NEC POWERMATE VE - 07-1996 User Manual

PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the valuable property of NEC Corporation (NEC) an d/or its licensor s. NEC and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reser ve 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 NEC product(s) discussed in this document ar e warranted in accor dance with the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanyin g 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 NEC.

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 NEC is prohibited.

MultiSync and PowerMate are registered trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc. FastFacts is a trademark of NEC Technologies, Inc. All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or

registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

NEC Technologies, Inc. NEC Corporation

1414 Massachusetts Avenue 7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku

Boxborough, MA 01719 Tokyo 108-01, Japan

First Printing — July 1996

Contents

Using This Guide

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

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

1 Introducing Your Computer

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

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

Diskette Drive A.................................................. 1-5

CD-ROM Reader................................................. 1-6

Back Features........................................................... 1-8

External Connectors............................................. 1-9

Power Supply Features ........................................ 1-11

Speakers................................................................... 1-12

The Microphone ....................................................... 1-13

2 Getting Started

Using a Mouse.......................................................... 2-1

About Your Online Documentation ........................... 2-2

Where to Go from Here............................................. 2-4

3 Installing Options

Option Installation Procedures .................................. 3-2

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

Removing the System Unit Cover......................... 3-5

Replacing the System Unit Cover......................... 3-7

Expansion Boards..................................................... 3-8

Locating Expansion Slots..................................... 3-8

Installing an Expansion Board.............................. 3-10

Installing an Expansion Board in the

Inside Slot ......................................................... 3-12

Removing an Expansion Board ............................ 3-14

Contents iii

Removing an Expansion Board

from the Inside Slot............................................ 3-15

SIMM Upgrade ........................................................ 3-17

Checking System Memory.................................... 3-18

Removing a SIMM .............................................. 3-20

Installing a SIMM ............................................... 3-21

Video Upgrade.......................................................... 3-22

Processor Upgrade.................................................... 3-24

Removing the Processor....................................... 3-24

Installing the Processor ........................................ 3-25

Secondary Cache Upgrade ........................................ 3-26

Data Storage Devices................................................ 3-28

Locating Device Slots .......................................... 3-28

Preparing the Device............................................ 3-29

Device Cables...................................................... 3-30

Diskette Drive Signal Cable ............................ 3-31

IDE Signal Cables .......................................... 3-32

System Power Cables...................................... 3-33

Cabling Storage Devices ...................................... 3-33

Cabling an IDE Device ................................... 3-34

Cabling a Diskette Drive................................. 3-35

Installing Storage Devices.................................... 3-36

Removing the 3 1/2-Inch Drive

Bracket......................................................... 3-36

Installing the 3 1/2-Inch Drive......................... 3-38

Removing the Front Panel ............................... 3-39

Installing the 5 1/4-Inch Device....................... 3-40

Replacing the Front Panel ............................... 3-43

Replacing the 3 1/2-Inch Drive

Bracket......................................................... 3-44

Adding External Options........................................... 3-45

Connecting a Parallel Printer................................ 3-45

Connecting an RS232C Device ............................ 3-46

iv Contents

4 Setting System Parameters

The Setup Utility ...................................................... 4-2

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

How to Use Setup..................................................... 4-4

The Menu Bar ..................................................... 4-5

The Legend Bar ................................................... 4-6

Selecting a Menu Item..................................... 4-7

Displaying a Submenu .................................... 4-7

Getting Help ................................................... 4-7

Main Menu Options.................................................. 4-7

IDE Adapters....................................................... 4-9

Memory Cache .................................................... 4-11

Memory Shadow.................................................. 4-12

Boot Options ....................................................... 4-12

NumLock ............................................................ 4-13

The Advanced Menu................................................. 4-14

Integrated Peripherals Menu................................. 4-15

The Security Menu ................................................... 4-17

The Power Menu ...................................................... 4-20

The Boot Menu......................................................... 4-22

The Exit Menu.......................................................... 4-22

Save Changes & Exit........................................... 4-22

Discard Changes & Exit ...................................... 4-23

Get Default Values .............................................. 4-23

Load Previous Values .......................................... 4-24

Save Changes ...................................................... 4-24

Operating System Backup Utility .............................. 4-24

Microsoft Create System Disks............................ 4-24

Distribution Diskette Creator ............................... 4-27

5 Setting System Board Jumpers

Changing Processor Jumper Settings ......................... 5-2

Setting the Cache Jumper.......................................... 5-4

Clearing Your Password ........................................... 5-7

Contents v

6 Using Voyetra Sound Software

Power Bar ................................................................ 6-2

Audio Mixer............................................................. 6-3

Adjusting the Sound Using Software .................... 6-3

Adjusting the Sound Using the Speakers............... 6-4

CD Player................................................................. 6-4

WAV Player............................................................. 6-4

Recording Digital Audio Files .............................. 6-5

Playing Digital Audio Files .................................. 6-5

Editing Digital Audio Files................................... 6-6

MIDI Player ............................................................. 6-6

7 24-Hour Information Services

NEC's FastFacts Service........................................... 7-2

NEC Bulletin Board Service...................................... 7-4

America Online Service............................................. 7-7

CompuServe Online Service...................................... 7-8

E-Mail/Fax Technical Support Service...................... 7-9

Internet..................................................................... 7-10

NEC Technical Support Services .............................. 7-11

8 If You Have a Problem

Problem Checklist..................................................... 8-2

Solutions to Common Problems................................. 8-3

System Problems ................................................. 8-3

Diskette Drive Problems ...................................... 8-5

Monitor Problems................................................ 8-6

Keyboard/Mouse Problems .................................. 8-7

CD-ROM Problems ............................................. 8-7

Speaker Problems ................................................ 8-8

Microphone Problems .......................................... 8-8

Replacing the CMOS Battery.................................... 8-9

Diagnostic Diskette................................................... 8-12

vi Contents

Getting Help ............................................................. 8-13

Getting Help from Your Company........................ 8-13

Getting Help from Your NEC Dealer ................... 8-13

Getting Help from NEC's Technical Support

Center................................................................ 8-14

NEC Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair Service...... 8-14

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 Reviewing System Interrupts

Interrupt Controller................................................... B-1

Index

Contents vii

List of Tables

Quick Reference to Information About Your

Computer ............................................................... 2-5

Setup Key Functions................................................. 4-6

Main Menu Parameters............................................. 4-8

IDE Hard Disk Parameters........................................ 4-11

Memory Cache Parameters ....................................... 4-12

Boot Option Parameters............................................ 4-13

Keyboard Features Parameters.................................. 4-14

Advanced Menu Parameters...................................... 4-15

Integrated Peripherals Parameters ............................. 4-16

System Security Options........................................... 4-19

Power Management Parameters................................. 4-21

Interrupt Level Assignments...................................... B-1

viii Contents

Using This Guide

The PowerMate Ve Series User's Guide provides a quick reference to information about your computer.

The guide contains the following information:

Chapter 1, Introducing Your Computer, provides a look



at system components. See this chapter to familiarize yourself with your system.

Chapter 2, Getting Started, gives you information about



using a mouse, using online documentation, and what you should do after your system is up and running.

The chapter includes a quick-reference chart for finding information about a variety topics.



Chapter 3, Installing Options, provides installation procedures for internal and external options.



Chapter 4, Setting System Parameters, describes the Setup utility and explains how to use it to configure your system.



Chapter 5, Setting System Board Jumpers, provides information on changing jumper settings when reconfiguring your system.

