NEC T3212 User Manual

The Space-Saving Office PC

POWERMATE® ES SLIMLINE SERIES

U S E R ’ S G U I D E

Proprietary Notice and Liability Disclaimer

The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the valuable property of NEC Computers Inc. (hereinafter “NECC”) and/or its licensors. NECC and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.

The NECC product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration, customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by customers of each product may vary, the suitability of specific product configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not warranted by NECC.

To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this

document is subject to change at any time, without	notice.	Reproduction
of this document or portions thereof without prior	written	approval of
NECC is prohibited.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation.

PowerMate and MultiSync are registered trademarks and VistaScan is a trademark of NEC Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. All are used under license by NEC Corporation and/or one or more of its subsidiaries.

All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective trademark owners.

First Printing — May 2000

NEC Computers Inc.

15 Business Park Way

Sacramento, CA 95828

Using This Guide
Text Conventions....................................................................................	viii
Related Documents ...................................................................................	ix
1 Reviewing System Features
Front Features.........................................................................................	1-2
System Controls and Lamps............................................................	1-4
Diskette Drive.................................................................................	1-5
Universal Serial Bus Port ................................................................	1-5
CD-ROM Drive ..............................................................................	1-6
DVD-ROM Drive ...........................................................................	1-6
Audio Connectors ...........................................................................	1-6
Rear Features..........................................................................................	1-7
External Connectors........................................................................	1-8
Power Supply Features....................................................................	1-9
Interior Features....................................................................................	1-10
System Board ...............................................................................	1-11
Riser Board ..................................................................................	1-11
Local Area Network......................................................................	1-11
Storage Device Support ................................................................	1-11
Chassis .................................................................................................	1-12
Optional Speakers .................................................................................	1-12
System Overview..................................................................................	1-12
Hardware......................................................................................	1-12
Software .......................................................................................	1-13
Preloaded Software...............................................................	1-13
NEC OS Restore CD ............................................................	1-14
NEC Application and Driver CD...........................................	1-15
Security ........................................................................................	1-15
2 Setting Up the System
Slimtower Setup .....................................................................................	2-2
Cable Connections ..................................................................................	2-3
Startup ....................................................................................................	2-4
Shutdown................................................................................................	2-4
Power-Saving Operation .........................................................................	2-5

Contents iii

	System Care ............................................................................................	2-6
	Protecting Your System From Damage ............................................	2-6
	Keeping Your System in Good Condition ........................................	2-7
	Moving or Shipping Your System ....................................................	2-8
	More Information ....................................................................................	2-9
3	Configuring the System
	Configuration Tools and Utilities .............................................................	3-2
	BIOS Setup Utility...................................................................................	3-4
	How to Start BIOS Setup .................................................................	3-4
	How to Use Setup ............................................................................	3-5
	Main Menu......................................................................................	3-6
	Advanced Menu ............................................................................	3-10
	Security Menu ...............................................................................	3-19
	Exit Menu .....................................................................................	3-20
	FLASH Utility.......................................................................................	3-20
	NEC INFO Center .................................................................................	3-21
	NEC Application and Driver CD............................................................	3-23
	NEC OS Restore CD..............................................................................	3-24
	System Board Jumper Settings ...............................................................	3-25
	Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility.........................................	3-29
	System Requirements ....................................................................	3-29
	Installation ....................................................................................	3-29
	Processor Serial Number................................................................	3-30
	Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................	3-30
	Technical Support..........................................................................	3-31
4	Installing System Upgrades
	General Rules ..........................................................................................	4-2
	Safety Precautions ...................................................................................	4-2
	System Cover ..........................................................................................	4-3
	Removing the Cover ........................................................................	4-4
	Replacing the Cover ........................................................................	4-5
	System Board Upgrades...........................................................................	4-6
	Memory Upgrade ............................................................................	4-7
	Checking System Memory.......................................................	4-8
	Removing a DIMM .................................................................	4-9
	Installing a DIMM.................................................................	4-10
	Processor Upgrade.........................................................................	4-11
	Removing the Processor ........................................................	4-12
	Installing an Upgrade Processor .............................................	4-14

