Nec VERSA P 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) and/or its licensors. NEC 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 NEC 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 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.

Versa is a U.S. 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.

First Printing —November 1994

Copyright 1994	Copyright 1994
NEC Technologies, Inc.	NEC Corporation
1414 Massachusetts Avenue	7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku
Boxborough, MA 01719	Tokyo 108-01, Japan
All Rights Reserved	All Rights Reserved

Using this Guide

This Versa™ P Series User’s Guide contains all the information you need to use your notebook computer. To help you get the most out of your Versa P, this guide describes system features, options, and setup programs.

Read the following chapters to find out more about your Versa P.

■Chapter 1 gives basic information like setting up the notebook computer, using function keys, and reading LCD status icons.

Chapter 1 describes the Versa P buttons, controls, PCMCIA slots, and other features.

■Chapter 2 offers ideas for using your Versa P for multimedia presentations.

■Chapter 3 focuses on adding options, like PCMCIA cards. This chapter also describes how to connect external devices like printers, monitors, speakers, and keyboards.

■Chapter 4 describes the power-saving programs that come with your Versa P. It introduces options for conserving energy and saving battery power.

■Chapter 5 introduces you to the Versa P Auto Setup program. This software lets you change the system date and time, set a password, and define many other system options.

■Chapter 6 gives you a checklist to follow if you have problems with the Versa P. Solutions are also suggested.

Using this Guide ix

■Chapter 7 provides telephone numbers for NEC help and information lines. This chapter guides you to locating the help you need for basic system service or upgrades.

■Chapter 8 provides switch setting information on SW1.

■Appendix A lists system specifications.

■Appendix B describes the NEC Communications Assistant.

■Appendix C gives information on using the BIOS Update utility.

Use this guide along with the software documentation that comes with your Versa P.

TEXT SETUP

To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up in the following ways.

■ Cautions, notes, and tips have the following format:

CAUTION: Cautions indicate situations that can damage the system hardware or software.

NOTE: Notes give particularly important information about whatever is being described.

TIPS: Tips give helpful hints about getting the most out of your system.

x Using this Guide

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

■Text that you have to type or keys that you must press are presented in bold type. For example, type dir and press Enter.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

In addition to this guide, a number of other documents ship with your Versa P system, including:

Hardware Documents

■The Versa P Quick Setup shows you how to set up your system after you unpack it.

■The Versa P Series Battery Guide gives hints about extending the life of your battery pack and suggests energy conserving techniques.

■The Versa Series Quick Reference Card contains brief descriptions of function keys, LEDs, NEC help telephone numbers and troubleshooting tips. Tuck this card inside the notebook when you take it with you. The card is designed as a quick, portable reference to frequently-used functions.

■The Versa Series PCMCIA User’s Guide contains information about optional PCMCIA cards, their installation, and use.

Software Documents

■Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS 6 User’s Guide pro-

vides a comprehensive source of information for using Windows™ and MS-DOS ® .

Using this Guide xi

Using this Guide......................................................................	ix
Text Setup ...............................................................	x
Related Documents...................................................	xi
1 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool
What’s in the Box ....................................................	1-1
The Outside of the Unit ............................................	1-2
Versa P Setup ..........................................................	1-5
Opening the LCD Panel.......................................	1-5
Closing the LCD Panel ........................................	1-6
Connecting the AC Adapter .................................	1-6
Installing a Battery ..............................................	1-7
Replacing a Battery .............................................	1-8
Turning on the Versa P.............................................	1-11
Features ...................................................................	1-13
LCD Panel ..........................................................	1-13
Keyboard ............................................................	1-14
Function Keys ................................................	1-14
Key Combinations..........................................	1-15
Typewriter Keys.............................................	1-17
Cursor Control Keys ......................................	1-17
Numeric Keypad ............................................	1-17
Control Keys..................................................	1-19
VersaTrackä Ball ...............................................	1-19
Cleaning the VersaTrack ................................	1-20
Buttons and Controls ...........................................	1-21
Status Bar ...........................................................	1-23
Microphone and Speaker .....................................	1-27
PCMCIA Card Slots ...........................................	1-28
VersaBay ............................................................	1-29
Promotional Software..........................................	1-29
Plug and Play ......................................................	1-29

