.

Select No if you want the BIOS to configure
non-boot devices.

Reset Configuration Data

PCI Configuration

PCI IRQ Line 1
PCI IRQ Line 2
PCI IRQ Line 3
PCI IRQ Line 4

CPU Level 1 Cache

CPU Level 2 Cache

CPU Level 2 Cache ECC Check

No, Yes
Select Yes if you want to clear the Extended

System Configuration Data (ESCD) area.
Press Enter to access the following

submenus.
Disabled, Auto Select, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11,

12, 14, 15
Use Auto Select if there are no ISA or EISA

devices installed on the system.
Select an IRQ (3-15) if installing a PCI

device requiring an IRQ and if the IRQ is not
already in use by ISA or EISA devices.

Enabled, Disabled
Enables or disables the CPU Level 1 cache.

Enabled, Disabled
Enables or disables the CPU Level 2 cache.

Enabled, Disabled
Enables or disables the CPU Level 2 cache

ECC check.

3-14 Configuring the System

Advanced Menu

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Cache Memory

Memo ry Cache

Cache System BIOS Area

Cache Video BIOS Area

Cache Base 0-512K Uncached, Write Through, Write Protect,

Cache Base 512-640K Uncached, Write Through, Write Protect,

Cache Extended Memory
Area

Press Enter to access the following
submenus.

Disabled, Enabled
Sets the state of the memory cache.

Uncached, Write Protect
Controls caching of system BIOS area.

Uncached, Write Protect
Controls caching of system video BIOS

area.

Write Back

Controls caching of 512K base memory.

Write Back

Controls caching of 512K-640K base
memory.

Uncached, Write Through, Write Protect,

Write Back

Controls caching of system memory above
one MB.

Configuring the System 3-15

Advanced Menu

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Cache C800-CBFF
Cache CC00-CFFF
Cache D000-D3FF
Cache D400-D7FF
Cache D800-DBFF
Cache DC00-DFFF
Cache E000-E3FF

I/O Device Configuration

Serial Port A

Base I/O Address

Disabled, Write Through, Write Protect,
Write Back

Setting at Disabled prohibits caching.
Setting at Write Through permits writes to be

cached and sent to main memory at once.
Setting at Write Protect causes the BIOS to

ignore writes.
Setting at Write Back permits write caching

but delays sending data to main memory
until necessary.

Press Enter to access the following
submenus.

Disabled, Enabled, Auto
Setting at Enabled allows the user to

configure the port.
Setting at Auto enables the BIOS or

operating system to configure the port.
3F8, 2F8, 3E8, 2E8

Selects the base I/O address for serial
port A.

Interrupt

3-16 Configuring the System

IRQ3, IRQ4
Selects the IRQ for serial port A.

Advanced Menu

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Serial Port B

Mode

Base I/O Address

Interrupt

Parallel Port

Disabled, Enabled, Auto
Setting at Enabled allows the user to

configure the port.
Setting at Auto enables the BIOS or

operating system to configure the port.
Normal, IR

Selecting Normal sets the port for normal
use. IR not used for this configuration.

2F8, 3E8, 2E8, 3F8
Selects the base I/O address for serial

port B.
IRQ3, IRQ4

Selects the IRQ for serial port B.
Disabled, Enabled, Auto

Setting at Enabled allows the user to
configure the port.

Setting at Auto enables the BIOS or
operating system to configure the port.

Base I/O Address

Interrupt

378, 278, 3BC
Selects the base I/O address for the LPT

port.
IRQ5, IRQ7

Selects the IRQ for the LPT port.

Configuring the System 3-17

Advanced Menu

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Mode

DMA Channel

Floppy Disk Controller

Game Port & Midi

Base I/O Address

Base I/O Address/IRQ

Output Only, Bi-directional, ECP, EPP
Selects parallel port mode.

DMA 3, DMA 1
Sets the DMA channel for the parallel port.

Disabled, Enabled, Auto
Setting at Enabled allows the user to

configure the controller.
Setting at Auto enables the BIOS or

operating system to configure the controller.
Auto, Disabled, Enabled

Configures the Game Port
Enabled allows selection of Base I/O

Address and Base I/O Address/IRQ.
201, 209, 211, 219

Game port address configuration.
330 IRQ_10, 300 IRQ_5, 310 IRQ_10,

320 IRQ_5,

Large Disk Access Mode

3-18 Configuring the System

Address configuration for Midi port. The Midi
port and Game port must be
Enabled/Disabled at the same time.

Other, DOS
Select DOS if using DOS operating system.
Select Other if using another operating

system such as UNIX or Novell NetWare.

Advanced Menu

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Local Bus IDE Adapter

Advanced Chipset Control

Graphics Aperture

Enable memory gap

ECC Error Type

Disabled, Primary, Secondary, Both
Enables the integrated local bus IDE

adapter.
Press Enter to access the following

submenus.
64 Mb, 128 Mb, 256 Mb, 4 Mb, 8 Mb, 16 Mb,

32 Mb
Selects the size of the Graphics Aperture for

the AGP video device.
Disabled, Enabled

If Enabled, turn system RAM off to free
address space for use with an option card.

Either a 128kb conventional memory gap,
starting at 512kb, or a 1MB extended
memory gap, starting at 15MB, will be
created in system RAM.

SMI, SCI, None, NMI
When a ECC error occurs, it generates an

interrupt. Select the type of interrupt to
report:
NMI Non-Maskable
SMI System Management
SCI System Control

SERR Signal Condition

Multiple bit, Both, None, Single Bit
Select ECC error conditions that SERR# b e

asserted.

Configuring the System 3-19

Advanced Menu

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Pool A Capacity

Pool A Active Device

Pool B Power State

ACPI Standby State

QuickBoot Mode

8, 1, 2, 4
This field defines the maximum number of

RDRAM devices that can reside in Pool A at
a time. The devices that are not part of Pool
A belong in Pool B.