Chapter 6, Using Voyetra Sound Software, explains how



to use Voyetra’s Multimedia Sound Software to play music CDs, record, play and edit audio files, and play and edit MIDI files.



Chapter 7, 24-Hour Information Services, lists the services available to you for information and help and describes how to access the services.

Using This Guide ix

Chapter 8, 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 your computer

productively and safely. This appendix also instructs

you on how to set up and use your computer to reduce

your risk of developing nerve, muscle, or tendon

disorders.

Appendix B, Reviewing System Interrupts, provides the



interrupt settings used by the system.

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.

WARNING

TEXT CONVENTIONS

This guide uses the following text conventions.



Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following

meanings:

W arnings alert you t o situations that coul d result in serious personal injury or loss of life.

x Using This Guide

WARNING

Cautions indicate situations that can damage the hardware or software.

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.

Other online documents include:



Healthy Environment



Using Windows 95.

Most of your application programs provide extensive online help at the touch of a button (usually the Help button).

Some programs provide separate online user’s guides for specific applications.

Windows 95 provides extensive online help and “wizards” to guide you through procedures.

Getting Started 2-3

WHERE TO GO FROM HERE

Once you have your system up and running, we suggest that you do the following:

If you have options to install, see Chapter 3, Installing



Options. Make the distribution media, see “Operating System



Backup Utility” in Chapter 4. Read Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work



Environment. Take the System Tour in your online NEC



PowerMate Ve Series System Documentation.



See the online User’s Guide in your online NEC PowerMate Ve Series System Documentation.



Install any applications. See the documentation that comes with the application.

2-4 Getting Started

See the following quick reference chart to find information about some of the things you might want to do:

Quick Reference to Information About Your Computer

WHAT YOU WANT TO FIND WHERE TO FIND IT Basic information about my

computer Setting a password “Setting a Password” in the online User’s

Online User’s Guide in

Series System Documentation

Guide (

NEC PowerMate Ve Series System

NEC PowerMate Ve

Documentation)

Chapter 4 in this guide

Using Windows Online

Using Windows 95

Printed

Windows 95 User’s Guide

The NEC PowerMate Customer catalog offers additional Windows 95, MS-DOS 6.2/Windows for Workgroups, and Windows NT documentation.

Loading a CD “Loading a CD” in the online User’s Guide

NEC PowerMate Ve Series System

(

Documentation

Playing a music CD Multimedia models:

AudioStation online help Chapter 6 in this guide

Using the suspend button “Saving Power” and “Managing Power” in the

online User’s Guide (

Series System Documentation

)

NEC PowerMate Ve

)

Adding options “Adding Internal Options” or “Adding External

Options,” in the online Option Installation Center (

NEC PowerMate Ve Series System

Documentation)

Chapter 3 in this guide

Note: AudioStation comes with multimedia models.

Getting Started 2-5

Quick Reference to Information About Your Computer

WHAT YOU WANT TO FIND WHERE TO FIND IT

Understanding power management

Using online services, like America Online®, Prodigy® and CompuServe®

Changing video drivers “Changing Video Drivers” in the online User’s

“Saving Power” and Managing Power” in the online User’s Guide (

Series System Documentation

Online Services Help group Chapter 7 in this guide

NEC PowerMate Ve Series System

Guide (

NEC PowerMate Ve

)

Documentation)

Protecting my system from viruses

“VirusScan for Windows,” Scan95,” and “WebScan” in the online System Tour (

NEC

PowerMate V&P Series System

Using Desktop Management Interface

Documentation

“Desktop Management Interface” in the online Product Information Center (

)

NEC

PowerMate Ve Series System Documentation

Using support services “24-Hour Information Services” in the online

Support Guide (

System Documentation

Chapter 7 in this guide

Taking care of my system “Taking Care of Your System” in the online

User’s Guide (

System Documentation

NEC PowerMate Ve Series

)

NEC PowerMate Ve Series

)

2-6 Getting Started

Installing Options

Your PowerMate system supports a variety of industrystandard and NEC expansion options. There are many optional components available for you to customize your computer.

monitors − your system supports the connection of a



VGA-compatible monitor such as NECs Multisync XE and XP series.



SIMM memory − your system comes with 8- or 16-MB of RAM upgradeable to 128 MB of 32-bit, 60 ns of high-speed memory using SIMM sticks.

video DRAM − your system comes standard with 1 MB



of video DRAM that provides resolutions of up to 1280 by 1024 with 16 colors, 1024 by 768 with 256 colors, 800 by 600 with 256 colors, 640 by 480 with 64,000 colors, or 320 by 200 with 16 million colors.

With the upgrade to 2 MB of DRAM, your system supports resolutions up to 1280 by 1024 with 256 colors or 640 by 480, 800 by 600, and 1024 by 768 with 16 million colors.



processor upgrade − a 320-pin zero insertion force (ZIF) socket on the system board supports the primary processor or an OverDrive processor for upgrades.

Installing Options 3-1

secondary cache − upgrade to a 256-KB asynchronous



or synchronous pipeline burst secondary SRAM cache module (standard in some configurations).

drives − your system supports a total of four storage



devices. In addition to the standard 3 1/2-inch 1.44 MB diskette drive, three other storage device slots are available. Hard disk configurations come with a hard disk drive installed and multimedia systems include an installed CD-ROM reader.

OPTION INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

Installation instructions for the following options are provided in this chapter.

expansion boards



SIMM memory upgrade



video memory upgrade



processor upgrade



3-2 Installing Options

L2 SRAM cache module (standard in some configurations)

data storage devices external options.

Some of the options require locating the connector on the system board. See the following figure for connector locations.

Cache Sock et

Pro cessor Socket

SIMM Socket 1

SIMM Socket 2

SIMM Socket 3

SIMM Socket 4

Video DRAM Socket

System board sockets and connectors

All options require the system cover removal. Procedures for removing the cover are explained later in this chapter.

Installing Options 3-3

Safety Precautions

Take care when working inside the system and when handling computer components. Avoid electric shock or personal injury by observing the following warning.

Before remov ing the system unit cover, turn off the power and unplug the system power cable. Power i s 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.

Electrostatic discharge can damage computer components. Discharge stat ic el ectri cit y by touchi ng a metal object before removing the system unit cover.

WARNING

CAUTION



3-4 Installing Options

Avoid carpets in cool, dry areas. Leave an option, such as a board or chip, in its anti-static packaging until ready to install it.

Dissipate static electricity before handling any system components (boards, chips, and so on) by touching a grounded metal object, such as the system's unpainted metal chassis.

If possible, use anti-static devices, such as wrist straps and floor mats.

Always hold a chip or board by its edges. 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. Misaligned connector pins can cause damage to system components at power-on.

When installing a cable, route the cable so it is not pinched by other components and is out of the path of the system unit cover. Prevent damage to the connectors by aligning connector pins before you connect the cable.

When disconnecting a cable, always pull on the cable connector or strain-relief loop, not on the cable.

Removing the System Unit Cover

The following procedure describes how to remove the system unit cover.

Before remov ing the system unit cover, turn off the power and unplug the system power cable. Power i s removed only when the power cable is unplugged.

WARNING

Turn off and unplug the system unit.

Disconnect the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and any other external options (such as a printer) from the rear of the system unit.

Installing Options 3-5

Electrostatic discharge can damage computer components. Discharge stat ic el ectri cit y by touchi ng a metal object before removing the system unit cover.

Remove the two cover screws from the rear of the

CAUTION

system unit.

Screws

3-6 Installing Options

Removing cover screws

From the rear of the system, grasp the sides and slide the cover about an inch away from the front.