iv Contents

Expansion Boards .................................................................................	4-15
Installing an Expansion Board.......................................................	4-16
Removing an Expansion Board .....................................................	4-18
Data Storage Devices ............................................................................	4-18
Connecting Device Cables ............................................................	4-19
Replacing the 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device ..................................	4-19
Removing the 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device..........................	4-19
Installing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device ..............................	4-22
Replacing the 3 1/2-Inch Diskette Drive ........................................	4-23
Removing the 3 1/2-Inch Diskette Drive ...............................	4-23
Installing the 3 1/2-Inch Diskette Drive.................................	4-25
Replacing the 3 1/2-Inch Hard Drive .............................................	4-26
Removing the 3 1/2-Inch Hard Drive.....................................	4-26
Installing the 3 1/2-Inch Hard Drive ......................................	4-27
5 Solving System Problems
Solutions to Common Problems ..............................................................	5-2
System Problems ............................................................................	5-2
Diskette Drive Problems .................................................................	5-4
Monitor Problems ...........................................................................	5-5
Keyboard/Mouse Problems .............................................................	5-6
CD-ROM Drive Problems...............................................................	5-6
Speaker Problems ...........................................................................	5-7
How to Clean the Mouse .........................................................................	5-8
How to Replace the CMOS Battery .......................................................	5-10
6 Getting Services and Support
NECC Website .......................................................................................	6-2
NECC FTP Site ......................................................................................	6-3
Email/Fax Technical Support Service ......................................................	6-3
NECC Technical Support Services ..........................................................	6-4
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You ....................................................	A-2
Arrange Your Equipment ........................................................................	A-3
Adjust Your Chair...................................................................................	A-4
Adjust Your Input Devices ......................................................................	A-6
Adjust Your Monitor...............................................................................	A-8
Vary Your Workday..............................................................................	A-10
Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors..................................	A-11

Contents v

Checking Your Comfort: How Do You Measure Up? ............................	A-11
Checking Your Chair ....................................................................	A-11
Checking Your Keyboard .............................................................	A-12
Checking Your Mouse ..................................................................	A-12
Checking Your Monitor ................................................................	A-12
Checking You...............................................................................	A-12
B System Specifications
System Board .........................................................................................	B-2
System Processor............................................................................	B-2
Random Access Memory (RAM) ....................................................	B-2
Cache Memory ...............................................................................	B-2
Read Only Memory (ROM) ............................................................	B-2
Calendar Clock ...............................................................................	B-3
Input/Output (I/O) Features.............................................................	B-3
Video Memory ...............................................................................	B-4
Sound Controller ............................................................................	B-4
Local Area Network .......................................................................	B-4
Graphics Controller ........................................................................	B-4
System Peripherals..................................................................................	B-5
Keyboard........................................................................................	B-5
Mouse ............................................................................................	B-5
Diskette Drive ................................................................................	B-5
Hard Drive .....................................................................................	B-6
CD-ROM Drive..............................................................................	B-6
DVD Drive.....................................................................................	B-6
Optional Speaker Set ......................................................................	B-6
Dimensions.............................................................................................	B-6
System ...........................................................................................	B-6
Keyboard........................................................................................	B-6
Power .....................................................................................................	B-7
Operating Environment...........................................................................	B-7
Compliance ............................................................................................	B-7

Index

Regulatory Statements

vi Contents

Using This Guide

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

The guide contains the following information:

TChapter 1, Reviewing System Features, provides a look at the front, back, and inside features of the system. It also gives a summary of the system’s hardware, software, and security features.

TChapter 2, Setting Up the System, briefly describes how to set up, start up, and shut down the system. The chapter also provides information on installing applications and tips on caring for the system.

TChapter 3, Configuring the System, describes how to use the software utilities shipped with your system, including the BIOS Setup Utility, FLASH Utility, NEC INFO Center, NEC Application and Driver CD, NEC OS Restore CD, and Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility. The chapter also includes information for setting system jumpers.

TChapter 4, Installing System Upgrades, provides installation procedures for processor, memory, expansion board, and storage device upgrades.

TChapter 5, Solving System Problems, contains troubleshooting tips for solving simple problems. The chapter also includes procedures for cleaning the mouse and replacing the system battery.

TChapter 6, Getting Services and Support, describes the services available to you for information and help, and describes how to access the services.

TAppendix 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.

TAppendix B, System Specifications, provides technical specifications for your system and its components.

Using This Guide vii

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.

Text Conventions

This guide uses the following text conventions.