4, 1, 2, 3
This field defines the maximum number of

RDRAM devices in Pool A that can be
Active Read/Write or Active state at a time.
The devices in Pool A that are not in Active
state are in Standby state.

Nap, Standby
This field selects the operating state of the

RDRAM devices in Pool B. All devices in
Pool B are in Standby or Nap state.

S1, S3
Choose one of the ACPI states.

Disabled, Enabled
When Enabled, allows the system to skip

certain tests while booting. This decreases
the time needed to boot the system.

AC97 Audio

AC97 Modem

3-20 Configuring the System

Enabled, Disabled
Enables or disables the integrated Audio

Interface.
Enabled, Disabled

Enables or disables the integrated Modem
Interface.

Advanced Menu

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

DMI Event Logging

Event Log Capacity Status only.
Event Log Validity Status only.
View DMI Event Log

Clear All DMI Event Logs

Event Logging

ECC Event Logging

Mark DMI Events As Read

Press Enter to access the following
submenus.

Status only, press Enter to view the Event
Log.

No, Yes
Selecting No prevents clearing out the

DIMM event logs.
Selecting Yes will clear the PMI event log

after rebooting.
Enabled, Disabled

Selecting Enabled permits logging of DMI
events.

Enabled, Disabled
Select Enabled to allow logging of ECC

events.
Press Enter. Select Yes or No to “Mark all

Events as read?”

Preboot Management

Default Primary Video Adapter

Disabled, Enabled
Select Enabled to enable the Preboot

Management function.
AGP, PCI

Select PCI to have a PCI card, if installed,
used for the boot display device.

Select AGP to have the AGP card, if
installed, used for the boot display device.

Configuring the System 3-21

Advanced Menu

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Hardware Monitor Control

System Temperature
CPU Temperature
CPU Fan Speed
Power Fan Speed
System Fan Speed
Vcore Voltage
Vtt1.5 Voltage
+3.3V Voltage
+5.0V Voltage
+12V Voltage
+5 Usb Voltage
Battery Voltage

Security Menu

Choose the Security Menu by selecting Security in the legend bar on the
Main Menu screen. Other Security Menu options are available by
selecting submenus.

Use the arrow keys to select one of the Security Menu options and press

to select a submenu. Items with grayed-out text are not available.

Enter

Explanations of each Security Menu item are in the following table.

The BIOS detects the value for each of
these categories automatically and monitors
them accordingly.

Security Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Supervisor Password Is

User Password Is

Clear, Set
Status only, user cannot modify. Supervisor

password controls access to the BIOS Setup
Utility.

Clear, Set
Status only, user cannot modify. User

password controls access to the system at
boot.

3-22 Configuring the System

Security Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Set Supervisor Password

Set User Password

Security Mode

Press Enter to access.

Use this field to set or change the supervisor
password. Press Enter to bring up a dialog
box where the password can be entered and
confirmed.

Press Enter to access.
Use this field to set or change the user

password. Press Enter to bring up a dialog
box where the password can be entered and
confirmed.

Press Enter to access the Security Mode.
Use this mode to select Password (default),

SmartCard, or FingerPrint. Press Enter to
open the selected field.

Use the SmartCard field to assign access to
the SmartCard Reader by the supervisor
and/or user. Press Enter to bring up the
SmartCard Reader dialog box for setting up
SmartCard security.

The Assign Supervisor SmartCard field
controls Supervisor access to the BIOS
Setup Utility and the system. A PIN number
controls access.

The Assign User SmartCard field controls
user access to the system at boot. A PIN
number controls access.

Configuring the System 3-23

Security Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Password on Boot

Fixed Disk Boot Sector

Diskette Access

Network Boot Setting

Keyboard/Mouse Lock

Virus Check Reminder

System Backup Reminder

Disabled, Enabled
When Enabled, requires password entry

before boot. System remains in secure
mode until password is entered.

Normal, Write Protect
Write Protect protects the boot sector on the

hard disk from viruses.
Supervisor, User

Controls access to the diskette drive.
Press Enter to access.
Disabled, Enabled

Select Enabled to lock the keyboard and
mouse when remote booting.

Disabled, Daily, Weekly, Monthly
Displays reminder message at bootup.

Message is daily, every Monday, or first of
every month.

Disabled, Daily, Weekly, Monthly

3-24 Configuring the System

Displays reminder message at bootup.
Message is daily, every Monday, or first of
every month.

Security Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Assign HDD Password

Power Menu

Choose the Power Menu by selecting Power in the legend bar on the Main
Menu screen. Other Power Menu options are available by selecting
submenus.

Use the arrow keys to select one of the Power Menu options and press

to select a submenu. Items with grayed-out text are not available.

Enter

Explanations of each Power Menu item are in the following table.

Press Enter to access the Assign HDD
Password Mode.

Controls access to the system’s hard drive
by assigning master and user passwords.
See “Hard Drive Security” later in this
chapter for information and procedures for
using the HDD password mode.

CAUTION: If the master and user password
are set on a hard drive, they can never be
removed. If the master password is forgotten
and the hard drive is installed in another
system, data cannot be accessed on the
hard drive.

Once these passwords are set, NEC
Computers Inc. has no capability to
remove them.

Note

Windows 98 or Windows 2000.

Power management is only supported in systems running

Configuring the System 3-25

Power Menu Settings

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Power Savings

Standby Timeout

Auto Suspend Timeout

Disabled, Customized, Maximum Power
Savings, Maximum Performance

Disabled setting turns off Power
Management and disables Standby
Timeout.

Maximum Power Savings setting conserves
the greatest amount of power.

Maximum Performance setting conserves
power but allows best system performance.

Customized setting allows the user to modify
the Auto Suspend Timeout and Hard Disk
Timeout fields.

Off, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 minutes
Specifies the amount of time the system is in

Idle Mode before entering the Standby
Mode.

Off, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 minutes
Specifies the amount of time the system is in

standby before entering the sleep mode.