NOTE

The cov er fi t s tight l y. P ress the f ront edge of the cover to release it from the front panel. Also press against the rear panel to sli de the cover one inch away from the front panel.

Lift the cover up and away from the system unit.

Replacing the System Unit Cover

Replace the cover as follows.

Align the tabs on the sides of the cover with the inside

unit frame as you position the cover over the chassis.

Releasing the cover

System Unit Frame

Cover Tabs

Replacing the system unit cover

Installing Options 3-7

Slide the cover forward to meet the front panel.

NOTE

The cover fits tightly. If the cover does not slide all t he way to the front panel , place one hand on the front of the unit while you slide the cover forward from the rear.

Secure the cover with the two cover screws removed

earlier. (See “Removing the System Unit Cover,” earlier in this chapter.)

Reconnect all external peripherals.

Plug in your power cables.

EXPANSION BOARDS

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

Industry-standard 8- and 16-bit ISA, and 32-bit PCI expansion boards are supported in the system unit. ISA expansion boards can be Plug and Play or non-Plug and Play boards.

Locating Expansion Slots

The PowerMate system has four expansion slots as follows.



two ISA slots



one PCI slot



one shared PCI/ISA slot.

3-8 Installing Options

ISA expansion slots support industry-standard 8-bit or 16bit expansion boards. Install half-length boards in the rear ISA slot and three-quarter-length boards in the front ISA slot. The PCI/ISA slot also supports PCI expansion boards.

PCI expansion boards run at the system's processor speed. The PCI bus handles 32 bits of data at a time, being wider as well as faster than the standard ISA bus. PCI boards can send and receive data much faster which boosts system performance.

PCI Slot

PCI/ ISA Slot

ISA Slot*

* Full size expansion boards cannot be installed in these slots.

ISA Slot*

Locating expansion slots

Installing Options 3-9

Installing an Expansion Board

Install expansion boards in the system as follows.

Remove the system unit cover.

Follow any preinstallation instructions that come with

the expansion board (such as setting switches or jumpers on the board).

If installing a board in the inside expansion slot (next to

the power supply), see “Installing an Expansion Board in the Inside Slot.” Otherwise, continue to the next step.

Remove the screw securing an expansion slot cover and

remove the cover. Save the screw for installing the expansion board. Save

the slot cover for future use.

3-10 Installing Options

A slot c over can damage the syst em board or any option board i f it fall s into the system . Take car e to keep the slot cover from f alling when rem oving the screw.

If the slot cover does fall into the unit, remove it before replacing the cover.

Slot Cover

CAUTION

Removing a slot cover

Hold the board by its edges and insert it into the expansion slot (see the figure on the following page). Align full-size expansion boards with the guide rail at the front of the system unit.

Press the board firmly into the expansion slot connector. Gently rock the board from side-to-side to seat it into the connector.

Insert the screw removed earlier to secure the expansion board to the support bracket.

Installing Options 3-11

Installing the expansion board

Attach any signal cables required by the expansion

board. Replace the system unit cover.

Installing an Expansion Board in the Inside Slot

Use this procedure if installing an expansion board into the inside slot in your system.

Remove the system unit cover.

Follow any preinstallation instructions that comes with

the expansion board (such as setting switches or jumpers on the board).

Remove the two screws that secure the slot cover

support and expansion slot cover to the rear of the system.

Remove the slot cover support and slot cover from inside the system unit.

3-12 Installing Options

Take car e not to drop the slot c over and support into the system.

CAUTION

Slot Cover

Slot Cover Support Screws

Removing the slot cover support screws

Hold the board by its edges, component side down and the bracket end facing the rear of the unit, and insert it into the expansion slot.

Press the board firmly into the expansion slot connector. Gently rock the board from side-to-side to seat it into the connector.

Installing Options 3-13

Hold the slot cover support over the expansion board

bracket and replace the two screws removed earlier. The slot cover support secures the expansion board in place.

Expansion Board Bracket

Attach any signal cables required by the expansion

board. Replace the system unit cover.

Removing an Expansion Board

Remove the system unit cover as previously described.

Screws

Slot Cover Support

Attaching the slot cover support

3-14 Installing Options

Label and remove any cables connected to the board.

NOTE

To remove a board from an inside slot, see “Removing an Expansion Board from the Inside Slot.”

Remove the screw that secures the board to the support

bracket.

Removing the screw

Pull the board out of the connector. Gently rock the

board from side-to-side to release it from its connector. Replace the slot cover that was removed when the option

board was installed. Replace the system unit cover.

Removing an Expansion Board from the Inside Slot

Use this procedure if removing an expansion board from the inside slot in your system.

Remove the system unit cover.

Label and remove any cables from the expansion board.

Installing Options 3-15

Remove the two screws that secure the slot cover

support and expansion board bracket to the rear of the system.

Remove the slot cover support from inside the system unit.

Take car e not t o drop the sl ot cover support i nt o t he system, as it could damage the system board.

CAUTION

Expansion Board Bracket

Screws

Slot Cover Support

Removing the slot cover screw

Pull the board out of the connector. Gently rock the board from side-to-side to release it from the connector.

Replace the slot cover that was removed when the option board was installed.

Replace the system unit cover.

3-16 Installing Options

SIMM UPGRADE

Your PowerMate system comes with 8 MB or 16 MB of main system memory. Four sockets on the system board support up to 128 MB of high-speed memory using industry-standard, tin-plated, single in-line memory modules (SIMM).

(FPM), or 60-ns extended dat a output (EDO ), parity or non-parity SIMMs into the SIMM sockets.



NOTE

You m ay install 60 or 70- ns fast page m ode

1-MB by 32-bit (4-MB stick) 2-MB by 32-bit (8-MB stick) 4-MB by 32-bit (16-MB stick) 8-MB by 32-bit (32-MB stick).

To avoid corrosion between different metals, only use tin-plated SIMM sticks.

CAUTION

Installing Options 3-17

Checking System Memory

Use the following procedure to:

check the memory installed in the system



determine the SIMM configuration needed to increase



memory

NOTE

SIMM memory must be installed in pairs of the same memory type.



identify SIMM sockets.

Locate the four SIMM sockets on the system board (see

“Option Installation Procedures” earlier in the chapter. If any cables block access to the SIMM sockets, label

and disconnect them. If any boards block access to the sockets, remove them.

3-18 Installing Options

Use the following table to determine the SIMM configuration needed to upgrade memory and to identify the sockets for SIMM installation.

Recommended Memory Upgrade Path

TOTAL SIMM SIMM MEMORY SOCKET 1 SOCKET 2 SOCKET 3 SOCKET 4

8 MB* 4 MB 4 MB Empty Empty 16 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 16 MB** 8 MB 8 MB Empty Empty 24 MB 4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 24 MB 8 MB 8 MB 4 MB 4 MB 32 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 32 MB 16 MB 16 MB Empty Empty 40 MB 4 MB 4 MB 16 MB 16 MB 40 MB 16 MB 16 MB 4 MB 4 MB 48 MB 8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 48 MB 16 MB 16 MB 8 MB 8 MB 64 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 64 MB 32 MB 32 MB Empty Empty 72 MB 4 MB 4 MB 32 MB 32 MB 72 MB 32 MB 32 MB 4 MB 4 MB 80 MB 8 MB 8 MB 32 MB 32 MB 80 MB 32 MB 32 MB 8 MB 8 MB 96 MB 16 MB 16 MB 32 MB 32 MB 96 MB 32 MB 32 MB 16 MB 16 MB 128 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB *Standard configuration for 8-MB systems.