Contents iii

Batteries..............................................................	1-30
Main Battery..................................................	1-30
Bridge Battery................................................	1-31
CMOS Battery ...............................................	1-32
Online Help.........................................................	1-32
System Care.............................................................	1-33
Precautions .........................................................	1-33
Storage Requirements..........................................	1-34
Routine Cleaning.................................................	1-34
2 Using Your Versa P for Multimedia
Audio.......................................................................	2-1
Recording............................................................	2-1
Line-In ...........................................................	2-2
Microphone....................................................	2-2
CD-ROM Input...................................................	2-3
Mixing ................................................................	2-3
Playing Back.......................................................	2-3
MIDI Files .....................................................	2-4
Using Headphones..........................................	2-4
Using Internal Speaker ...................................	2-4
Using External Stereo Speakers ......................	2-4
Video .......................................................................	2-5
Using Digital Video Files.....................................	2-5
Using Animation Files .........................................	2-5
Versa MediaDock................................................	2-5
ultimedia Applications .............................................	2-6
3 Adding Options
PCMCIA Cards .......................................................	3-2
Inserting and Removing Cards ........................	3-3
Modems ...................................................................	3-4
Telephone Line Connections ................................	3-4
Connecting a Phone Cable ..............................	3-4
Connecting a Phone and a Versa P..................	3-6
Memory Expansion ..................................................	3-8

iv Contents

	Hard Disk ................................................................	3-10
	External Devices ......................................................	3-13
	Parallel Devices...................................................	3-13
	Serial Devices .....................................................	3-15
	External Keyboard ..............................................	3-16
	Mouse.................................................................	3-18
	Monitor...............................................................	3-19
	Stereo Speakers/Headphones ...............................	3-21
	External Microphone ...........................................	3-21
	Line-In Audio......................................................	3-21
	Docking Station........................................................	3-22
	Expansion Bays...................................................	3-22
	Expansion Slots...................................................	3-22
	Ports ...................................................................	3-22
	Port Replicator.........................................................	3-23
	Ports ...................................................................	3-23
4	Understanding Power Management
	What is Power Management?....................................	4-1
	Default Settings...................................................	4-1
	Power-Saving Modes...........................................	4-2
	Active Mode...................................................	4-2
	Local Stand-by Mode .....................................	4-2
	Suspend Mode................................................	4-3
	Smart Power Switch.......................................	4-4
	Prolonging Battery Life ............................................	4-5
5	Using Auto Setup
	Auto Setup ...............................................................	5-1
	How to Enter Auto Setup.....................................	5-2
	With an Error at POST ..................................	5-2
	With No Error at POST .................................	5-2
	How to Use Auto Setup .......................................	5-3
	Looking at the Screen .....................................	5-3
	Using Key Functions ......................................	5-4
	Checking/Setting System Parameters ..............	5-5

Contents v

System Parameter Options........................................	5-6
Comms ...............................................................	5-8
Drives .................................................................	5-8
Keyboard ............................................................	5-9
Power .................................................................	5-10
System ................................................................	5-12
Time/Date ...........................................................	5-12
Security Options.......................................................	5-13
System Password ................................................	5-13
Setting an Initial System Password .................	5-13
Using the System Password ............................	5-14
Removing/Replacing a Password ....................	5-15
Keyboard Lock Hotkey........................................	5-16
6 Problem Solving
Problem Checklist ....................................................	6-1
Start-Up Problems....................................................	6-3
If You Need Assistance ............................................	6-6
Direct Technical Support.....................................	6-6
Remote Technical Support...................................	6-7
Features .........................................................	6-8
7 If You Need Help
UltraCare Support....................................................	7-3
Support from the NEC Reseller ................................	7-4
Support from NEC ...................................................	7-4
NEC FastFacts....................................................	7-5
NEC Bulletin Board System ................................	7-5
What is the BBS? ...........................................	7-6
How Do You Use the BBS?............................	7-6
NEC Technical Support ......................................	7-7
E-mail/Fax Technical Support Services ..........	7-7
NEC Customer Service Response Center .............	7-8
Mail-in Service.........................................................	7-9
Maintenance Contracts .............................................	7-9