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

Warnings alert you to situations that could result in serious personal injury or loss of life.

Cautions indicate situations that can damage the hardware or software.

Note Notes give important information about the material being described.

TNames of keyboard keys are printed as they appear on the keyboard, for example, Ctrl, Alt, or Enter.

TText or keystrokes that you enter appear in boldface type. For example, type abc123 and press Enter.

TFile names are printed in uppercase letters. For example, AUTOEXEC.BAT.

viii Using This Guide

Reviewing System Features

TFront Features

TRear Features

TInterior Features

TChassis

TOptional Speakers

TSystem Overview

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.

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

Front Features

Your PowerMate ES SlimLine Series system can be used as a slimtower or as a desktop system. The following figures show the features on the front of the system for both configurations. Brief descriptions follow the figures.

1-2 Reviewing System Features

PowerMate ES SlimLine Series slimtower front features

A – CD-ROM Tray Open/Close Button	H – Power/Sleep Button
B – CD-ROM Drive	I – Hard Drive Activity Lamp
C – CD-ROM Drive Activity Lamp	J – Volume Control
D – Diskette Drive Disk Eject Button	K – Headphone Jack
E – Diskette Drive	L – Microphone Jack
F – Diskette Drive Activity Lamp	M – USB Port
G – Power/Sleep Lamp

Reviewing System Features 1-3

PowerMate ES SlimLine Series desktop front features

A – Diskette Drive	H – Microphone Jack
B – Diskette Drive Activity Lamp	I – Headphone Jack
C – Diskette Drive Disk Eject Button	J – Volume Control
D – CD-ROM Drive	K – Hard Drive Activity Lamp
E – CD-ROM Drive Activity Lamp	L – Power/Sleep Button
F – CD-ROM Tray Open/Close Button	M – Power/Sleep Lamp
G – USB Port

System Controls and Lamps

System controls and lamps are identical for both setups. The controls and lamps include a power/sleep button, power/sleep lamp, and hard drive activity lamp.

TPower/Sleep button

Press this button to turn on system power. To turn off power, close all applications and shut down Windows. If you have Windows 98 or Windows 2000, the system automatically powers down. If you have Windows NT, close all applications, shut down Windows NT, and press in the power button until the system powers down (approximately four seconds).

Press and immediately release the power/sleep button to suspend system operation and go into the power saving mode. If you have a VESA-compliant monitor, your monitor also goes into a power-saving mode.

An amber system unit power/sleep lamp indicates that the system is in a power-saving mode.

Move the mouse or press a key on the keyboard to exit the power saving mode and resume system operation.

1-4 Reviewing System Features

TPower/Sleep lamp

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

A steady green lamp indicates that the power is on to all system components. An amber lamp indicates that the system is in sleep mode with full-power reduction.

THard drive lamp

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

Do not turn off the system unless absolutely necessary while the hard drive lamp is lit. To do so can damage your hard drive or data.

Diskette Drive

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

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

Universal Serial Bus Port

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

Reviewing System Features 1-5

CD-ROM Drive

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

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

DVD-ROM Drive

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

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

Audio Connectors

Your system has the following audio connectors and a volume control on the front of the system.

TMicrophone jack

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

THeadphone jack

Use this jack to connect an optional headphone set. Plugging in the headphone set disables the speakers.

TVolume control

Use this control to adjust the volume of the optional headphone set.

You can also use the Windows sound software. To bring up the Windows volume control, double click the speaker icon in the taskbar (next to the system clock). Use the software to balance the sound between the left and right speakers.

1-6 Reviewing System Features

Rear Features

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

PowerMate ES SlimLine Series slimtower rear features

A – Serial Port	I – VGA Port
B – Line Out Jack	J – Voltage Switch
C – Line In Jack	K – AC Power Connector
D – Keyboard Port	L – Power Supply
E – Mouse Port	M – Kensington Lock Slot
F – Parallel Port	N – Keyboard/Mouse Anti-theft Bracket
G – USB Port	O – Anti-Theft Ring
H – LAN Port	P – Expansion Slots

Reviewing System Features 1-7

PowerMate ES SlimLine Series desktop rear features

A – AC Power Connector	I – Line Out Jack
B – Power Supply	J – Line In Jack
C – Kensington Lock Slot	K – Keyboard Port
D – Keyboard/Mouse Anti-theft Bracket	L – Mouse Port
E – Anti-Theft Ring	M – Parallel Port
F – Expansion Slots	N – USB Port
G – Voltage Switch	O – LAN Port
H – VGA Port	P – Serial Port

External Connectors

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

TMouse port

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

TKeyboard port

Attach the PS/2® -compatible keyboard that comes with your computer to the keyboard port.