**Standard configuration for 16-MB systems.

Installing Options 3-19

Removing a SIMM

Use the following procedure to remove a SIMM.

CAUTION:

system's metal chassis.

Remove the system unit cover.

Locate the SIMM sockets (see “Option Installation

Reduce static discharge by t ouchi ng the

Procedures” earlier in the chapter). Press the metal clips at the outer edges of the socket

away from the SIMM. Push the SIMM away from the locking tabs and remove

it from the socket.

Use the following procedure to install a SIMM stick.

3-20 Installing Options

Clips

Removing a SIMM

Installing a SIMM

Install a SIMM as follows.

Remove the system unit cover.

Locate the SIMM sockets (see “Option Installation

Procedures” earlier in the chapter). Remove any currently installed SIMMs that are not

needed.

Bef ore instal l ing a S IMM , reduc e stati c di scharge by touching the system's metal chassis.

Align the notched end of the SIMM with the socket end closest to the front of the system.

Insert the SIMM at an angle into the socket.

CAUTION

Installing Options 3-21

Tilt the SIMM towards the locking tabs using equal

pressure at the ends of the SIMM until it locks into the socket.

Clip

Notched End of SIMM

Inserting the SIMM

Replace any cables or boards that may have been

removed. Replace the system unit cover.

VIDEO UPGRADE

Upgrade the video memory by adding two 512-KB by 16-bit video DRAM modules as follows.

Remove the system unit cover as previously described.

Locate the video DRAM sockets (see “Option

Installation Procedures” earlier in this chapter). If any expansion boards are obstructing your view of the

sockets, remove the boards (see “Removing an Expansion Board”).

3-22 Installing Options

Reduce static discharge by touching the system's metal chassis.

Align the notched ends of the module and socket. Using

CAUTION

equal pressure, gently press the module into the socket. Repeat for the second module.

Notched End of Module

Notched Corner

Replace any boards that were removed.

Replace the system unit cover.

of Socket

Aligning the video DRAM module with the socket

Installing Options 3-23

PROCESSOR UPGRADE

The zero-insertion force (ZIF) socket accepts pin-grid-array (PGA) processors, such as the primary processor or an OverDrive processor.

Incorrect installation of the processor can damage the processor, system board, or both. Follow the installation instructions carefully.

The system requires a heatsink on the OverDrive processor. Verif y that you hav e the correct heatsink for the processor.

When upgrading the processor, first remove the processor currently installed in the system, then install the OverDrive processor.

CAUTION

Removing the Processor

Remove the processor installed on the system board as follows.

Remove the system unit cover.

Locate the processor socket (see “Option Installation Procedures” earlier in this chapter).

If any expansion boards are obstructing the socket, remove the boards.

Release the heatsink clip from the tabs on the socket.

Release the processor by pulling the lever on the socket away from the socket and as far back as it goes without forcing.

3-24 Installing Options

Before picking up the processor, reduce static discharge by touching the metal frame of the system unit. See “Safety Precautions” in this chapter.

Lift the processor out of the socket.

Installing the Processor

Remove the processor currently in the system (see previous procedure).

Before picking up the processor, reduce static discharge by touching the metal frame of the system unit.

CAUTION

Align the notched corner of the processor with the alignment corner in the socket and insert the processor.

Swing the lever down to lock the processor into the socket.

Remem ber to eit her reatt ach the heatsink used with the old processor or install the new heatsink supplied with the OverDrive processor.

CAUTION

Installing Options 3-25

Check to see if the newly installed processor requires a

system board jumper change (see Chapter 5, Setting System Board Jumpers).

Replace any boards removed during this procedure.

Replace the system unit cover.

SECONDARY CACHE UPGRADE

The system comes with 16 KB of primary cache built into the processor. All configurations support 256 KB of asynchronous or synchronous pipeline burst secondary SRAM cache. Secondary cache is standard on some configurations. The secondary cache installs into a cache socket on the system board. Secondary cache increases system performance.

NOTE

Secondary cache com es standard in al l Asia, Australia, and in some U.S. configurations.

NEC recommends that you purchase the NEC Cache Upgrade Kit when adding secondary cache. The NEC option k it has been tested and approved to work correctly with your system.

Use the following procedure to install the cache module.

3-26 Installing Options

Remove the system unit cover. Locate the cache socket on the system board (see

“Option Installation Procedures” earlier in the chapter). If you have expansion boards obstructing the connector,

remove the boards.

Pin 1 End of Module

Aligning the cache module with the socket

Before you install a cache module, reduce static discharge by touching the system’s metal chassis.

CAUTION

Align the pin 1 end of the cache module with the pin 1 end of the secondary cache socket. Using equal pressure, gently press the module into the socket.

Check to see if the newly installed cache module requires a system board jumper change. See Chapter 5, Setting System Board Jumpers.

Replace any boards that you may have removed during this procedure (see “Installing an Expansion Board” earlier in this chapter).

Replace the system unit cover.

Installing Options 3-27

DATA STORAGE DEVICES

The system board in the computer supports the following storage devices:

up to two diskette drives, including the standard 1.44-



MB diskette drive up to four IDE devices such as IDE hard disks and an



IDE CD-ROM reader.

Other storage devices might require the installation of a compatible controller board.

Locating Device Slots

The PowerMate system has four storage device slots (see the figure on the following page):



a 3 1/2-inch accessible device slot which contains the standard

1.44-MB diskette drive one internal hard disk drive slots (1-inch high, thin-



height)



3-28 Installing Options

Hard disk configurations come with an IDE hard disk installed.

two accessible device slots (1.6-inch high, half-height) In multimedia models, one accessible device slot

contains the standard CD-ROM reader. Other accessible devices (diskette drive, tape drive, CD-

ROM reader) can be installed in the 5 1/4-inch slots. A hard disk with a 5 1/4-inch form factor can be

installed in the 5 1/4-inch slots.

The following figure shows the device slot locations.

3 1/2-Inch Internal Slot

*Top 5 1/4-inch slot is unavailable in s ome configurations.

Preparing the Device

Before installing a storage device in the system, follow any preinstallation instructions that come with the device. For example, check the following:

3 1/2-Inch Slot (contains 1.44-MB diskette drive)

5 1/4-Inch Accessible Slots

Locating device slots



Diskette drive  remove any termination on the optional diskette drive. See the documentation that comes with the drive.



IDE device  check the jumper settings on the device before installing it. See the documentation that comes with the device for jumper setting information.

An IDE device, such as an IDE hard disk or IDE CDROM reader, must be set correctly as the first (master) or second (slave) device on the IDE channel.

Installing Options 3-29

Device Cables

The cables used for installation of optional storage devices include:



The diskette drive and IDE cables shipped with the system each support two devices. Cable connector locations on the system board are shown in the following figure.

The standard IDE hard disk is set as the master device on the primary IDE connector. The CD-ROM reader in multimedia models is the master device on the secondary IDE connector.

diskette drive signal cable IDE signal cables system power cables.

3-30 Installing Options

Primary ID Signal Connector

Secondary IDE Signal Connector

Diskette Driv Signal

Pin 1

Connector

System board cable connectors

Diskette Drive Signal Cable

A three-connector diskette drive signal cable comes attached to the system board and to the standard 1.44-MB diskette drive.

The installation of a second diskette drive in your system does not require the replacement of the existing diskette drive signal cable. Connect an optional diskette drive to the middle connector on the standard diskette drive signal cable.