vi Contents

8 Setting Switch Functions

ASpecifications

BNEC Communications Assistant

CUsing the BIOS Update Utility

Receiving the BUU...................................................	C-4
Start-Up...................................................................	C-6
Menu Functions .......................................................	C-7
Information .........................................................	C-7
Display BIOS Version.........................................	C-8
Customize BIOS ......................................................	C-9
Install New BIOS ................................................	C-10
Restore Original BIOS ........................................	C-12
Exit.....................................................................	C-14
Errors and Messages ...........................................	C-14

Glossary

Index

List of Tables

Automatic Power-Saving Features ............................	4-1
Auto Setup Quick Reference.....................................	5-4
System Parameter Options........................................	5-7
Troubleshooting .......................................................	6-2
POST Error Messages..............................................	6-4

Contents vii

viii Contents

1	Getting to Know Your
	New Information Tool

Your Versa™ P is a terrific tool that’s so easy to take along that you’ll soon find it indispensable. It’s easy to carry around with you and can be used for most of your information and communication needs.

This chapter describes the basic features, connectors, buttons, and controls on your Versa P notebook. It also describes how to connect the basic devices you need to use the system. Read it to familiarize yourself with the system.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Your Versa P comes with lots of features fully loaded on the system. All you have to do is open the packing box, unpack the notebook computer, the cables, and the Quick Setup sheet. Look for the following.

Notebook

Computer

AC Power

Cable

AC/DC

Adapter

User

Guides

Box contents

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-1

When you first unpack your Versa P, follow the instructions on the Quick Setup sheet. They’ll help you get your notebook up and running quickly. After setting up your system the first time, use the instructions found in this chapter.

THE OUTSIDE OF THE UNIT

Look over the outside of the Versa P for the external ports, buttons, and features without opening the LCD panel.

Some of the ports on the back of the system are behind a protective cover. Use your fingernail to press down on the port cover latch and swing the cover open.

Right-Rear Cover

and Latch

Left-Rear Cover

and Latch

Opening the port covers

1-2 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

The following figure shows the ports on the back of the system.

	Line-In
	Port	Power
		Power
		Connector
		Port
		Expansion Port
		Headphones Port
		Microphone Port
Keyboard/Mouse		Printer Port
Keyboard/Mouse
Port		Serial Port

CRT Port

Rear ports

■Keyboard/Mouse port — gives you the option of attaching a PS/2-style external keyboard or mouse to the system. The system automatically determines whether a mouse or keyboard is attached.

■CRT port — allows you to attach a super VGA external monitor for use with your system.

■Serial port — lets you attach a serial device, like a serial printer, to your Versa P.

■Printer port — provides a place to connect an external device, like a printer.

■Microphone port — allows you to attach a microphone to the system.

■Headphones port — lets you attach stereo headphones for use with the system.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-3

■Line-In port — lets you attach a line-level stereo or CD player to the Versa P.

■Expansion port — allows you to connect the Versa to the docking station or port replicator.

■Power connector port — lets you plug in the AC adapter so you can run the Versa P on AC power.

The following figure shows the features on the sides and front of the Versa P.

PCMCIA Slots
Primary	Expansion
Battery	Memory

Hard Disk

LCD Release Latch

VersaBay Slot

(For Diskette Drive,

Secondary Battery,

PCMCIA,etc.)

Side and front features

■Battery — provides battery power for running the Versa P.