Resume On Time

Resume Time 00:00:00

Resume Date When Resume on Time is On, the user can

Off, On
Setting to On allows the user to set the

Resume Time field to a time when the
system is to wake up.

When Resume on Time is set to On, the
user can specify the time the system is to
wake up.

specify the date the system is to wake up.

3-26 Configuring the System

Power Menu Settings

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Power Button Behavior

Power Loss Resume

Keyboard Board Power On

Mouse Power On

Resume On Modem Ring

On/Off, Wake/Sleep
Select On/Off to turn the system On or Off.
Select Wake/Sleep to allow the system to

enter sleep mode.
Keep Off, Keep On, Keep Loss

Select the state after resume from power
fail.

Disabled, WIN98 KB, Hot-Key
Selecting WIN98 KB allows the user to set

Mouse Power On to select left or right button
to power on and to Forbid Power Button
Power On.

Disabled, Enabled
Selecting Enabled allows user to select left

or right button to power system on. Also
allows user to select Click Configuration
(double click or single click).

Off, On
Setting to On allows the system to wake up

when an incoming call is detected on the
modem (if installed).

Resume on PME

On, Off
Enables the system to wake up by PME.

Configuring the System 3-27

Boot Menu

Choose the Boot Menu by selecting Boot in the legend bar on the Main
Menu screen. Other Boot Menu options are available by selecting
submenus.

Use the arrow keys to select one of the Boot Menu options and press

to select a submenu. Items with grayed-out text are not available.

Enter

Explanations of each Boot Menu item are in the following table.

Boot Menu Settings

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

+Removable Devices
+Hard Drives
ATAPI CD-ROM Drive
Network Boot

Exit Menu

Choose the Exit Menu by selecting Exit in the legend bar on the Main
Menu screen. Other Exit Menu options are available by selecting
submenus.

Use the arrow keys to select one of the Exit Menu options and press
to select a submenu. Explanations of each Exit Menu item are in the
following table.

Sets the bootable device order.
Use the up or down arrow to select a device,

then press the + or – key to move the device
up or down the list.

Devices with a + in front of the device name
can be expanded by pressing Enter. This
shows a list of the devices.

To enable or disable a device, select the
device and press Shift + 1.

To move a device between Removable
Devices and Hard Drives, select the device
and press the n key.

To remove a device that is not installed,
select the device and press the d key.

Enter

3-28 Configuring the System

Exit Menu Items

Menu Item Settings (default is bold)

Exit Saving Changes Implements the changes just made, and

exits BIOS.
Exit Discarding Changes Exit leaving BIOS unchanged.
Load Setup Defaults Loads default values for all BIOS setup

fields.
Discard Changes Load previous values from BIOS for all

setup fields.
Save Changes Saves all setup value changes to BIOS.

Hard Drive Security

Your NEC PowerMate CT system allows establishing password
protection for the internal hard drive. Hard disk drive (HDD) password
protection restricts access to the drive only if the drive is removed from
the PowerMate CT system and installed in another system. The system
does not prompt you to enter your HDD passwords while the drive
remains in the current system.

The HDD passwords are written to the system BIOS and to the hard drive
to ensure that the password protection travels with the drive if it is moved
to another system.

Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords

To establish password protection for the syste m’s hard drive, you must
establish a master password, establish a user password, and enable the
established passwords for the internal hard d r ive. Use the following
procedure to establish HDD passwords and to enable HDD password
protection.

Configuring the System 3-29

If you set the master and user password on a
hard drive, you can never remove the passwords. You can change the
passwords. If you forget the master password and install the drive in
another system, you cannot access the data on the hard drive.

Once you set these passwords, NEC Computers Inc. has no
capability of removing them.

If you install the hard drive in another PowerMate system with hard disk
drive security enabled, you must enter the password to allow access to the
hard drive. If this PowerMate system does not support hard disk drive

security, you cannot access the data on the hard drive.

Boot your system. Press F2 when prompted to enter BIOS Setup. The

1.

Main Menu screen appears.
Using the arrow keys, select the Security Menu.

2.

Use the down arrow key to highlight

3.

. The system prompts you to enter a master password.

Enter

press
Enter a master HDD password and press

4.

Assign HDD Password

you to reenter the password to verify.
Reenter the master HDD password and press

5.

confirms the creation of the master password and prompts you to
enter a user password.

Enter a user password and press

6.

Enter

reenter the password to verify.
Reenter the user password and press

7.

Highlight and select

8.

Primary Master HDD Password

Enter

+ (plus) and – (minus) keys to enable the selection. (This enables
password protection for the internal HDD.)

Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords

Use the following procedure to change hard disk drive passwords.

Boot your system. Press F2 when prompted to enter BIOS Setup.

1.

At the Main Menu screen, select the Security Menu.

2.

and

. The system prompts

Enter

. The system

Enter

. The system prompts you to

.

. Use the

3-30 Configuring the System

Highlight

3.

! If you enter the current master password, you are prompted to

Assign HDD Password

and press

Enter

enter a new master password.

! If you enter the current user password, you are prompted to enter

the new user password.

! If you do not want to establish a new master or user password,

press

Save the changes and exit BIOS Setup.

4.

instead of entering a new password.

Esc

Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection

To facilitate the transfer of one or more HDDs between systems, establish
a single master password (and store the password in a secure place).
Forgetting the master password results in the inability to access the data
on the hard drive. Establish different user passwords to limit access to
specific systems.

If you set the master and user password on a
hard drive, you can never remove the passwords. You can change the
passwords. If you forget the master password and install the drive in
another system, you cannot access the data on the hard drive.

Once you set these passwords, NEC Computers Inc. has no
capability of removing them.

If you install the hard drive in another PowerMate system with hard disk
drive security enabled, you must enter the password to allow access to the
hard drive. If this PowerMate system does not support hard disk drive

security, you cannot access the data on the hard drive.

.

