Nec POWERMATE NETPC user Manual
NEC Computer Systems Division,
A Division of Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We, the Responsible Party
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Ave.
Boxborough, MA 01719
(508) 264-8000
declare that the product
NEC
POWERMATE NETPC
is in conformity with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this
product is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related
materials, is the valuable property of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard
Bell NEC, Inc. (hereinafter “NECCSD”) and/or its licensors. NECCSD and/or its
licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary righ ts
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 NECCSD product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance
with the terms of the Warr anty 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 NECCSD.
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 NECCSD is
prohibited.
FaxFlash is a trademark of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation; MultiSync and PowerMate are registered
trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc.; these trademarks are used under license by NEC Computer
Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective trademark owners.
First Printing — August 1997
Copyright 1997
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01719-2298
All Rights Reserved
Using This Guide
The PowerMate NetPC System Administrator’s Guide
provides a quick reference to information about the
PowerMate NetPC computer.
The guide contains the following information:
Chapter 1, Setting Up the Computer, provides a brief
look at system components and information on how to
choose a site and set up the hardware. This chapter also
explains how to start up and shut down the system and
how to secure it against unauthorized access.
Chapter 2, Using NECCSD Utilities, describes the
various software utilities shipped with the system,
including the Setup utility, Flash utility, LANDesk
Client Manager, NEC Auto Backup utility, and the
NEC Select Install program.
®
Chapter 3, Reviewing System Features, provides a quick
overview of the various features of the system.
Chapter 4, 24-Hour Information Services, lists the
services available to you for information and help, and
describes how to access the services.
Chapter 5, If You Have a Problem, contains
troubleshooting tips for solving simple problems and
provides information on where you can find help when
you cannot solve a problem yourself.
Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,
contains guidelines to help you use the computer
productively and safely. This appendix also instructs
you on how to set up and use the computer to reduce
your risk of developing nerve, muscle, or tendon
disorders.
Using This Guide ix
Prolonged or improper use of a computer
workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To
reduce your risk of injury, set up and use the
computer in the manner described in Appendix A,
Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment.
Appendix B, Specifications, provides a technical
description of the computer and its components.
Appendix C, Limited Warranty, provides warranty
information, policies, and restrictions.
Appendix D, System Board Jumpers, provides
information about the jumpers on the system board.
TEXT CONVENTIONS
This guide uses the following text conventions.
Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following
meanings:
!
WARNING
x Using This Guide
!
Warnings alert you to situations that could result i n
serious personal injury or loss of life.
WARNING
!
Cautions indicate situations that can damage the
hardware or software.
CAUTION
NOTE
Notes give important information about the
material being described.
Names of keyboard keys are printed as they appear on
the keyboard, for example,
Text or keystrokes that you enter appear in boldface
type. For example, type
File names are printed in uppercase letters. For example,
Ctrl, Alt
abc123
and press
, or
Enter
Enter
.
.
AUTOEXEC.BAT.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
In addition to this guide, the following printed
documentation ships with the computer.
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 NetPC Release Notes
Release Notes provide you with additional information
about the computer that was not available at the time
this guide was printed.
Using This Guide xi
The system also comes with a Healthy Environment online
document. This document complements the “How Does
Your Workplace Measure Up?” brochure.
In addition to the documentation that ships with the system,
the following documentation is available from NECCSD:
NEC PowerMate NetPC Series Service and Reference
Manual (part number 819-181873-000)
This manual provides information for maintaining,
troubleshooting, and repairing the computer. Spare parts
lists, option installation procedures, and instructions on
how to change jumper settings and the system battery
are included for qualified NECCSD personnel. This
guide also includes hardware and interface information
for programmers, engineers, and others who need to
know how the system is designed.
To purchase the service and reference manual, call
NECCSD at 1-800-632-4565 (in the U.S.) or your local
NECCSD sales provider (outside the U.S.).
NECCSD FaxFlash
NECCSD FaxFlash is an automated service that sends
the latest information about NECCSD and its products
directly to a fax machine. The service is available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
xii Using This Guide
With FaxFlash, you can obtain product literature and
technical information bulletins. By using FaxFlash, you
can be kept up-to-date on the latest technical information
for your system.
See “NECCSD FaxFlash Service” in Chapter 5 for
information about using FaxFlash.