The colored edge of the cable goes to pin 1 on the cable connector. Align the red edge of the cable with pin 1 (the notched end) on the drive connector.

The following figure shows a three-connector diskette drive signal cable.

Attaches to 1 .44-MB Diskette Drive

Attaches to Optional Diskette Drive

Attaches to System Board

Optional diskette drive signal cable

Installing Options 3-31

IDE Signal Cables

Hard disk systems come with a three-connector IDE interface cable attached to the primary IDE connector. Multimedia systems come with a second IDE cable connected to the CD-ROM reader and to the secondary IDE connector.

Each IDE connector on the system board supports two IDE devices. The addition of an IDE device to an IDE connector does not require the replacement of the existing IDE signal cable.

If installing an optional IDE CD-ROM reader, connect it to the secondary IDE connector. The primary (fast) IDE port should be reserved for hard disks.

The following figure shows a typical three-connector IDE cable. If the IDE cable is not keyed with a connector tab, align the colored edge of the cable with the pin 1 side of the drive connector.

3-32 Installing Options

Connects to System Board IDE Port

Connects to IDE Devices

Optional IDE cable connectors

System Power Cables

Power cables come from the power supply and are attached to the standard storage devices. System power cables vary in length and provide connector sizes to accommodate a variety of supported storage configurations. Power cable connectors are keyed to fit only in the correct position. The following figure shows the power cable connectors.

Small Power

Cable Conne ctor

Large Power Cable Conne ctor

Power cable connectors

Cabling Storage Devices

All storage devices require a power and signal cable connection. Devices shipped with the system are already connected.

Procedures are provided on the following optional devices:



IDE device − IDE hard disk drive or CD-ROM reader



diskette drive − 1.2-MB drive.

Installing Options 3-33

Cabling an IDE Device

The following procedure explains IDE device cabling.

Connect the IDE signal cable connector to the connector

on the IDE device. Take care to prevent bending drive connector pins. Align

the IDE cable connector as shown in the following figure.

Locate an available power connector coming from the

power supply. Connect the appropriate power cable to the power

connector on the IDE device.

IDE Cable

3-34 Installing Options

Red Edge

Power Cable

Connecting IDE device cables

If you are installing an IDE CD-ROM reader, also connect the audio cable (see the instructions that come with the reader).

Cabling a Diskette Drive

Connect the diskette drive signal cable connector to the

signal connector on the diskette drive as shown in the following figure.

Locate an available power connector.

Connect the power cable to the power connector on the

device.

1.2-MB Diskette Drive Connector

Red Edge

Power Cable

Diskette Drive Signal Cable

Connecting 1.2-MB diskette drive cables

Installing Options 3-35

Installing Storage Devices

The following subsections describe how to install 3 1/2-inch and 5 1/4-inch drives. The installation procedures include:

removing the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket



installing a 3 1/2-inch drive removing the front panel



installing a 5 1/4-inch device



replacing the front panel



replacing the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket.



Removing the 3 1/2-Inch Drive Bracket

The 3 1/2-inch drive bracket containing the diskette drive must be removed before installing 3 1/2-inch or 5 1/4-inch devices.

Remove the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket containing the standard

1.44-MB diskette drive as follows.

3-36 Installing Options

NOTE

Configurations that come with a hard disk already instal led have a 3 1/2-inch hard disk driv e located in the lower slot of the bracket.

Remove the system cover. Remove the screw securing the drive bracket to the

chassis (see the following figure). Slide the bracket to the rear of the chassis to release it

from the three bracket tabs.

Carefully lift the drive bracket up and place it on top of

the power supply. Avoid pulling on the installed drive cables.

Power Supply

3 1/2-Inch Drive Bracket

Screw

Tab

Tabs

Removing the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket

Installing Options 3-37

3 1/2-Inch Drive Installation

Use the following procedure to install a hard disk drive into the drive bracket.

Remove the system unit cover.

Remove the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket from the system

unit (see “Removing the 3 1/2-Inch Drive Bracket”). Follow the preinstallation instructions that come with the

device, such as setting jumpers and switches. Insert the hard disk drive so that the connectors extend

out of the bracket on the same end as the standard diskette drive connectors.

Align the holes in the hard disk drive with the holes in

the bracket. Secure the device to the bracket with the four screws,

two to a side, that come with the device.

3-38 Installing Options

Securing a 3 1/2-inch drive

Connect the drive cables.

Replace the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket (see “Replacing the

3 1/2-Inch Drive Bracket”).

Removing the Front Panel

Remove the front panel only if you are installing a 5 1/4inch device. The front panel does not need to be removed if you are installing a 3 1/2-inch hard disk drive.

If you are installing a 3 1/2-inch hard disk drive (see “Installing the 3 1/2-Inch Drive”).

Remove the system unit cover as previously described.

Remove the front panel by releasing the four tabs from

the back of the front panel.

Tabs (behind front panel)

Identify the slot for the device being installed.

Front Panel

Tabs (behind front panel)

Blank Panel

Removing the front panel

Installing Options 3-39

Remove the blank panel from the selected slot by

pressing the panel tabs from inside the front panel and pushing the blank panel out.

Top Blank Panel Tabs

Remove the perforated metal plate from the selected slot

on the chassis by pulling the metal plate back and forth until it releases.

Install the device (see “Installing the 5 1/4-Inch

Device”).

Installing the 5 1/4-Inch Device

Install an accessible device into the device cage as follows.

Remove the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket from the system

unit (see “Removing the 3 1/2-Inch Drive Bracket”). Remove the front panel (see “Removing the Front

Panel”). Follow the preinstallation instructions that come with the

device, such as setting jumpers and switches.

Bottom Blank Panel Tabs

Locating the blank panel tabs

3-40 Installing Options

NOTE

If the 5 1/4-inch device comes with drive rails, do not attach them . Remov e any rai ls already attached. See the documentation that comes with the device.

From the front of the system, insert the device, connector

end first, into the device slot.

NOTE

To easily access device connectors for cabling, do not insert a 5 1/ 4-i nch devi ce al l t he way into the slot.

Connect the device cables.

Align the holes in the device with the holes in the cage.

Secure the device to the cage with the four screws, two

to a side, that come with the device.

Installing Options 3-41

Securing the device

Replace the drive bracket (see “Replacing the 3 1/2-Inch

Drive Bracket”).

3-42 Installing Options

Replacing the Front Panel

Replace the front panel only after it has been removed for a 5 1/4-inch device installation. If installing a 5 1/4-inch device, see “Installing the 5 1/4-Inch Device.”

Align the four front panel tabs with the holes in the front

of the system unit. Evenly press the front panel into position until the tabs

lock the panel in place.

Tabs (behind front panel)

Continue to Step 5 in “Replacing the 3 1/2-Inch Drive

Bracket.”

Front Panel

Tabs (behind front panel)

Blank Panel

Aligning the front panel

Installing Options 3-43

Replacing the 3 1/2-Inch Drive Bracket

When replacing the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket, take care to prevent pulling and loosening the cable connections.

Place the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket in the 3 1/2-inch

device slot. Slide the 3 1/2-inch drive bracket toward the front of the

chassis so that the tabs secure the bracket. Use the previously removed bracket screw to secure the

bracket in place.

Screw

Power Supply

3 1/2-Inch Drive Bracket

Tab

3-44 Installing Options

Tabs

Securing the 3 1/2-Inch drive bracket

Replace the front panel (see “Replacing the Front Panel”).

Replace the system unit cover.

NOTE

If a 1.2-MB diskette drive was installed, remove the protective cardboard insert from the drive.