With hard disk drive security enabled on the original NEC PowerMate CT
system, the system boots normally.

If you install the hard drive in another NEC PowerMate system with
security enabled, you must enter the master password to access the hard
drive. If the hard drive is installed in another NEC PowerMate CT system
with security disabled, the system prompts you to enter the master
password and then a new user password.

Configuring the System 3-31

Moving the Hard Drive

When a password protected hard drive is moved from its original system
and installed in another system, error messages appear indicating that the
drive is locked. Next, the Security Setup screen appears requiring the user
to enter the master password to unlock the drive. Enter the master
password, when prompted.

To take advantage of HDD password protection in another system, the
system must be equipped with the same HDD password protection
feature. To determine if the system has HDD password protection, check
the Security Menu in the BIOS Setup to see if there are provisions for
establishing HDD passwords.

FLASH Utility

The system BIOS resides on a flash read only memory (ROM) chip in
your system. The flash ROM can be updated usin g the following
procedure. Before starting the BIOS update, NECC recommends that you
first contact NECC for assistance (see Chapter 6 for contact information).

Update the Flash ROM with a BIOS flash diskette. The diskette contains
the latest version of the BIOS code. You can get the diskette from NECC
or download the BIOS from the NECC website. See Chapter 6 for
download and website information.

Update the BIOS from the BIOS flash diskette as follows.

Write down the BIOS Setup parameters currently set on your system.

1.

Turn off the system.

2.

Put the flash diskette in drive A, and turn on the system.

3.

When the flash upgrade menu appears, choose

4.
Memory Area from a file

When the menu asks you to enter a path/filename, use the arrow keys

5.

to select the “.bio” file and press
The utility asks for confirmation to load the new flash into memor y.

6.

Select

Continue with Programming

After the upgrade completes, remove the diskette.

7.

3-32 Configuring the System

Update Flash

.

.

Enter

.

Reboot the system and start the Setup program. Press F9 to reset the

8.

BIOS defaults. Use the recorded Setup selections you made at the
beginning of this procedure to set the parameters.

NEC INFO Center

The online NEC INFO Center provides quick access to information about
your system. The INFO Center includes the following modules.

! Tour

Use Tour to find information about easy-to-use NECC printed and
online documentation, software installation tools, and many support
services.

! User’s Guide

Use this module to get quick access to basic information about your
system.

! Questions

Look in this module to get answers to frequently asked questions
about your system.

! Solutions

Go to this module to find solutions to common system problems.

! Services

Check this module for a quick reference to the many NECC support
services available to you.

To install the NEC INFO Center, double click the NEC OnLine Docs icon
on the Windows desktop. Once the NEC INFO Center is installed, an
NEC INFO Center icon appears on the Windows desktop. Double click
on this icon to start the NEC INFO Center. The INFO Center opening
screen appears (see the following figure).

Click on an NEC INFO Center module of your choice, depending on the
information you want to see. We suggest you start with the Tour module.

Configuring the System 3-33

NEC INFO Center opening screen

To uninstall the NEC INFO Center, use these steps:

Access the C:\NEC INFO directory on your system.

1.

Double click the

2.

Unwise.exe

NEC INFO Center and the
Alternately, you can click

. At the Control Panel, double click

Panel

Double click

NEC INFO Center

To reinstall the NEC INFO Center, use the NEC Application and Driver
CD (see the following section, “NEC Application and Driver CD”).

3-34 Configuring the System

icon to remove all files related to the

C:\NEC INFO

, point to

Start

directory.

Settings

Add/Remove Programs

, and click

and follow the prompts.

Control

.

NEC Application and Driver CD

Use the NEC Application and Driver CD to reinstall NECC-provided
software, including

! applications
! utilities and device drivers
! the NEC INFO Center (online documentation).

You can also use the NEC Application and Driver CD at any time to
restore an application, driver, or utility.

Note

CD, the full restore process loads all the factory-installed software that
came with your system.

If you perform a full system restore using the NEC OS Restore

If you add NECC hardware options spe cified for your system, you can use
the NEC Application and Driver CD to install the drivers for t he options.

Install the software from the NEC Application and Driver CD as follows.

Power on your system.

1.

Insert the auto-start Application and Driver CD into the CD -RO M

2.

drive. The Selective Restore screen appears, prompting you to select
an application or driver from the list.

Click on an application, driver, or utility in the

3.

“Applications/Drivers:” window.
Read the information given in the “Important Setup Information:”

4.

window.

5.

Click

to install your selection. Follow any on-screen

Install

instructions to install your selection.
Click

6.

Remove the CD from the CD-ROM drive when the installation is

7.

to close the Application and Driver program.

Exit

complete.

Configuring the System 3-35

NEC OS Restore CD

Use the NEC OS Restore CD to restore your system to its original factory
state if a problem occurs that causes data loss or corruption. The NEC OS
Restore CD provides options for a full system restore with factory­installed software or for a restore with only the operating system and
drivers. A full restore loads all the factory-installed software.

If you select to restore only the operating system and drivers, you can use
the NEC Application and Driver CD to select the software you want to
load on your system. See the previous section, “NEC Application and
Driver CD,” for information on using the Application and Driver CD.

Before starting, we recommend that you first contact NECC for assistance
(see Chapter 6 for contact information).

Use the following steps to perform the OS Restore with the bootable
Master Restore diskette and the OS Restore CD.

The NEC OS Restore program deletes all the
data on your hard drive. If possible, back up your data before performing
an OS restore.

If possible, back up all your critical data files onto storage media

1.

(such as diskettes, Zip disks, or CD-ROM discs) or to an external
storage device such as a server hard drive.

Remove any diskette or CD-ROM disc fr om your system.

2.

Power down your system. Insert the bootable Master Restore diskette

3.

into the diskette drive and the NEC OS Restore CD into the
CD-ROM drive. Power on the system.

The system boots and the NEC Computers Inc. Restore screen
appears.