Contents
Using This Guide
Text Conventions...................................................... x
Related Documents ................................................... xi
1 Setting Up the Computer
Site Selection............................................................ 1-2
Installation................................................................ 1-3
Checking the Voltage Switch................................ 1-4
Selecting System Orientation................................ 1-6
Connecting Cables ............................................... 1-7
Preventing Internal Access ................................... 1-8
Operation ................................................................. 1-9
Starting Up.......................................................... 1-9
Shutting Down..................................................... 1-12
2 Using NECCSD Utilities
The Setup Utility ...................................................... 2-1
When to Use Setup .............................................. 2-2
How to Start Setup .............................................. 2-3
How to Use Setup................................................ 2-4
Main Menu.......................................................... 2-5
Displayed Information..................................... 2-6
Language........................................................ 2-6
System Time/Date .......................................... 2-6
Floppy Options............................................... 2-6
Primary IDE................................................... 2-7
Advanced Menu................................................... 2-10
PnP O/S ......................................................... 2-10
Reset Configuration Data................................ 2-10
Memory Cache ............................................... 2-10
Memory Banks 0 and 1................................... 2-10
Resource Configuration .................................. 2-11
Contents iii
Peripheral Configuration................................. 2-12
Keyboard Configuration.................................. 2-15
Video Configuration........................................ 2-15
DMI Event Logging........................................ 2-16
Security Menu ..................................................... 2-16
User Password Is............................................ 2-16
Supervisor Password Is................................... 2-17
Set User or Supervisor Password .................... 2-17
Clear User Password....................................... 2-18
User Setup Access .......................................... 2-18
Using a Password ........................................... 2-18
Unattended Start............................................. 2-19
Power Menu ........................................................ 2-20
Boot Menu........................................................... 2-21
Exit Menu ........................................................... 2-23
Flash Utility.............................................................. 2-24
Landesk Client Manager ........................................... 2-25
PC Health Indicator ............................................. 2-26
Workstation Management ............................... 2-26
PC Health Meter............................................. 2-27
PC Health Description .................................... 2-27
Inventory............................................................. 2-28
DMI.................................................................... 2-29
Monitoring Capabilities ....................................... 2-29
NEC Auto Backup Utility ......................................... 2-30
NEC Select Install CD.............................................. 2-31
Operating System Restore.................................... 2-32
Selective Application Restore Program................. 2-40
3 Reviewing System Features
System Chassis......................................................... 3-3
System Board Components ....................................... 3-3
Processor............................................................. 3-3
System Memory................................................... 3-3
Interrupt Controller.............................................. 3-5
PCI Local Bus..................................................... 3-6
Flash ROM.......................................................... 3-6
iv Contents
Graphics Features................................................ 3-7
Motion Video Controller ................................. 3-7
Graphics Accelerator ...................................... 3-8
Video Support ................................................ 3-8
High-Speed Communication Ports........................ 3-9
RJ-45 Port........................................................... 3-10
IDE Port.............................................................. 3-10
USB Ports ........................................................... 3-10
Sound System...................................................... 3-11
Plug and Play Support ......................................... 3-11
4 24-Hour Information Services
NECCSD FaxFlash Service ...................................... 4-2
NECCSD Bulletin Board Service.............................. 4-4
NECCSD on America Online Service........................ 4-6
NECCSD on CompuServe Online Service................. 4-7
E-Mail/Fax Technical Support Service...................... 4-8
Internet..................................................................... 4-9
NECCSD Technical Support Services....................... 4-10
5 Solving System Problems
Finding Solutions to Common Problems.................... 5-1
System Problems ................................................. 5-2
Monitor Problems................................................ 5-3
Keyboard/Mouse Problems .................................. 5-4
Getting Help ............................................................. 5-5
Getting Help from Your Company........................ 5-5
Getting Help from Your NECCSD Dealer............ 5-5
Getting Help from NECCSD Technical Support