Run the Setup program to set the new configuration.

ADDING EXTERNAL OPTIONS

This subsection includes installation procedures for the following external options:

parallel printer



serial devices.



Connecting a Parallel Printer

NOTE

Before connecti ng a pri nt er to t he system , be sure the printer is set up correctly. Follow the setup instructions that come with the printer.

Connect a parallel printer to the system as follows.

Turn off power to the system and printer.

Connect the printer cable to the printer port on the rear

of the system unit. Secure the cable with the screws provided.

Connect the other end to the printer.

If your printer requires ECP support, see “Integrated

Peripherals Menu” in Chapter 4.

Installing Options 3-45

Connecting an RS-232C Device

Printer Port

Printer Cable

Screws

Connecting a printer cable

3-46 Installing Options

NOTE

Before connecting a serial device to the system, be sure the serial devi ce i s set up correc tl y. Follow the setup instructions that come with the option.

Turn off power to the system and to the serial device. Connect one end of the serial cable to one of the two

serial ports on the rear of the computer. Secure the cable with the screws provided. Connect the other end to the serial device.

Seria l Port 2

Serial Port 1

Serial Cable

Screws

Connecting an RS-232C cable

Installing Options 3-47

Setting System

Parameters

This chapter describes the Setup utility program that allows you to enter system configuration information and control special features of the system.

NOTE

Your system ships from the factor y with the correct system parameters for your configuration. Unless you add optional har dware, you do not need to run Setup to operate your system.

Howev er, you might wish to run the Setup utility to set features that customize your system, such as security features.

System configuration information is stored in nonvolatile memory. Nonvolatile memory retains its data when system power is turned off. Nonvolatile memory in your system is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip. The battery supplies continuous power to CMOS memory and maintains configuration information when system power is off.

NOTE

NEC recomm ends that you print out or write down your current Setup parameters and store the information in a safe place. This lets you restore your system to the current parameters if you ever need to replace the battery.

Setting System Parameters 4-1

THE SETUP UTILITY

The Setup utility lets you view and set system parameters. Use the Setup utility program to

set the time and date.



update or check system parameters when you add or remove expansion options.

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.

configure system connections for peripherals such as



your diskette drive, hard disks, and devices connected to the printer port and serial ports.



customize your system with security features such as passwords, diskette drive restriction, virus check reminder and system backup reminder.



set system parameters in the event that your system board was replaced.

4-2 Setting System Parameters

HOW TO START SETUP

To start the Setup utility, follow these steps:

Turn on or reboot your system. Setup displays the

following message:

Press <F2> to enter SETUP

Press F2. Setup’s Main Menu window appears similar

to the following screen.

NOTE

The screen shown is typical of your system. The actual items on the Main Menu depend upon the hardware installed in your system.

Main Advanced Security Power Boot Exit

System Time [10 :19:20] Item Specific Help System Date [06/25/1996] Diskette A [1.44 MB, 3 ½"] <Tab>, <Shift-Tab>, or Diskette B [Not Installed] <Enter> selects field. > IDE Adapter 0 Master C: 1280 Mb > IDE Adapter 0 Slave None > IDE Adapter 1 Master None > IDE Adapter 1 Slave None Video System [EGA/VGA] > Memory Cache > Memory Shadow [Enabled] > Boot Options > Numlock [Auto]

System Memory 640 KB Extended Memory 15 MB

F1 Help

ESC Exit

Select Item -/+ Change Values F9 Setup Defaults

↑↓

Select Menu Enter Select > Sub-Menu F10 Previous Values

←→

Main Menu

Setting System Parameters 4-3

HOW TO USE SETUP

The Setup utility has a Main Menu window and five toplevel menus with submenus.

The Main Menu window contains the following areas:



A title line — the top line of the Main Menu. This line displays the Setup utility name and copyright message.

The menu bar — the line under the Setup title line. The



menu bar contains five top-level menus that you can choose to set system parameters.

A Main Menu summary window — the center area on



the left side of the screen. This area provides a summary of Main Menu Setup parameters. You can set some Main Menu parameters directly from this window or you can set them from the Main menu option in the legend bar.



The Field Help window or Item Specific Help — the area on the right side of the screen. This help area provides help information for the Setup option currently selected.



The legend bar — the area at the bottom of the screen. The legend bar provides a summary of command keys for using Setup.



The General Help window — a window that appears any time during Setup when you press help window provides two pages of general information about using Setup.

The following sections describe how to use the Main Menu window to set system parameters.

4-4 Setting System Parameters

Alt H

. This

The Menu Bar

The menu bar at the top of the Main Menu window lists these menus:

Main — Use this menu for basic system configuration.



For example, select “Main” to set the system time, system date, diskette drives, and video parameters. Use this menu to check memory parameters.

Advanced — Use this menu to set serial port and printer



port addresses and interrupts, and to enable/disable the system’s diskette drive controller and dual-IDE controllers.

The Advanced menu also provides menu items for setting parity and for setting parameters for large disks (for example, to use large disks with Windows NT™).

Some of the Advanced features are accessible only with a Supervisor password when the Supervisor password is set.

Security — Use this menu to set User and Supervisor



Passwords and the Backup and Virus-check reminders.



Power — Use this menu to configure Power Management features.



Exit — Use this menu to exit the current menu.

To select an option from the menu bar, use the left and right

← → arrow keys.

See “Exiting Setup” in this chapter for a description on exiting the Main Menu.

Setting System Parameters 4-5

The Legend Bar

Use the keys listed in the legend bar on the bottom of the Setup menu to make your selections or exit the current menu. The following table describes the legend keys and their alternates.

Setup Key Functions

KEY FUNCTION F1 or Alt-H Displays the General Help window (described later

in this chapter).

Esc Exits the menu.

← or → arrow keys ↑ or ↓ arrow keys

Tab or Shift-Tab Cycles the cursor up and down for item selection. Home or End Moves the cursor to the top or bottom of the

Page Up or Page Down Moves the cursor to the next or previous page. F5 or - Selects the Previous Value for the field. F6 or + or Space Selects the Next Value for the field. F9 Loads the Default Configuration values for

F10 Loads the Previous Configuration values for

Enter Executes a command or selects a submenu. Alt-R Refreshes the screen.

Selects a different menu. Moves the cursor up and down for item selection.

window.

this menu.

4-6 Setting System Parameters

Selecting a Menu Item

To select a menu item, use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the field you want. Then use the value keys (F5, -, F6, +, or space bar) to cycle through the value for that field. The Save Values command in the Exit Menu saves the values currently displayed in all the menus.

Displaying a Submenu

To display a submenu, use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the submenu you want. Then press pointer (a right-pointing triangle) marks all selectable submenus.

Getting Help

A Field Help window or Item Specific Help window on the right side of each menu displays the help text for the currently selected Setup option. It updates as you move the cursor to each new field.

Enter

. A

Pressing

Help window that describes the legend keys and their alternates.

The scroll bar on the right of any window indicates that there is more than one page of information in the window. Use

Page Up

pages. Pressing last page.

Press

to exit the current window.

Esc

MAIN MENU OPTIONS

The following table lists and describes the available parameters when you select the Main menu in the legend bar. Other Main Menu parameters are available by selecting submenus.

Alt H

and

on any menu brings up the General

Page Down

and

Home

to display all the

displays the first and

End

Setting System Parameters 4-7

Parameters available directly from the Main Menu summary window have a right-pointing triangle next to the parameter. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the parameter and press

to select a submenu.