At the Restore screen, click Y to continue (or N to exit the program).

4.

A warning screen appears, with a prompt that continuing the restore
will destroy all data on your primary drive.

3-36 Configuring the System

At the warning screen, click C to continue (or X to exit the program).

5.

A restore selection screen appears, with a prompt asking if you want
a full restore or an operating system and driver restore.

At the restore selection screen, click F for full restore or O for an

6.

to exit the program.)

operating system and driver restore. (Or click

X

A series of restoring screens appear, advising you that the restore
process is continuing. The restore process takes a few minutes to do.

At the completion of the restore, a Restore Complete screen is

7.

displayed, with a prompt to either do system updates (see step 8) or
reboot the system (see step 9).

If you are updating your system, do the following procedure at the

8.

system update prompt.

! Remove the Master Restore bootable diskette and restore CD

from their drives.

! Insert the NEC Application and Driver CD or other CD into the

drive.
If you are using the NEC Application and Driver CD, go to

“NEC Application and Driver CD” earlier in this chapter to
complete the update.

If you are not updating yo ur system, remove the Master Restore

9.

bootable diskette and restore CD from their drives. Press any key to
reboot your system and open the Windows desktop.

System Board Jumper Settings

System boar d jumpers enable you to co nfigure your system for a
particular system requirement. Conditions that might require changing
jumper settings include the following situations.

! You need to restore the CMOS setting to the factory state.
! Your BIOS is corrupted and you need to restore the BIOS.
! You are adding an audio modem riser board to the system for higher

audio quality.

Before starting, we recommend that you first contact NECC for assistance
(see Chapter 6 for contact information).

Configuring the System 3-37

Use the following figure to locate the jumpers on the system board.

Locating the system board jumpers

A – CMOS Clear (JP4) F – BIOS Recovery (JP5)
B – Audio Modem Riser Select (JP11) G – USB Port Selection (JP28)
C – Rear USB Device Wake Up (JP3) H – USB Port Selection (JP27)
D – PS/2 Keyboard Power On (JP16) I – Front USB Device Wake Up (JP21)
E – Save to RAM (JP18)

Jumpers are set correctly at the factory for your
configuration. Only change the appropriate jumper setting for your
application. Otherwise, keep the jumpers at their factory settings.

3-38 Configuring the System

Set the jumpers as follows.

Power off and unplug the system and any externa l options. Remove

1.

the system cover (see “Removing the Cover” in Section 4).
Locate the appropriate jumper on the system board (see the previous

2.

figure “Locating the System Board Jumpers”).
Move the appropriate jumpers for your application as shown on the

3.

following table, “Setting system board jumpers.”

Note

NECC for assistance (see Chapter 6 for contact information).

a jumper setting.

4.

Before setting jumpers, we recommend that you first contact

The system power must be off before changing

Check your settings to be sure that they are correct for your
application.

Replace the system cover (see “Replacing the Cover” in Chapter 4).

5.

Connect system power cables and external options.
Power on the system and launch the BIOS Setup Utility before POST

6.

and recustomize your BIOS settings as necessary.

Configuring the System 3-39

Setting System Board Jumpers

Function Jumper Setting Description

CMOS Clear JP4 2-3

1-2

Audio
Modem
Riser (AMR)

Rear USB
Device
Wakeup

PS/2
Keyboard at
Power On

JP11 1-2

2-3

JP3 2-3

1-2

JP16 2-3

1-2

Factory setting. Maintains system board
configuration in CMOS RAM with
onboard battery.

Clears CMOS while system power is
off. Return jumper to pins 2 and 3
before powering system on.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to
system board, avoid clearing CMOS
while power is on.

Factory setting. Enables onboard audio
CODEC.

Disables onboard audio CODEC. Use
this setting if an AMR sound card is
installed.

Factory setting. Enables system
wakeup via input from the rear USB
port.

Disables system wakeup via input from
the rear USB port.

Factory setting. Disables the keyboard
at power on.

Enables the keyboard at power on.

Save to RAM JP18

Jumpered

Open

3-40 Configuring the System

Factory setting. Enables Suspend to
RAM (STR) function. In STR mode, the
system saves to memory all
configuration information and all
running programs. When the system
leaves Suspend mode, it restores
everything from memory.

Disables Save to RAM function.

Setting System Board Jumpers

Function Jumper Setting Description

BIOS
Recovery

USB Port
Selection

Front USB
Device
Wakeup

JP5 1-2

2-3

JP27,
JP28

JP21 2-3

1-2
1-2

2-3
2-3

1-2

Factory setting. Sets the system for
normal operation. The BIOS uses
current configuration information and
passwords at power on.

To enable BIOS recovery for a
corrupted system, remove the jumper.
Wait 10 seconds. Replace the jumper
on pins 1 and 2.

Restores Safe BIOS settings as the
default BIOS settings and loads the
BIOS Setup at power on.

Factory setting. Enables the front USB
port and rear USB port.

Disables the front USB port and
enables the rear USB port.

Factory setting. Disables system
wakeup from the USB device
connected to the front USB port.

Enables system wakeup from the USB
device connected to the front USB port.

Configuring the System 3-41

Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility

The Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility is a Windows program
that enables or disables the reading of the Pentium III processor serial
number by software. This function lets you con t rol which software
programs or websites have permission to read the processor serial
number. When installed, the utility runs automatically each time the
system powers on.

The utility places an icon in the Windows system tray. The icon provides
a visual status of the processor serial number. You have the option of
hiding the system tray icon. You can enable or disable the processor serial
number at any time. However, enabling the serial number requires
restarting the system.

The following information describes:

! system requirements
! installation procedures
! processor serial number features
! FAQs
! technical support.

System Requirements

The Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility requires:

! Pentium III processor-based system
! Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0 (or later)
! 2 megabytes of hard drive space.

Installation

The Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility (ver sion 1.0) comes
already installed on your system. The system ships with the processor
serial number turned off.