■PCMCIA slots — allow you to add optional PCMCIA cards to enhance your system. The protective cover keeps dust and foreign objects from getting into the unit.

■LCD release latch — locks the LCD panel when the system is not in use. Also releases the LCD panel to let you use the system.

1-4 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

■Expansion memory — lets you expand system memory up to 40 MB.

■VersaBay slot — DoubleTime™ allows the diskette drive to be removed and replaced with a secondary battery or other VersaBay option. Currently available options include a PCMCIA Pak and a Video Pak.

■Diskette drive — lets you use diskettes with the system.

■Hard disk — this contains the system software to operate the Versa P.

VERSA P SETUP

Setting up your system is easy. Just follow these simple instructions.

Opening the LCD Panel

1. Locate and press the front latch to open the notebook.

LCD Release Latch

Pressing the latch and opening the notebook

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-5

2.Position the LCD panel to a comfortable viewing angle. You can open the screen to an angle of 180 degrees.

NOTE: Do not attempt to change LCD panels while system power is on.

You can, however, reverse the panel so it faces the other way while system power is on but in Suspend mode.

Closing the LCD Panel

To close the LCD panel, simply lower the panel over the keyboard. Press down until the latch catches to secure the LCD panel.

Connecting the AC Adapter

Connect the AC adapter to your computer as follows.

1.Insert the adapter’s DC cable into the power connector port on the back of the system.

Power Connector

Port

The power connector

1-6 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

2.Insert the matching end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter.

CAUTION: Only use the AC adapter model provided with your notebook.

3.Connect the other end of the AC power cable to a 100to 240-volt wall outlet.

Installing a Battery

It is easy to install a battery in your notebook computer. Simply insert the battery completely into the battery compartment as shown in the figure.

Battery

Inserting the battery

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-7

Replacing a Battery

Follow these instructions to replace a primary battery installed in your notebook computer. The system does not have to be shut off if battery replacement requires less than five minutes.

1.Press the suspend button to suspend the system if in use. (Refer to “Buttons and Control” later in this chapter.)

If the system is attached to AC power, you need not put it in Suspend mode.

2.Close the LCD panel securely. Disconnect any external options you have connected.

3.Turn the Versa P upside down.

1-8 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

4.Locate the battery release latch on the bottom of the system and slide it sideways.

The other latches are for removing and installing VersaBay options.

Battery Release

Latch

Locating the release latch

5.Pull the battery out of the system.

6.Slide the new battery into the system until the release latch clicks and locks the battery in place.

7.Turn the Versa P right side up and reconnect any external options you disconnected.

8.Resume the system or turn on power to continue operation.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-9

Replace the diskette drive with a secondary battery as follows.

1.Turn off the system power (if using battery power) or suspend.

2.Turn the Versa P upside down.

3.Slide the appropriate bottom release latch while pulling the diskette drive out of the compartment.

Diskette Drive

Removing the diskette drive

1-10 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

4.Insert the battery completely into the compartment.

5.Resume the system or turn on power to continue operation.

Secondary

Battery

Inserting the secondary battery

Turning on the Versa P

Prepare to power on your system as follows.

1.Check that your power source is connected.

■For battery power, make sure a charged battery pack is installed in the Versa P. (See the previous section for information about installing a battery pack.)

■For AC power, make sure the AC adapter is plugged into the Versa P and a wall outlet. (See “Connecting the AC Adapter” for information about attaching the AC adapter.)

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-11

2.Open the LCD panel, if it is not already open.

3.Locate the power button. Pull forward, momentarily hold, and then release the power button.

Power

Button

Pressing the power button

4.Adjust the brightness control using the button on the right of the LCD panel for a sharp, clear display.

You are now ready to familiarize yourself with your new Versa.