Enter

See the sections following the table for a description of Main Menu parameters from the summary window.

Main Menu Parameters

PARAMETER OPTIONS DESCRIPTION System Time HH:MM:SS Sets the system time.

System Date MM/DD/YYYY Sets the system date. Diskette A:

Diskette B:

IDE Adapter User (default) Described in the following

Video System Monochrome

Memory Cache Described in the following

360KB, 5 1/4”

1.2MB, 5 1/4” 720KB, 3 1/2”

1.44MB, 3 1/2” (default A)

2.88MB, 3 1/2” Not Installed (default B)

EGA/VGA (default) CGA 80x25

Selects the type of diskette drive in your system.

sections. Selects the default video

device.

sections.

Memory Shadow Enabled (default) Described in the following

sections.

Boot Options Described in the following

sections.

NumLock Auto (default) Described in the following

sections.

System Memory Automatically detected

by the system

Extended Memory Automatically detected

by the system

4-8 Setting System Parameters

Displays the amount of conventional memory detected at power-on.

Displays the amount of extended memory detected at power-on.

IDE Adapters

IDE adapters control the IDE devices, such as IDE hard disk drives and IDE CD-ROM readers, in your system. Your system uses two IDE controllers integrated on the system board.

Setup supports up to four IDE devices, with an IDE adapter for each of the following configurations:

1 Master 1 Master, 1 Slave 2 Masters 2 Masters, 1 Slave 2 Masters, 2 Slaves

The master/slave combination for a standard hard disk configuration is “1 Master.” If you add a hard disk to the fast IDE port (IDE1 connector), the combination becomes “1 Master, 1 Slave.” Change the jumper setting on the IDE device to set the device to master or slave (see the documentation that comes with the device).

For multimedia systems, the IDE hard disk and CD-ROM reader are both “Masters.” The hard disk drive is the “Master” on the primary connector and the CD-ROM reader is the “Master” on the secondary connector. If you add an IDE hard disk to the system, the combination becomes “2 Masters, 1 Slave.”

NOTE

If you c hange the CD-ROM reader setti ng in the multimedia configuration, the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT require changes as well.

Setting System Parameters 4-9

Select the IDE Adapter option configuration directly from the Main Menu summary window. Available options include:



IDE Adapter 0 Master IDE Adapter 0 Slave



IDE Adapter 1 Master



IDE Adapter 1 Slave.



IDE Adapter 0 configures the fast IDE port (IDE1 connector), and IDE Adapter 1 configures the standard IDE port (IDE2 connector).

Each IDE Adapter parameter has a right-pointing arrow to the left of it. Selecting the option displays IDE hard disk parameters. Select an IDE Adapter option and set parameters for each hard disk separately.

Use the following table to configure the hard disk. If your IDE hard disk features auto IDE type detection, you need only to select the Autotype Fixed Disk parameter. The system then automatically detects the hard disk type and sets the remaining parameters.

NOTE

I f your IDE har d disk f eat ures auto I DE type detection, you need only to select the Autotype Fixed Disk parameter. The system then automatically detects the hard disk type and sets the remaining parameters.

4-10 Setting System Parameters

IDE Hard Disk Parameters

PARAMETER OPTIONS DESCRIPTION Type 1 to 39

User

Auto

Cylinders 1 to 16,384 Specifies the number of cylinders. Heads 1 to 16 Specifies the number of read/write

Sectors/Track 1 to 63 Specifies the number of sectors per

Write Precomp 0 to 65534

None

Multi-Sector Transfers

LBA Mode Control Enabled

32 Bit I/O Enabled (default)

Transfer Mode Standard, Fast

2, 4, 8, 16, Sectors

Disabled

Disabled (default)

Disabled

PIO1, PIO2, PIO3

Selecting 1 to 39 fills in all remaining fields with values for predefined disk type. “User” prompts the user to fill in remaining fields. When “Auto” is selected the BIOS automatically sets the drive type.

heads.

track. Specifies the number of the cylinder at

which to change the write timing. Specifies the number of sectors in

multi-sector transfers. Sets LBA Mode Control on or off.

Sets 32 bit I/O to on or off.

Specifies the transfer mode.

Memory Cache

For memory caching parameters, select Memory Cache directly from the Main Menu summary window. See the following table for a description of memory cache parameters.

Setting System Parameters 4-11

Incorrect settings can cause the system to malfunction.

Memory Cache Parameters

PARAMETER OPTIONS DESCRIPTION

CAUTION

External Cache Enabled

Disabled (default)

Cache Video BIOS area

Caching Memory Regions

Enabled (default) Disabled

Enabled Disabled (default)

Memory Shadow

Memory Shadow is set to enable as the default. Various options set to disable can also be enabled.

Boot Options

Your system might require a Supervisor password to set Boot parameters. Select “Boot Options” directly from the Main Menu summary window to display the “Boot Options” menu.

Sets the state of external cache.

Controls caching of the video BIOS area.

Default is disabled. Cache shadows optional memory. ROM located in specified segments of memory and can improve performance. CAUTION: Some add-in cards, particularly with on-board firmware, do not work properly when shadowed.

Use the legend keys to make your selections and exit to the Main Menu. Use the following table to select your boot options.

4-12 Setting System Parameters

Boot Option Parameters

PARAMETERS OPTIONS DESCRIPTION Summary Screen Enabled (default)

Disable

Floppy Check Enabled (default)

Disabled

Last Boot Fail 3 (default)

User-selectable settings Disabled

NumLock

Select “NumLock” directly from the Main Menu summary window to display the Keyboard Features menu.

Use the legend keys to make your selections and exit to the Main Menu. Use the following table to configure the keyboard parameters.

Displays system configuration at the end of boot-up.

Verifies diskette type during bootup. Disabling speeds boot time.

Sets the number of times you can attempt to boot the system. If the system fails to boot on the set number of tries, the “Previous Boot Incomplete” message appears and the system boots with default settings.

The default setting, 3, gives you three tries to boot the system before the “Previous Boot Incomplete” message appears.

Setting System Parameters 4-13

Keyboard Features Parameters

PARAMETERS OPTIONS DESCRIPTION Numlock Auto (default)

On Off

Keyboard AutoRepeat Rate

Keyboard AutoRepeat Delay

Key Click Enabled

Fast (default) Medium Slow

1/4 sec 1/2 sec (default) 3/4 sec 1 sec

Disabled (default)

THE ADVANCED MENU

Accessing the Advanced menu might require a Supervisor password. When you select the Advanced menu, you also can access the Integrated Peripherals menu.

The following table explains the Advanced menu parameters.

On or Off turns Num Lock on or off at bootup. Auto turns Num Lock on if it finds a numeric key pad.

Sets the delay time after the key is held down and before it begins to repeat the keystroke.

Turns audible key click on or off.

Setting menu items in the Advanced menu to incorrect values can cause your system to malfunction.

4-14 Setting System Parameters

CAUTION

)

Advanced Menu Parameters

PARAMETER OPTIONS DESCRIPTION

Plug & Play OS No

Yes (default)

Reset Configuration Data

ISA graphics device installed

Big Memory Mode Normal

Select "Normal" for MS-DOS and

Select "Alternate" for Windows 95,

Large Disk Access Mode

A large disk is one that has more than

No (default Yes

Alternate

DOS (default Other

Select "Yes" if you are using a Plug &

capable operating system such as

Pla Windows 95. Otherwise, set to "No."

If Windows 95 or the ICU has difficult configuring the system, try setting this parameter to "Yes" to clear all of the

uration data. This parameter

confi resets automatically to "No" to reboot.