3-42 Configuring the System

Processor Serial Number

The Intel processor serial number, a feature of the Pentium III processor,
is an identifier for the processor. The processor serial number is unique,
and when used in conjunction with other identification methods, can be
used to identify the system or user. This number can be used in a wide
variety of applications that benefit from stronger forms of system and user
identification.

The processor serial number is analogous to a conventional serial number,
with these important differences:

! A software application can read the processor serial number.
! You can enable or disable the reading of the serial number via utility

programs such as this one, or via the BIOS, depending on the system
configuration.

For additional information about the Pentiu m III p rocessor and the
processor serial number, visit

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the processor serial number?

You can use the processor serial number in applications that benefit from
stronger forms of system and user identification.

www.intel.com/pentiumiii

.

Why would I want to turn off my processor serial number?

Intel believes the processor serial number can provide compelling benefits
to users. They are developing features in conjunction with the processor
serial number to allow responsible service providers to provide services
that mainta in your privacy. Howe ver, if you are concerned that a given
applicatio n/se rvi ce usi ng yo ur pro c esso r numbe r might impact your
privacy, you can turn off the processor serial number using the utility.

What is the default state of the processor serial number?

The default state of the processor serial number is on, until the Pr ocessor
Serial Number Control Utility is installed. Once the Processor Serial
Number Control Utility is installed, it tur ns the processor serial number
off by default. You can use the utility to turn on the processor serial
number.

Configuring the System 3-43

Can a website read my serial number without my knowledge?

No, generally not. Websites cannot read serial numbers unless you allow
them to download a program that can read the processor serial number.
Almost all browsers are configured to warn users whenever they
download executable software. Unless you disable the warning in the
browser, you should receive a notification.

Does Intel track serial numbers?

Generally not, other than related to the manufacturing process. Intel does
not, in the absences of advance and express consent of a user, collect
serial number data that is otherwise identified with a user.

Which programs and/or websites currently use the processor
serial number?

You can find a complete list of programs that can take advantage of the
processor serial number and other new capabilities of the Pentiu m II I
processor at

http://www.intel.com/pentiumiii/utility.htm

.

How can I tell if my processor serial number is turned on?

The vast majority of Pentium III processor-b ased systems ship with the
processor serial number enabled. The control utility allows you to check
the status by:

! Viewing the icon itself. The disabled icon shows a red circle with a

white “x.”

! Clicking the task tray icon and selecting the “Status” menu item. Or

you can select the menu from the tool tip shown when you position the
mouse over the task tray icon.

Technical Support

For world wide 7 days a week, 24 hours a day technical support, please
visit the Intel support website at

Email:

[e-mail]

In the United States, call
Pacific Standard Time.

For world wide phone contacts, please see

http://support.intel.com/support/feedback.htm

3-44 Configuring the System

http://support.intel.com

.

800-628-8686

from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

.

.

Installing Options

!

General Rules

!

Safety Precautions

!

System Unit Covers

!

Expansion Boards

!

System Board Options

!

Data Storage Devices

!

Minitower and Desktop Setup Options

4

This chapter provides installation instructio ns for a variety of industry­standard and NECC expansion options that you can add to your system.

Included in the chapter are procedures for

! expansion board installation
! memory module upgrade
! processor upgrade
! data storage device installation.

Most procedures require removal of the system’s cover. Some procedures
also require removing the front panel. Procedures for removing the cover
and front panel are included in this chapter.

In addition, the chapter includes procedures for setting up the system in a
desktop orientation or back to the minitower orientation.

General Rules

Follow these general rules when installin g system options.

! Turn off system power and unplug the power cable.
! Turn off and disconnect all peripherals from the front or rear of the

system.

! When handling boards or chips, touch the system metal frame to

discharge static.

! Do not disassemble parts other than those specified in the procedure.
! All screws are Phillips-head unless otherwise specified.
! Label any cable connector before disconnecting it. Note where the

connector goes and in what position it was installed.

4-2 Installing Options

Safety Precautions

Observe safety rules whe n working ins i de the system and when handling
computer components. Avoid electric shock or personal injury by
observing the following warning.

power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when
the power cable is unplugged.

Static electricity and improper installation procedures can damage
computer components. Protect computer components by following these
safety instructions.

components. Discharge static electricity by touching a metal object before
removing the system cover.

! Avoid carpets in cool, dry areas. Leave boards and chips in their

anti-static packaging until ready to be installed.

! Dissipate static electricity before handling any system components

(boards, chips, memory modules) by touching a grounded metal
object, such as the system’s unpainted metal chassis.

Before removing system covers, turn off the

Electrostatic discharge can damage computer

If possible, use antistatic devices, such as wrist straps and floor mats.

! Always hold a chip or board by its edge s. Avoid touching the

components on the chip or board.

! Take care when connecting or disconnecting cables. A damaged cable

can cause a short in the electrical circuit.

! When installing a cable, route the cable so it is not pinched by other

components and is out of the path of the system cover.

! Prevent damage to the connectors by aligning connector pins before

you connect the cable.
Misaligned connector pins can cause damage to system components at

power-on.

! When disconnecting a cable, always pull on the cable connector or

strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself.

Installing Options 4-3

System Unit Covers

The following sections describe how to remove and replace the system
cover and the front panel. Remove the system cover to access the interior
of the system (see “Removing the Cover,” next).

Remove the front panel to install or replace a 3 1/2-inch accessible device,
a 5 1/4-inch accessible device, or a 3 1/2-inch internal device (see
“Removing the Front Panel” later in this chapter).

Removing the Cover

Remove the cover as follows.

Before removing the cover, turn off system
power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when
the power cable is unplugged.

Turn off the system and any peripherals, and unplug the system

1.

power cord.
Disconnect any external options (such as a keyboard and monitor)

2.

from the front or rear of the system unit.

components. Discharge static electricity by touching a metal object before
removing the cover.

If the system unit is in the minitower position, place it on its right

3.

side (the side with four rubber feet).
If you have a padlock in the locking tab on the rear of the chassis,

4.

remove it.
Remove the two thumbscrews holding the cover to the rear of the

5.

chassis (see the following figure).

4-4 Installing Options

Electrostatic discharge can damage computer

Locating the cover screws

A – Cover C – Locking Tab
B – Cover Screws

Grasp the handle on the cover and slide the cover towards the rear of

6.

the chassis about an inch.
Lift the cover off the system and set aside.

7.

Removing the cover

Installing Options 4-5

Replacing the Cover

Replace the cover as follows.

positioned to prevent crimping, abrasion, or cutting while installing the
cover. Check that the ribbon cables are folded along their fold lines and
out of the direct path of the cover.

Position the cover over the side of the chassis so that the back edge of

1.

the cover is about an inch beyond the back edge of the chassis (see
the following figure).

Align the tabs and slots on the cover with those along the edges of the

2.

chassis.
Align the locking tab slot at the bottom rear of the cover with the

3.

locking tab.

Ensure that all cables inside the chassis are

Replacing the cover

A – Side Slots and Tabs C – Front Slots and Tabs
B – Locking Tab (hidden)

4-6 Installing Options

Firmly press the cover against the chassis and slide the cover towards

4.

the front of the chassis until it locks in place.

Note

check that the cover tabs at the front of the cover are properly inserted into
their slots in the chassis. Also check that the locking tab is inserted into its
slot on the back edge of the chassis.

5.

6.

If the cover does not slide all the way to the front of the chassis,

Replace the two previously removed thumbscrews.
If you have a padlock for the locking tab on the rear edge of the

chassis, install it.
If your system is set up for use as a minitower, place the system

7.

upright.
Reconnect all external peripherals.

8.

Plug in your p ower cables.

9.

Removing the Front Panel

Remove the front panel if you are installing an internal 3 1/2 -inch hard
drive or installing a device in one of the accessible device bays.

Remove the front panel as follows.

Remove the cover (see “Removing the Cover” earlier in this chapter).

1.

Position the system on its side on your work table, with the front

2.

panel over the edge of the table.
Working from inside the chassis, press up on the two front panel

3.

locking tabs to release them from their slots on the edge of the
chassis (see the following figure for tab location).

On the right side of the front panel, at the top corner, press in on the

4.

panel to release the top.
Pull out the top of the front panel while pulling up on the panel to

5.

release it from the chassis. Set the panel aside.

Installing Options 4-7

Removing the front panel

A – Chassis Slots B – Locking Tabs

6.

If you are removing or installing a device, see one of the following
sections.

! “Replacing 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Devices”
! “Replacing 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Devices”
! “Replacing Internal Drives.”

Replacing the Front Panel

Replace the front panel as follows.

Align the three tabs on the inside edge of the front panel with their

1.

corresponding slots on the lower edge of the chassis (see the
followin g fig ur e ) .

Insert the tabs into their slots and press the front panel up against the

2.

chassis until the front panel locks in place.
Replace the cover (see “Replacing the Cover” earlier in this chapter).

3.

4-8 Installing Options

Replacing the front panel

A – Slots on Chassis (3) C – Front Panel
B – Tabs on Front Panel (3) D – Chassis Front

Expansion Boards

Your system supports 32-bit PCI Plug and Play expansion boards, an
AGP expansion board, and an AMR expansion board.

With Plug and Play expansion boards, you can install a board without
changing the hardware settings. There are no system resource conflicts to
resolve. Plug and Play automatically configures the board for the system.

The PCI connectors support bus mastering and accept PCI expansion
boards that run at half the system board’s bus speed. The PCI bus handles
32 bits of data at a time, boosting system performance.

The following sections show PCI slot and connector locations and include
procedures for installing and removing expansion boards.

Installing Options 4-9

Locating Expansion Slots and Connectors

The following figure shows the locations of the expansion slots on the
chassis and the expansion board connectors on the system board.

Locating expansion board slots and connectors

A – PCI Expansion Board Connectors C – AGP Board Connector
B – PCI Expansion Board Slots D – AMR Board Connector

Removing the Retainer Bar

Expansion boards and slot covers are held in place by a retainer bar.
Remove the retainer bar as follows.

Remove the cover (see “Removing the Cover” earlier in this chapter).

1.

Press down on the two tabs on the retainer bar to release the tabs

2.

from their slots. Carefully remove the bar from the chassis (see the
followin g fig ur e ) .

If you are removing an expansion board, see “Removing an

3.

Expansion Board.” If you are adding an expansion board, see
“Replacing an Expansion Board.”

To replace the bar, see “Replacing the Retainer Bar” later in this

4.

chapter.

4-10 Installing Options

Removing the expansion board retainer bar

A – Retainer Bar Tabs B – Tab Slots

Removing an Expansion Board

To remove an e xpansion board, use the following steps.

Remove the cover (see “Removing the Cover” earlier in this chapter).

1.

Label and unplug any cables connected to the board.

2.

Remove the retainer bar (see “Removing the Retainer Bar”).

3.

Pull the board out of the connector and expansion slot (see the

4.

following figure). Set the board on an antistatic surface.
If you are removing an AGP board, press out on the board’s locking

lever while pulling the board out of its connector.

Installing Options 4-11

Removing an expansion board

A – Expansion Board B – AGP Video Board Locking Lever

Install a new board, or install the slot cover if you are not installing a

5.

board.

! If you are adding an expansion board, see “Installing an

Expansion B oard.”

! If you need to install a slot cover, see “Installing a Slot Cover.”

Installing a Slot Cover

To install a slot cover, follow these steps.

Slide the slot cover back into the expansion board slot. Make sure its

1.

narrowed end goes into the metal strap. Its top edge should fit around
the raised hole in the edge of the chassis.

4-12 Installing Options

Installing a Slot Cover

A – Slot Cover

Replace the expansion board retainer bar (see “Replacing the

2.