Center............................................................... 5-6
NECCSD Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair
Service.............................................................. 5-7
Contents v
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You...................... A-1
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-12
Checking Your Chair ........................................... A-12
Checking Your Keyboard..................................... A-12
Checking Your Mouse ......................................... A-12
Checking Your Monitor ....................................... A-12
Checking You...................................................... A-13
B System Specifications
System Processor................................................. B-1
PGa Processor Socket.......................................... B-1
Standard Random Access Memory (RAM)........... B-1
Cache Memory .................................................... B-2
Read Only Memory (ROM) ................................. B-2
Video Window RAM (WRAM) ........................... B-2
Calendar Clock.................................................... B-3
Input/Output (I/O) Facilities ................................ B-3
Device Slots......................................................... B-4
Graphics.............................................................. B-4
Sound System...................................................... B-5
Dimensions.......................................................... B-6
Power.................................................................. B-6
Operating Environment ........................................ B-6
vi Contents
C Limited Warranty
How Long is the Warranty? ...................................... C-1
Who is Protected?..................................................... C-1
What is Covered and What is Not Covered?.............. C-1
What We Will Pay For and What We Will Not
Pay For ................................................................. C-2
How You Can Get Warranty Service......................... C-3
Year One........................................................ C-3
Years Two and Three...................................... C-3
Limitation of Damages and Implied Warranties ......... C-4
How State Law Relates to the Warranty.................... C-4
for Information, Telephone 1-800-632-4565.............. C-5
D System Board Jumpers
Index
List of Tables
Navigation Keys ....................................................... 2-5
Supported Dimms..................................................... 3-4
Interrupt Level Assignments...................................... 3-5
Supported Refresh Rates........................................... 3-8
Contents vii
Setting Up the
1
Computer
!
Prolonged or improper use of a computer
workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To
reduce your risk of injury, set up and use your
computer in the manner described in Appendix A,
Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment.
The PowerMate® NetPC is designed to enable central
administration and management of your computer
resources. NECCSD has designed the PowerMate NetPC so
you can quickly set up the hardware and put your computer
to work right away.
This chapter contains information on setting up the NetPC
system and covers the following topics:
Site selection
WARNING
Installation
Startup and shutdown.
Setting Up the Computer 1-1
Hazardous voltage, current, and energy lev els are
present inside the computer. Do not open the
computer; access to the inside is restricted to
qualified personnel. There are no user-serviceable
parts inside. See Chapter 5 for servicing
information.
SITE SELECTION
Your computer is designed to operate reliably in a normal
office environment. Make sure the site is well ventilated,
dust free, and away from heat sources. In addition, choose a
site according to the following criteria:
Place the computer on a desktop or other raised, flat
surface; do not put the computer on the floor.
Place the computer near a grounded, three-pronged
power outlet.
!
WARNING
In the United States and Canada, use a NEMA
For other geographic regions, use a three-pronged
Make sure there is enough space around the computer
for cooling and adequate air flow – about 3.93 in.
(10 cm) clearance in back, 1.96 in.(5 cm) on each side,
and 3.93 in. (10 centimeters) in front.
1-2 Setting Up the Computer
5-15R outlet for 100-120 VAC or a NEMA 6-15R
outlet for 200-240 VAC.
power outlet applicable for the electrical code of the
region.
The computer has external vents for cooling and air
flow (see the following figure). To ensure proper
cooling of the computer, keep all vents clear of
obstructions.
To ensure adequate air flow and reduce the risk of
overheating or fire, use the stand provided with your
system for vertical (“tower”) placement of the
computer.
INSTALLATION
Install the computer according to the following procedures
and safety standards:
Computer vents
Check the voltage switch.
Select the system orientation.
Setting Up the Computer 1-3
Connect cables
Prevent internal access.
!
Do not plug in the computer power cable unti l you
connect all other ex ternal cables (keyboar d, mouse,
monitor, LAN, and so on).
The following sections provide installation guidelines and
procedures.
The push-button on/off power switch on the front
panel of the computer does not turn off the AC
power. To remove AC power from the computer,
you must unplug the AC power cable from the
power supply or the wall outlet.
WARNING
!
CAUTION
Checking the Voltage Switch
A 51-watt (rated) power supply is integrated into the
computer. The voltage ratings for the power supply are
provided in the following table.
Power Supply Voltage Rating
VOLTAGE INPUT FREQUENCY (HZ) CURRENT (AMPS)
100-127 60 2
200-240 50 1.25
1-4 Setting Up the Computer
Before connecting the power cable to the back panel of the
computer, make sure that the voltage selector switch is set
to the correct AC line source voltage for your region.
For line voltages between 100 and 127 VAC, set the line
voltage selector on the power supply switch to 115V
(115 VAC).
For line voltages between 200 and 240 VAC, set the line
voltage selector switch on the power supply to 230V
(230 VAC).
Make sure that the correct voltage (115V or 230V) is
visible on the switch (see the following figure). If necessary,
use a flat-head screwdriver to set the switch.
Line voltage switch selector
Setting Up the Computer 1-5
Selecting System Orientation
The computer is designed to sit in a horizontal or vertical
position on a desktop or other surface away from the floor.
In the horizontal position, the computer supports standard
15-inch monitors.
Horizontal orientation
For vertical placement, use the stand provided in the
computer shipping box.
To ensure stability, center the unit in the stand as
shown in the foll owing figure. Do not place the unit
in the v er ti cal posit ion wit hout t he stand. Dam age t o
equipment and data may result if the computer
accidentally tips over.
1-6 Setting Up the Computer
!
WARNING
Vertical orientation
Connecting Cables
The following figure shows the connector locations on the
back of the computer for connecting the keyboard, mouse,
monitor, and power cables.
The figure also shows the locations for other device cables
in case you are installing additional hardware.
Setting Up the Computer 1-7
!
Turn of f and unplug the c om puter before connect ing
any cables to the back of the computer. Equipm ent
may be damaged if you connect cables while the
power is on. Plug in the power cable only af ter all
other device cables have been connected.
CAUTION
Preventing Internal Access
To prevent access to the inside of the computer, install a
padlock in the small padlock slot in the back of the system
(see the following figure).
1-8 Setting Up the Computer
Rear panel connectors
OPERATION
Chassis security
The following sections provide basic procedures for starting
up and shutting down the computer.
Starting Up
Power on the system using the following steps.
Plug the monitor power cable into a grounded wall
1.
outlet.
Plug the computer’s power cable into the AC power-in
2.
connector on the back panel of the computer and into a
grounded wall outlet.
Setting Up the Computer 1-9
!
Ensure that t he power serv i ce c onnecti on i s thr ough
a properly grounded outlet.
NECCSD recom mends that you pl ug the computer
into a surge suppresser for protection against
sudden transient incr eases or decreases in electrical
power that could damage your computer’s power
supply and result in loss of data.
If the computer does not turn on, press the power button
on the front panel (see the following figure). Use the
lamps on the front panel to verify that the power, hard
disk drive, and LAN connections are working as follows:
Power-on (green)/Sleep mode (yellow)
Hard drive activity (green)
LAN activity (green).
CAUTION
1-10 Setting Up the Computer
Front panel controls and indicators
The power lamp lights green to indicate that the system is
on. The NEC startup screen appears.
At the bottom of this screen, messages like the following
appear:
Press <F2> key if you want to run Setup
Press ESC to display POST
NOTE
These messages are part of your system’s
Power-On Self-Test (POST). Your computer is
checking your hardware for any changes since the
last startup. If you want to see the messages
displayed during POST, press ESC. If you want to
go into the Setup Utility, press F2.
Setting Up the Computer 1-11
One beep indicates that the system has successfully
completed the power-on test. After about five seconds,
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. This
chapter provides some helpful hints on obvious system
problems.
NOTE
If the system displays a message i ndicating
that system sett ings have changed, run Setup (see
Chapter 2, NECCSD Utilities).
On PowerMate NetPC systems loaded with the
Windows NT
when prompted on-screen to do so. The log-on box appears
for entering a password.
Shutting Down
Follow these steps to shut down (power off) your computer.
1.
2.
3.
®
4.0 operating system, press
Ctrl-Alt-Del
Save your work. See the documentation that comes with
your application.
Exit the application program.
Make sure that the hard disk drive is not in use. A lit
hard disk activity lamp indicates that the drive is in use.
1-12 Setting Up the Computer
!
Wait until a program is finished running before
powering off the system.
Unless absolutely necessary, never power off the
system when the system power lamp is yellow or
when the hard disk activ ity lamp is lit. Information
on the hard disk might be lost or damaged.
CAUTION
4.
Press the Windows
Start
button, then point to and click
“Shut Down.” Selecting “Shut Down” gives you several
choices in the pop-up submenu. Select “Shut down the
computer,” then click the
Yes
button or press
Enter
shut down the computer.
NOTE
A m essage appears inform ing you when it is
safe to turn off your system.
5.
Turn off power to your monitor.
6.
Power off the system by pressing the system unit power
button.
This completes the system setup procedures. For
information about system features, see Chapter 3,
“Reviewing System Features.”
to
Setting Up the Computer 1-13
Using NECCSD
2
THE SETUP UTILITY
Utilities
This chapter provides information about the computer’s
software tools and utility programs. These include:
Setup utility
Flash utility
LANDesk® Client Manager
NEC Auto Backup utility
NEC Select Install CD.
The Setup utility program is used to configure the main
components of the computer.
NOTE
correct system parameters for the configuration.
Unless you add optional har dware, you do not need
to run Setup to operate the system. However, you
might wish to run the Setup utility to set features
that customize the system, such as security
features.
The system ships from the factory with the
Using NECCSD Utilities 2-1
System configuration information is stored in nonvolatile
memory. A nonvolatile memory device retains its data when
system power is turned off. Nonvolatile memory in the
system is stored in a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) chip backed up by a battery on the
system board. The battery supplies continuous power to
CMOS memory and maintains configuration information
when system power is off.
NOTE
write down the current Setup param eters and store
the inform ation in a safe place. This all ows you to
restore the system t o the current paramet ers if you
ever need to have the battery replaced.
When to Use Setup
The Setup utility lets you view and set system parameters.
Use the Setup utility program to:
NECCSD recommends that you print out or
set the time and date.
update or check system parameters when expansion
options have been added or removed.
change or set power management features.
correct a hardware discrepancy when the Power-On
Self-Test (POST) displays an error message and
prompts you to run Setup.
check the installation of optional memory by comparing
the amount of memory installed with the amount of
memory displayed by Setup.
change certain system operating parameters, such as
boot device sequence and keyboard parameters.
2-2 Using NECCSD Utilities
configure system connections for peripherals, such as
devices connected to the printer port and serial ports.
customize the system with security features such as
passwords, virus check reminder, and system backup
reminder.
set system parameters in the event that the CMOS
battery has been replaced.
How to Start Setup
To start the Setup utility, follow these steps:
Turn on or reboot the system.
1.
2.
Press
after POST to start the memory test before the
F2
system boots up.
There is about five seconds in which to press
the system boot continues.
Setup’s Main menu appears and looks similar to the
following screen.
F2
before
Using NECCSD Utilities 2-3
Setup Main menu
How to Use Setup
Use the keys shown on the bottom of the Setup menu to
make your selections or exit the current menu. The
following table describes the navigation keys.
2-4 Using NECCSD Utilities
Navigation Keys
Main Menu
Key
F1 Provides help for the parameter field being
Esc Exits the menu
Enter Executes Command or Selects submenu
↓ or ↑ arrow keys
← or → arrow keys
+ or – Selects parameter values in a menu
F9 Loads the Default Configuration values for
F10 Save and Exit
Function
displayed.
Moves cursor up and down
Selects next menu
this menu
Main menu items preceded by > contain a submenu of
selectable fields for setting system parameters. To display a
submenu, use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the
submenu you want. Then press
Enter
.
Choose the Main menu by selecting Main menu in the
legend bar. Other Main menu options are available by
selecting submenus.
NOTE
See “How to Start Setup” for a look at a
typical Main menu screen.
Use the arrow keys to select one of the following Main
menu options and press
to select a submenu. Items
Enter
with grayed-out text are not available. Explanations of each
menu item follow.
Using NECCSD Utilities 2-5
Displayed Information
The following information is displayed in the Main menu.
These fields are read-only and cannot be changed:
Processor type
Processor speed
Cache RAM
Total Memory
BIOS version.
Language
Selects the current language used by the BIOS. Use this
field to select English (the default) or French.
System Time/Date
Use this menu to set the current time and date. The settings
remain in memory even after the system power is turned off.
To set the time, enter the current hour, minute, and seconds
in hh:mm:ss, 24-hour format. For example, type
for 1:30 P.M.
13:30:00
To set the date, enter the current month, day, and year in
mm/dd/yyyy format. For example, type
September 30, 1997.
Floppy Options
The parameters for this field appear only in Configuration
mode as part of the BIOS recovery procedure described in
Chapter 4. Unless you are recovering the system BIOS in
Configuration mode, all the parameters for this field are set
to “Disabled.”
2-6 Using NECCSD Utilities
09:30:1997
for
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