TVGA monitor connector

The system comes with an accelerated graphics port (AGP) integrated on the system board and ported to the external video graphics array

(VGA) connector on the board. The VGA connector supports an NEC MultiSync® monitor, NEC VistaScan™ monitor, or other VGA-compatible monitor with a 15-pin connector. Attach your monitor’s signal cable to the VGA connector.

1-8 Reviewing System Features

TPrinter port

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

TSerial port (COM1)

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

TUniversal Serial Bus port

This port adds a USB capability at the rear of the system (see “Universal Serial Bus Port” earlier in this chapter).

TAudio connectors

The system comes with sound integrated on the system board. The following connectors come integrated on the board (see the preceding figures for jack locations).

—Line in jack

The line in jack lets you connect a stereo audio device such as a stereo amplifier or a cassette or minidisc player for playback or recording.

—Line out jack

The line out jack allows you to connect optional speakers, an amplified output device such as powered speakers, a stereo tape recorder, or an external amplifier for audio output.

TLAN port

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

Power Supply Features

The system has the following power supply features:

TPower socket

Connect your power cable to this socket.

TVoltage switch

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

Set the switch correctly for the voltage in your area. Most wall outlets in the United States and Canada are 115 volts. Outlets in Europe are 230 volts.

Reviewing System Features 1-9

TPower connectors

The power supply has four power connectors that connect to the diskette drive, system board, and two storage devices.

TPower supply fan

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

Interior Features

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

Inside the system

A – Power Supply	E – Hard Drive (under support plate)
B – System Board	F – CD-ROM Drive (not shown)
C – Expansion Slots	G – DIMM Memory Sockets
D – Riser Board Bracket	H – Diskette Drive

1-10 Reviewing System Features

System Board

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

The system board supports a diskette drive, an IDE hard drive, and an IDE CD-ROM drive (or IDE DVD-ROM drive on some systems).

Internal connectors on the system board include:

Tprimary and secondary IDE connectors

Tdiskette drive connector

Tfront panel connectors for system lamps and USB

Tpower connectors

TAGP graphics connector (VGA)

Triser board connector

Tadditional connectors include Wake-On LAN and fan.

Riser Board

All systems come with a riser board attached to a removable riser board bracket. The riser board has three PCI connectors for adding up to three optional expansion boards. The riser board plugs into the riser board connector on the system board.

Local Area Network

All systems come with a 3COM local area network (LAN) chip integrated on the system board. Connect your network cable to the LAN connector on the rear of the system.

Storage Device Support

Three storage device bays accommodate up to two accessible devices (diskette drive and CD-ROM drive or DVD drive) and one internal hard drive.

Reviewing System Features 1-11

Chassis

The chassis is an NEC proprietary design with the following features:

Tstandardized chassis size and dimensions

Tstandardized system board size and dimensions

Tstandardized ATX 106-watt power supply

Tconvertible to slimtower or desktop orientation.

The system can be placed in the slimtower or desktop position. Choose the position that best suits your space.

Optional Speakers

When ordered, two high-quality stereo speakers come with the system. One speaker connects to the line out jack at the rear of the system unit.

An AC adapter and connecting cables come with the speakers. Install the AC adapter and cables along with the speakers.

Adjust the speaker volume by using the volume control on the speaker. You can also use the Windows sound software. To bring up the Windows volume control, double click the speaker icon on the taskbar (next to the system clock). Use the software to balance the sound between the left and right speakers.

System Overview

See the following sections for a quick overview of system hardware, software, and security features.

Hardware

The system includes the following hardware features.

TPC99 Compliance

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

1-12 Reviewing System Features

T Processor

The system comes with an Intel® Celeron™ 500-MHz or higher processor with a 66-MHz or higher front side bus (FSB) or a Pentium® III 533-MHz or higher processor with a 100-MHz or higher FSB. Processor speed and FSB depend on system model.

TAudio features

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

TFlashable ROM BIOS

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

TSystem memory

The system comes with at least 64 MB of ECC synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) and supports up to 512 MB.

TAGP graphics

All models ship with 4X AGP graphics integrated on the system board. AGP enhances graphics performance, particularly for 3-D applications.

TPower management options

Power management options conserve energy and reduce power costs.

Software

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

Preloaded Software

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

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

Reviewing System Features 1-13

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

TMicrosoft® Internet Explorer

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

T Norton AntiVirus™ 2000 Software

Protect your system from viruses by running Norton’s virus scan software.

TAdobe® Acrobat® Reader

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

TNEC INFO Center

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

TIntel LANDesk® Client Manager

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

NEC OS Restore CD

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

1-14 Reviewing System Features

NEC Application and Driver CD

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

Security

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

TPassword security

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

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

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

TWindows network security features

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

TKeyboard/mouse anti-theft bracket

Secure the mouse and keyboard cables within the anti-theft bracket to make it difficult to remove them from your system. Remove the screw that holds the bracket to the chassis, position the cables under the bracket, and secure the bracket to the chassis with the screw. (You need to remove the cover to access the screw. See Chapter 4 for cover removal procedures.)

TSecurity Lock Slot

The security lock slot on the rear of the system accepts a Kensington Security Standard connector or other locking device. Secure the locking device to the lock slot and to an immovable object to protect your system from theft.

Reviewing System Features 1-15

TAnti-Theft Ring

The system has an anti-theft ring on the rear of the chassis. Attaching a padlock (not supplied) to the ring prohibits removal of the screw fastening the system cover to the chassis. With the padlock attached and locked, the cover cannot be removed and the system is physically protected from chassis intrusion.

1-16 Reviewing System Features

Setting Up the System

TSlimtower Setup

TCable Connections

TStartup

TShutdown

TPower-Saving Operation

TSystem Care

TMore Information

This chapter provides the basic information you need to set up and use your system (refer to the Quick Setup poster for details). Included are procedures for converting the desktop to a slimtower (if required), making cable connections, system startup, system shutdown, and system care. The chapter also includes a table showing where to find additional information about the computer.

Slimtower Setup

Your system shipped as a desktop. You can configure it as a slimtower by attaching stabilizers to the system and standing it upright.

Configure the desktop as a slimtower as follows. To reconfigure the slimtower to a desktop, reverse the following procedure.

1.Set the desktop system on the edge of a table, with the left edge of the desktop protruding beyond the edge of the table.

Note You can attach one or both stabilizers, depending on whether you intend to place the system against a wall or use it as a standalone.

2.If attaching only one stabilizer, determine which side of the system you want to attach the stabilizer.

3.If attaching both stabilizers, first join them by sliding them together to form one piece.

4.Position the stabilizer(s) over the feet on the side of the system and fasten in place with two screws (see the following figure).

2-2 Setting Up the System

Attaching the slimtower stabilizer(s)

A – Foot (4)	C – Stabilizer (1 of 2)
B – Screw (2)

Cable Connections

After unpacking the system and positioning it in your work area, connect the system components using your Quick Setup poster and the following tips.

TUse the icons on the rear of the system unit to identify the keyboard, mouse, printer, USB, LAN, power, audio, and monitor connectors.

TSee your network administrator for guidelines on configuring the system for LAN.

Set the voltage switch correctly for your area.

TSet the voltage switch correctly for your area. The correct setting for the U.S. and Canada is 115V and 230V for Europe.

TConnect system power cables to a surge protector (recommended) or a properly grounded wall outlet.

NECC recommends connecting the power cable to a surge protector.

Setting Up the System 2-3

Startup

Press the power button to start your system. The power lamp lights green to indicate that the system is on. The system performs its Power-On SelfTest (POST) and several messages appear indicating that the system is checking its subsystems.

Note At the bottom of the NEC startup screen, the following message appears: <F2 for BIOS Setup>. If you want to enter the BIOS Setup Utility, immediately press F2 while the startup screen displays. (See Chapter 3, “Configuring the System,” for information on using the BIOS Setup.)

After a short delay, Windows starts up.

If a problem occurs, a series of beeps might sound. If this happens repeatedly after powering on, power off the system and turn to Chapter 5, “Solving System Problems.” The chapter provides helpful hints for solving system problems.

Note If the system displays a message indicating that system settings have changed, run the BIOS Setup Utility (see Chapter 3, “Configuring the System”).

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

Ctrl Alt Del when prompted on-screen to do so. The log-on box appears for entering a password.

Shutdown

Follow these steps to power off the system.

1.If the system is in sleep mode (power lamp is amber), press a key or move the mouse to take it out of sleep mode (see “Power Saving Operation” in the next section).

2.Save and exit all your open applications.

3.Make sure that the hard drive, diskette drive, and any other drives are not in use. A lit device lamp indicates that the device is in use.

2-4 Setting Up the System

Wait until all applications are saved and closed before using the Windows shut down procedure in step 4.

Unless absolutely necessary, never power off the system if the system power lamp is amber (sleep mode), if the hard drive lamp, diskette drive, or other device lamp is flashing, or if any applications are open. Information on the device might be lost or damaged.

4.Click Start on the taskbar, 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 OK or press Enter for shut down.

TIf the system is configured with Windows 98 or Windows 2000, the system shuts down automatically after a short interval.

TIf the system is configured with Windows NT, and after you perform a Windows shutdown, power off the system by pressing and holding in the power button for four seconds or longer before releasing.

5.Turn off power to the monitor.

Power-Saving Operation

If the system is running Windows 98 or Windows 2000, you can put it in sleep mode (a power-saving state) by pressing and immediately releasing the power/sleep button on the front of the system unit. The sleep mode is a convenient way of conserving energy when you are going to be away from the system for a short period of time.

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

The system also goes into sleep mode when it has been inactive, if the power management has been enabled in BIOS, and an inactivity timeout has been enabled. (See Chapter 3, “Configuring Your System” for information on setting power management functions.)

Setting Up the System 2-5

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

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

System Care

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

Protecting Your System From Damage

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

TConnect a surge suppressor between your computer and a grounded wall outlet. A surge suppressor protects your system from sudden transient increases and decreases in electrical power.

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

TAvoid repeated power-on cycles. These subject the system components to temperature variations and stress.

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

TBe sure that system power is off before you connect or disconnect a cable. Never make cable changes when the system power is on. Doing so can damage the system and its peripherals. However, note that USB devices do not require powering down the system to connect them.

TUse BIOS Setup Utility options to protect against viruses (see “Security Menu” in Chapter 3). Use appropriate virus detection software regularly to protect the system from computer viruses.

2-6 Setting Up the System

If you plan to use software programs other than NECC-supplied software, NECC strongly recommends that you take the necessary steps, such as virus checks, to protect the system.

TPosition the system away from direct sunlight and extreme hot and cold temperatures.

The recommended operating environment is from 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C).

The recommended non-operating environment (shipping or storage) is from 14°F to 158°F (-10°C to 70°C).

TAfter turning off power, wait about five seconds for the hard drive to spin down before you power on again.

TBe sure that nothing is placed on top of the system power cables.

Keeping Your System in Good Condition

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

For safety, power off and unplug your system, monitor, and any external devices before cleaning them.

TPrevent dust from entering the system by covering it when it is not in use.

TClean the outside of the system with a soft clean cloth.

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

TKeep food and liquids away from your system.

TPeriodically clean the keyboard with a vacuum cleaner brush attachment. Do not use any liquid cleaners on the keyboard as they can damage the keyboard.

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

Setting Up the System 2-7

TClean the monitor screen with a glass cleaner and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. You can use wet/dry cleaning pads manufactured for monitor screens.

Moving or Shipping Your System

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

1.Back up the files on the hard drive to diskettes, CD-ROM discs, server hard drives, or other backup devices.

Take precautions for storing and transporting storage media so that the media is not exposed to magnetic fields or electrical impulses.

2.Remove any diskette from the diskette drive. If you have a disc in the CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive, remove the disc.

3.Wake up a system in sleep mode, save and close any open applications, shut down Windows, and turn off the system and any external options connected to it.

4.Unplug the system power cable from the wall outlet or surge suppressor, then from the system itself.

5.Unplug any external options from the wall outlets or surge suppressor, then disconnect them from the system.

6.If installed, remove the stabilizer(s) from the system.

7.Pack the system components in the original shipping materials and cartons. If these are not available, be sure to use adequate packing materials to protect the components.

To set up the system, follow the steps on the PowerMate ES SlimLine Series Quick Setup poster that comes with the system.

2-8 Setting Up the System

More Information

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

TInstall applications provided by NECC.