Retainer Bar” later in this section).
Replace the cover (see “Replacing the Cover” earlier in this section).

3.

Removing a Slot Cover

Remove a slot cover using these steps.

Slide the slot cover up to free it from the chassis (see the previous

1.

figure).
Save the slot cover for future use.

2.

Install an expansion board (see “Installing an Expansion Board”).

3.

Secure the expansion board in place with the retainer bar (see

4.

“Replacing the Retainer Bar”).
Attach any signal cables required by the expansion board.

5.

Replace the cover (see “Replacing the Cover” earlier in this section).

6.

Installing Options 4-13

Installing an Expansion Board

To install an expansion board in the system, use the following steps.

Remove the cover (see “Removing the Cover” earlier in this chapter).

1.

Follow any preinstallation instructions that come with the boar d.

2.

Remove the retainer bar that secures the expansion bo a r ds (see

3.

“Removing the Retainer Bar”).
If you need to remove an o ld expansion board fr om the connector

4.

designated for the new board, see “Removing an Expansion Board.”
If a slot cover is in the slot, remove it (see “Removing a Slot Cover”).

Save the slot cover for future use.
Hold the new expansion board by its edges or its bracket and insert it

5.

into the expansion slot. If installing an AGP video board, lock the
board in place with the locking lever (see the following figure).

Press the board firmly into the expansion slot connector on the

6.

system board.

Installing an expansion board

A – Expansion Board B – AGP Video Board Locking Lever

4-14 Installing Options

Secure the expansion board in place with the retainer bar (see

7.

“Replacing the Retainer Bar”).
Attach any signal cables required by the expansion board.

8.

Replace the cover (see “Replacing the Cover” earlier in this chapter).

9.

Replacing the Retainer Bar

To install the retainer bar, use the following steps.

Hold the retainer bar at an angle and insert the ends into the slots in

1.

the chassis (see the following figure).
Push the bar into the slots and under the edge of the chassis.

2.

Press down on the lock tabs and firmly push the bar in until the tabs

3.

slide into their slots. Be sure that the raised portion on each tab locks
into its slot.

Replace the cover (see “Replacing the Cover” earlier in this chapter).

4.

Replacing the retainer bar

A – Retainer Bar End C – Lock Tab
B – Retainer Bar Slot D – Lock Tab Slot

Installing Options 4-15

System Board Options

This section describes how to upgrade optio ns on the system board.
Procedures described in this section include:

! adding memory modules
! upgrading the processor.

The following figure shows the locations of the sockets and connectors on
the system board.

Locating the RIMM and processor sockets

A – Processor Socket C – RIMM 2 Socket
B – RIMM 1 Socket D – Wake-on LAN (WOL) Connector

Memory Upgrade

Memory upgrades are installed into two RIMM sockets on the system
board. The sockets support up to 512 MB of high-speed RDRAM
memory. The system supports RDRAM RIMM modules in 64-, 128-, and
256-MB memory configurations.

4-16 Installing Options

Use the following guidelines in selecting RIMM modules:

! RIMM modules can be installed in one or two sockets
! if installing a RIMM module in only one socket, a continuity module

must be installed in the second RIMM socket

! the size and speed of the RIMM modules can vary between sockets

but the memory operates at the speed of the slowest module.

For sample memory configurations, see the table “Sample RIMM
Upgrade Paths.”

To locate memory module sockets on the system board, see the previous
figure, “Locating the RIMM and processor sockets.”

To determine the memory you need to purchase for a memory upgrade,
see “Checking System Memory.”

Sample RIMM Upgrade Paths

Total Memory* RIMM 1 RIMM 2

64 MB 64 MB Continuity Module
128 MB 64 MB 64 MB
128 MB 128 MB Continuity Module
256 MB 128 MB 128 MB
256 MB 256 MB Continuity Module
512 MB 256 MB 256 MB

*The information in this table shows sample RIMM upgrade paths. It does not
represent every combination of RIMMs supported in the system.

Checking System Memory

If you do not know how much memory is installed in your system, check
the amount by using the following procedure.

On the Windows desktop, point to

1.

mouse button.

My Computer

, and click the right

Installing Options 4-17

With the left mouse button, click

2.

Properties

the random access memory (RAM). This is the amount of memory in
your system.

In Windows 98 or Windows 2000, you can also find the amount of
memory b y pointing to
clicking

Properties

, and clicking the

My Computer

, clicking the right mo use butto n,

Performance

Removing a RIMM or Continuity Module

If your memory configuration requires the removal of a RIMM module or
a continuity module, use the following steps.

Before opening the system and before handling

boards or RIMM modules, reduce static discharge by touching the chassis.

Remove the cover (see “Removing the Cover” earlier in this chapter).

1.

Locate the RIMM sockets on the system board (see the figure

2.

“Locating the RIMM and processor sockets” earlier in this chapter).
Eject a RIMM module or continuity module by pressing the plastic

3.

clips at the outer edges of the socket away from the module (see the
followin g fig ur e s) .

. The

tab.

General

tab shows

For module identification, note that the RIMM module is taller than
the continuity module and has a cover over the memory on the
module. Also not e that t he co nti n uit y mod ule has no memo ry
installed on it.

module may be hot to the touch. Use caution in removing the module to
avoid a burn.

Grasp the center of the module and pull it out of the socket.

4.

Store the module in an anti-static bag.

5.

If you are installing a RIMM or continuity module, see “Installing a

6.

RIMM or Continuity Module” in the next section.

4-18 Installing Options

If the system was just turned off, the RIMM

If you are not installing a RIMM module, install a continuity module

7.

in the empty socket and replace the system cover (see “Replacing the
Cover” earlier in this chapter).

Ensure that you have both RIMM sockets filled,
either with two RIMM modules or one RIMM module and one continuity
module.

Removing a continuity module

A – Plastic Clip (2) B – Continuity Module

Installing Options 4-19