1-12 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

FEATURES

Here are some of the Versa P’s features:

■LCD Panel

■Keyboard

■VersaTrack™ Ball

■Buttons and Controls

■Status Bar

■Microphone and Speaker

■PCMCIA Card Slots

■VersaBay

■Promotional Software

■Plug and Play

■Batteries

■Online Help.

These features are described next.

LCD Panel

Your Versa P comes with a TFT color LCD panel. The activematrix thin-film transistor (TFT) color LCD comes in one of two resolutions: 640 x 480 pixels or 800 x 600 pixels.

The backlit TFT LCD provides a 9.5-inch display area, brilliant resolution, and an impressive array of colors.

NOTE: NEC LCD panels meet exacting manufacturing standards. Of the 1,440,000 elements involved in creating the display on your screen, NEC accepts no TFT screen with more than six nonworking elements. Although this may mean a pixel or two is nonfunctional, its impact on your display should be minimal.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-13

Keyboard

The Versa P keyboard is equipped with many features. They include the following:

■Function keys

■Key combinations

■Typewriter keys

■Cursor control keys

■Numeric keypad

■Control keys.

Function Keys

The function keys are located along the top of keyboard. The Fn (Function) key activates functions printed in blue on keys having dual functions.

Function

Keys

Key

Function keys

Some special functions are specific to the Versa P systems. These keys set specific parameters that are built into ROM (Read-Only Memory).

1-14 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

Key Combinations

The key combinations for system-specific functions are as follows.

Fn + F1

Right Control

Use to simulate pressing the right control key for support of IBM/SDLC connections.

Fn + F2

Highlight Highlight

Use to set the color LCD contrast to standard or full highlight for DOS text mode.

Fn + F3

LCD/CRT LCD/CRT

Use to toggle between LCD mode only, LCD and CRT modes simultaneously, and CRT only screen mode.

Fn F4 Not used

Fn + F5

Backlight Backlight

Used to set the LCD backlight brightness to standard or full.

Fn + F6

Speaker Speaker

Use to regulate the speaker volume. Press Fn F6 to toggle from off to low, medium, or high. A beep sounds when the volume setting is changed.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-15

Fn + F7

P/M Lev	Power Management Levels

Use to set the power management level to off, custom, low, or high. Notice the changes in the faucet icons on the LCD panel as you toggle the key combination. This works only when power management is enabled.

Fn + F8

HDD	Hard Disk Drive Spin Up/Down

Use to spin the hard disk up or down. Spin down means that the motor that spins the disk within the hard disk drive shuts off to save power. Spin up means the disk motor turns on again. Pressing Fn F8 bypasses any timeout. A beep sounds when the hard disk spins down or up.

Fn + F9

Battery I	Battery I Status

Use to reset the primary battery icon to four bars on the LCD status bar ( ) after the battery icon has shown an unknown state.

Fn + F10

Battery II	Battery II Status

Use to reset the secondary battery icon to four bars on

the LCD status bar ( ) after the battery icon has shown an unknown state.

Fn F11 Not used.

Fn + F12

ScrLock	Scroll Lock

Use of this key combination depends upon the software application you are using. Refer to the application user’s guide.

1-16 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

Typewriter Keys

The typewriter keys (also called alphanumeric keys) are used almost exactly as on a typewriter. Those that behave differently do so when combined with control keys or function keys. They are noted in those descriptions.

Cursor Control Keys

Cursor control keys let you position the cursor on the screen where you want. On the screen, the cursor is a blinking underline or block, depending on the application. It indicates where the next text typed is inserted.

Numeric Keypad

Pressing Num Lock on the keyboard activates the numeric keypad when an external keyboard is not connected. The numeric keys are printed in blue. The keypad lets you type numbers and mathematical operands (+,-) as you would on a calculator. The keypad is ideal for entering long lists

of numbers.

When Num Lock is activated, you will see the following icon on the LCD indicator panel.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-17

When you press Num Lock again, the keys revert to their normal function as typewriter keys and the Num Lock icon disappears.

Function

Keys

Key

Numeric keypad

1-18 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

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