TSee “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment” in Appendix A.

TInstall any of your own applications. See the documentation that comes with the application.

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

Quick Reference to Information About Your System

Information	Where to Find It
Accessing the world wide web	Chapter 6
Adding system upgrades	Chapter 4
Configuring your system	Chapter 3
Setting up the system as a desktop	Chapter 2
Setting up the system as a slimtower	Chapter 2
Reinstalling the applications provided	“NEC Application and Driver CD” in
by NECC	Chapter 3
Installing the NEC INFO Center online	“NEC INFO Center” in Chapter 3
documentation
Protecting the system from viruses	Chapter 1, Chapter 3
Setting a password	Chapter 3
Setting up your system	Chapter 2
Taking care of the system	“System Care” in Chapter 2
Troubleshooting tips	Chapter 5
Using support services	Chapter 6

Setting Up the System 2-9

Configuring the System

TConfiguration Tools and Utilities

TBIOS Setup Utility

TFLASH Utility

TNEC INFO Center

TNEC Application and Driver CD

TNEC OS Restore CD

TSystem Board Jumper Settings

TIntel Processor Serial Number Control Utility

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

TAmerican Megatrends Inc. (AMI) BIOS Setup Utility for configuring your system

TFLASH Utility for BIOS updates

TNEC INFO Center for quick access to information about your system

TNEC Applications and Driver CD for reinstalling the NEC-supplied applications and installing optional drivers

TNEC OS Restore CD for restoring the operating system

Tjumper settings for setting various system configurations

TIntel Processor Serial Number Control Utility for controlling the reading of the processor serial number.

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

Configuration Tools and Utilities

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

Configuration Tools and Utilities

Configuration	Method, Tool, or Utility
BIOS, updating	FLASH Utility
Boot devices, determining	BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)
Boot order, changing	BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)
Clearing CMOS	Jumper settings
Configuring jumpers on system board	Jumper settings
Diskette drive, enabling	BIOS Setup (Main Menu)

3-2 Configuring the System

Configuration Tools and Utilities

Configuration

Method, Tool, or Utility

Drivers for NECC hardware, installing Hard drive, setting a pre-delay Inactivity timeout, setting

Keyboard options

NEC INFO Center, installing

NEC INFO Center, uninstalling Operating system, restoring Parallel port, enabling, configuring

Password, setting or clearing (user, supervisor, or both)

Plug and Play, enabling

Power management, enabling, configuring

Serial port, enabling

Software, reinstalling (NECC-provided) Sound, enabling

Time and date, setting

USB functions

Windows 98, Windows NT,

Windows 2000, restoring

NEC Application and Driver CD

BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)

NEC Application and Driver CD (see

“NEC INFO Center”)

See “NEC INFO Center”

NEC OS Restore CD

BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)

BIOS Setup (Security Menu) Jumper settings

BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)

NEC Application and Driver CD

BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)

BIOS Setup (Main Menu)

BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu)

NEC OS Restore CD

Configuring the System 3-3

BIOS Setup Utility

The AMI BIOS Setup Utility program lets you configure the main components of your system.

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

System configuration information is stored in nonvolatile memory. A nonvolatile memory device retains its data when system power is turned off. Nonvolatile memory in your system is stored in a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) memory 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 (see “How to Replace the CMOS Battery” in Chapter 5).

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

How to Start BIOS Setup

To start the BIOS Setup Utility, follow these steps.

1.Turn on or reboot the system.

2.Press F2 as soon as you see the following message at the bottom of the NEC startup screen.

You have about five seconds to press F2 before the system boot continues.

Setup’s Main Menu appears.

3-4 Configuring the System

How to Use Setup

The Setup Utility has a Main Menu window and four top-level menus with submenus. The menu bar at the top of the Main Menu window lists the following top-level menus.

TMain Use the Main Menu for basic system configuration. For example, select Main to set the system date, set diskette and hard disk parameters, or set the hard drive auto-detect feature.

TAdvanced Use the Advanced Menu to set up the system for advanced CMOS, advanced chipset, power management, Plug and Play, serial and parallel peripherals, and hardware monitor.

TSecurity Use this menu to set User and Supervisor Passwords and keyboard wake-up password.

TExit Exits the Setup Utility with various save or discard options.

Use the keys listed in the legend bar on the bottom of the menu screen to make the selections or exit the current menu. Help Setup information displays on the right side of the menu screen.

The following table describes the legend keys.

	Navigation Keys

Key	Function

Esc	Exits the menu.
Enter	Executes Command or brings up a
	submenu.
F5	Loads the Default Configuration values for
	this menu.
F6	Selects the Original Values for the field.
F10	Saves changes and Exits the BIOS Setup
	Utility.
Up or down arrow keys	Moves cursor up and down in the menu.
Left or right arrow keys	Selects next menu.

Configuring the System 3-5

To select one of the four menus from the menu bar, use the left and right arrow keys. Use the up or down arrow keys to select an item under the menu.

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

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

Pressing F1 on any menu brings up the General Help window that describes the legend keys and their functions.

Press Esc to exit the current window.

The following subsections describe the four top level menus and their submenus.

Main Menu

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

Use the arrow keys to select one of the Main Menu options and press Enter to select a submenu. Items with grayed-out text are not available. Explanations of each Main Menu item are in the following table.

Setting items on this menu to incorrect values can cause your system to malfunction.

Note The following BIOS settings are typical and can vary between system configurations. You should record your system’s BIOS settings and save them in a safe place in the event you need to restore or update the BIOS.

3-6 Configuring the System

	Main Menu Items

Menu Item	Settings (default is bold)

System Date	Set system date in this field. Press Tab or Enter
	to move between month, date, and year fields.
	Example: 04/28/2000
System Time	Set system time in this field. Press Tab or Enter
	to move between hour, minute, and second
	fields.
	Example: 09:30:50
Floppy Drive A	Not Installed
	360 KB 5 1/4"
	1.2 MB 5 1/4"
	720 KB 3 1/2"
	1.44 MB 3 1/2"
	2.88 MB 3 1/2"
Floppy Drive B	Not Installed
	360 KB 5 1/4"
	1.2 MB 5 1/4"
	720 KB 3 1/2"
	1.44 MB 3 1/2"
	2.88 MB 3 1/2"

Configuring the System 3-7

	Main Menu Items

Menu Item	Settings (default is bold)

Primary IDE Master	Auto
Primary IDE Slave	Auto
Secondary IDE Master	Auto
Secondary IDE Slave	Auto
	Each device menu item displays the hard drive or
	CD-ROM identifier if a device is installed.
	If you install a hard drive that does not feature
	auto IDE type detection or your IDE hard drive
	was formatted on another system with
	parameters different from those reported by the
	drive, enter a parameter for each of the fields in
	the device submenu.
	Bring up a device submenu by pressing Enter.
	The submenus include IDE Device Configuration
	and, depending on device selection, Fast
	Programmed I/O Mode, 32 Bit Transfer Mode,
	LBA Mode, and Block Mode. Each is briefly
	described in the following.
IDE Device	Auto, User, CD-ROM, Floptical, Not Installed,
Configuration	1-46
	When set to Auto, the BIOS sets the correct
	values for the device. Selecting User allows you
	to configure the BIOS for the device selected.
	The Not Installed setting indicates that there is no
	IDE device present in the system.
	Depending on the option selected, one of the
	following submenus displays.
LBA Mode	On, Off
	When On is selected, it causes logical block
	addressing to be used in place of cylinders,
	heads, and sectors.

3-8 Configuring the System

+ 98 hidden pages

NEC T3212 User Manual

Proprietary Notice and Liability Disclaimer

Contents

Using This Guide

Text Conventions

Related Documents

Reviewing System Features

Front Features

System Controls and Lamps

Diskette Drive

Universal Serial Bus Port

CD-ROM Drive

DVD-ROM Drive

Audio Connectors

Rear Features

External Connectors

Power Supply Features

Interior Features

System Board

Riser Board

Local Area Network

Storage Device Support

Chassis

Optional Speakers

System Overview

Hardware

Software

Preloaded Software

NEC OS Restore CD

NEC Application and Driver CD

Security

Setting Up the System

Slimtower Setup

Cable Connections

Startup

Shutdown

Power-Saving Operation

System Care

Protecting Your System From Damage

Keeping Your System in Good Condition

Moving or Shipping Your System

More Information

Configuring the System

Configuration Tools and Utilities

BIOS Setup Utility

How to Start BIOS Setup

How to Use Setup

Main Menu