Set to "Yes" if other s need to know device installed.

Selects the method the BIOS uses to report memor operating system.

Windows.

OS/2® and Windows NT™. Select DOS if

Other if system such as Windows 95 or UNIX.

1024 c more than 63 tracks per sector.

sizes over 64 MB to the

ou have another operatin

linders, more than 16 heads, or

stem devices

ou have an ISA graphics

ou have DOS. Select

Integrated Peripherals Menu

Select the “Integrated Peripherals” menu on the Advanced Menu to configure the connections between the system processor and the I/O ports (serial port 1, serial port 2, and the printer port), the diskette drives, and hard disk controllers.

Setting System Parameters 4-15

NOTE

A Supervisor password might be required to select parameters from the Integrated Peripherals menu.

Use the legend keys to make your selections and exit to the Main Menu. Use the table that follows to configure your peripherals.

Integrated Peripherals Parameters

FEATURE OPTIONS DESCRIPTION COM A Port

COM B Port

LPT Port Disabled

LPT Mode ECP

ECP Channel DMA 0

Disabled User-selectable settings Auto

378, IRQ 7 (default) User-selectable settings Auto

Output only (default) Enables parallel port to function

DMA 1 DMA 3

Selects a unique address and interrupt request for the listed COM ports. Auto selects the next available combination.

Factory settings: COM A default: 3F8, IRQ4 COM B default: 2F8, IRQ3

Selects a unique address and interrupt request for the LPT port. Auto selects the next available combination.

normally (Output only), bidirectionally, or in an enhanced capabilities port (ECP) mode. Check your printer documentation to set the correct LPT mode for your printer.

Available when ECP is selected for the LPT mode.

4-16 Setting System Parameters

Integrated Peripherals Parameters

FEATURE OPTIONS DESCRIPTION Diskette

Controller

Local Bus IDE Adapter

PS/2 Mouse Enabled (default)

On-board Sound

Enabled (default) Disabled

Both (default) Disabled Primary

Disabled Stereo with SRS

(default) Stereo Mono

THE SECURITY MENU

Selecting “Security” from the Main Menu displays a menu with system security options.

Enables the on-board diskette drive controller.

Enables the on-board IDE controllers. “Both” enables the primary (fast) channel and secondary (standard) channel. “Primary” enables only the primary (fast) channel.

Enables/disables PS/2-style mouse.

This parameter is only available when the BIOS detects integrated audio on the system board. When the audio is detected, stereo with surround sound is the default.

If playing an audio file with SRS built-in, use the Stereo setting. Choose Mono when stereo sound is not desired.

NOTE

You can enter the Setup program wi th either a User or Supervisor password. However, more Setup choices are available with a Supervisor password.

The User Password can only be set after setti ng a Supervisor Password.

Setting System Parameters 4-17

The features that you set in the Security menu affect the features that appear on the Security menu as well as on other Setup menus.

CAUTION

Enabling “Supervisor Password” requires a password for entering Setup. Passwords are not case sensitive.

Enter

Pressing

at either Set Supervisor Password or Set

User Password on the menu displays a Set Password dialog box with the following prompts:

Enter new password: [ ] Re-enter new password: [ ]

To set a password, type the password and press Reenter your password and press

NOTE

If you forget your password, see “Clearing

Your Password” in Chapter 5.

Enter

See the following table for a description of the security features you can select. Use the legend keys to make your selections and exit to the Main Menu.

4-18 Setting System Parameters

System Security Options

FEATURE OPTIONS DESCRIPTION Supervisor Password Disabled (default)

Enabled

Set Supervisor Password

Up to seven alphanumeric characters

User Password Disabled (default)

Enabled

Set User Password Up to seven

alphanumeric characters

Password on Boot Disabled (default)

Enabled

Must set to Enabled to set a Supervisor password.

Pressing

Enter

displays a dialog box for entering the supervisor password. This password gives FULL access to Setup menus.

Must set to Enabled to set a User password.

Pressing

Enter

displays the dialog box for entering the user password. This password gives RESTRICTED access to Setup menus. Requires the prior setting of a Supervisor password.

Enabled requires a password on boot (cold boot only — no password required for warm boot). Requires the prior setting of a Supervisor and/or User password.

If disabled, password(s) are required for entering Setup but are not required for booting.

If a Supervisor password is set and this option is disabled, the BIOS boots without asking for a password.

Diskette Access User (default)

Supervisor

Fixed Disk Boot Sector

Normal (default) Write Protected

Supervisor setting restricts the use of diskette drives to a supervisor. Requires setting the Supervisor password.

Write protected helps prevent viruses. When write protected, operating systems (and viruses and application programs) which attempt to modify the boot sector will not be able to do so.

Setting System Parameters 4-19

System Security Options

FEATURE OPTIONS DESCRIPTION System Backup

Reminder Virus Check

Reminder

THE POWER MENU

Selecting “Power” from the menu bar displays a screen with the power management parameters described in the following table.

A power management system reduces the amount of energy used after specified periods of inactivity. The Power menu supports a Full-On state, a Standby state with partial power reduction, and a Suspend state with full power reduction. See “Power Management” in the online User’s Guide for additional information about managing power.

Disabled (default) Daily Weekly Monthly

When a schedule is specified, displays a message during bootup asking (Y/N) if you have backed up the system or scanned it for viruses.

Message returns on each boot until you respond with “Y”.

Daily displays the message on the first boot of the day, weekly on the first boot after Sunday, and monthly on the first boot of the month.

Use the Power menu to specify your settings for Power Management. Use the following table to make your selections.

4-20 Setting System Parameters

NOTE

To disable all power management features, set advanced power management (APM) to Disabled. See the following table to set power management parameters.

Power Management Parameters

FEATURE OPTIONS DESCRIPTION APM Enabled (default)

Disabled

Keyboard Wakeup

Mouse Wakeup Enabled (default)

Power Management Mode

Sleep Timeout 15 min (default)

Deep Sleep Timeout

Video in Sleep Mode

Enabled (default) Disabled

Disabled Customize (default)

Disabled Maximum Medium Minimum

Disabled User selectable

15 min (default) Disabled

Off (default) On

Advanced power management (APM) allows APM-aware software to better manage power savings.

Allows keyboard activity to wake up system.

Allows mouse activity to wake up system.

Maximum, Medium, and Minimum set power-management options with predefined values. Select Customize to select your own level of power management.

Inactivity period required before partial power shutdown (Standby User selectable mode).

Inactivity period required after Sleep timeout to maximum power User selectable shutdown (Suspend mode).

Off turns monitor off in Sleep mode.

Setting System Parameters 4-21

THE BOOT MENU

Selecting “Boot” from the menu bar displays the following list of boot devices:

Diskette Drive



CD-ROM reader Hard Drive



THE EXIT MENU

Selecting “Exit” from the menu bar displays the following exit options. Note that must select one of the items from the menu or menu bar to exit.

Save Changes & Exit



Discard Changes & Exit

 

Get Default Values



Load Previous Values



Save Changes.

does not exit this menu. You

Esc

Save Changes & Exit

After making your selections on the Setup menus, always select Save Changes to Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) to make them operative.

Unlike standard RAM memory, NVRAM is sustained by a real-time clock chip and stays on after you turn your system off.

After you save your selections, the program displays this message:

Values have been saved to CMOS! Press <space> to continue

If you attempt to exit without saving, the program asks if you want to save before exiting.

4-22 Setting System Parameters

NEC POWERMATE VE - 07-1996 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual