Nec VERSA V 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 — October 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™ V Series User’s Guide contains all the infor-
mation you need to use your notebook computer. To help
you get the most out of your Versa V, this guide describes
system features, options, and setup programs.

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

■ Chapter 1 gives basic information like setting up the

notebook computer, using function keys, and reading
LCD status icons.

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

■ Chapter 2 offers ideas for using your Versa V in the

office, at meetings, and on the road.

■ Chapter 3 focuses on adding options, like PCMCIA

cards. This chapter also describes how to connect
external devices like printers, monitors, and keyboards.

■ Chapter 4 describes the power-saving programs that

come with your Versa V. It introduces options for
conserving energy and saving battery power.

■ Chapter 5 introduces you to the Versa V 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 V. Solutions are
also suggested.

Using this Guide ix

TEXT SETUP

■ 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.

■ Appendix A lists system specifications.

■ Appendix B describes the NEC Communications

Assistant.

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

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.

x Using this Guide

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

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

■ Names of keys are printed as they appear on the key-

board, for example,

■ Text that you have to type or keys that you must press

are presented in bold type. For example, type

Enter.

press

RELATED DOCUMENTS

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

Hardware Documents

The Versa V Quick Setup shows you how to set up your

■

system after you unpack it.

■ The Versa Series Battery User’s 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.

Ctrl, Alt, or Enter.

dir and

■ 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

Contents

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

Setting it Up............................................................. 1-2

Features ................................................................... 1-4

LCD Panel .......................................................... 1-4

Function Keys ..................................................... 1-5

Key Combinations.......................................... 1-6

LCD Status Bar................................................... 1-8

PCMCIA Cards................................................... 1-12

VersaTrack Ball ............................................... 1-13

Cleaning the VersaTrack................................. 1-13

Buttons and Controls........................................... 1-14

Smart Power Switch............................................ 1-16

Online Help......................................................... 1-16

Batteries.............................................................. 1-17

Main Battery.................................................. 1-17

Bridge Battery................................................ 1-18

CMOS Battery............................................... 1-19

Plug and Play...................................................... 1-19

System Care............................................................. 1-20

2 Using Your Versa V

In the Office............................................................. 2-1

Organizing and Managing Your Work ................. 2-2

Managing Your Time ..................................... 2-2

Managing Your Contacts................................ 2-2

Managing Data............................................... 2-2

Using a Scanner.............................................. 2-3

Contents iii

Keeping Secure............................................... 2-3

Creating Presentations......................................... 2-3

Creating Slides............................................... 2-3

Using Audio................................................... 2-3

Using CD-ROM............................................. 2-3

Communicating from the Office........................... 2-4

Using a Modem.............................................. 2-4

Using a Pager................................................. 2-4

Transferring Data........................................... 2-4

Sending E-Mail .............................................. 2-4

Unwinding with the Versa V................................ 2-4

In Meetings .............................................................. 2-5

Creating Instantly................................................ 2-5

Organizing in Meetings ........................................ 2-5

Communicating the Essentials.............................. 2-5

Using a CRT Connector.................................. 2-5

Using Wireless LAN....................................... 2-6

Giving Demos...................................................... 2-6

On the Road............................................................. 2-6

Creating as You Travel........................................ 2-6

Organizing Yourself ............................................ 2-7

Communicating with Home.................................. 2-7

Using a Modem.............................................. 2-7

Using a Pager................................................. 2-7

Using Global Positioning ................................ 2-8

Unwinding on the Road........................................ 2-8

What to Take....................................................... 2-8

Before You Leave................................................ 2-9

3 Adding Options

PCMCIA Cards........................................................ 3-1

Modems ................................................................... 3-3

Telephone Line Connections ................................ 3-3

iv Contents

Inserting and Removing Cards ........................ 3-2

Connecting a Phone Cable Only...................... 3-4

Connecting a Phone and a Versa V.................. 3-5

Memory Expansion................................................... 3-6

Hard Disk................................................................. 3-9

Printers .................................................................... 3-12

Parallel Printer .................................................... 3-12

Serial Printer....................................................... 3-14

External Keyboard.................................................... 3-14

External Mouse........................................................ 3-16

External Monitor...................................................... 3-18

Docking Station ........................................................ 3-20

Expansion Bays ................................................... 3-20

Expansion Slots ................................................... 3-20

Ports ................................................................... 3-20

Port Replicator......................................................... 3-21

Ports ................................................................... 3-21

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

Automatic Suspend Mode Initiation ................ 4-4

Power Management with a Docking Station ......... 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

Keyboard Lock Hot Keys .................................... 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

Setting an Initial System Password.................. 5-13

Using the System Password ............................ 5-14

Removing/Replacing a Password .................... 5-15

Valid Keys ..................................................... 5-16

Invalid Keys................................................... 5-16

Selecting Hot Keys......................................... 5-17

Setting Your Hot Keys.................................... 5-17

Using Your Hot Keys ..................................... 5-18

Features ......................................................... 6-8

7 If You Need Help

UltraCare SUPPORT ............................................... 7-2

Support from the NEC Reseller................................. 7-3

Support from NEC................................................... 7-4

NEC FastFacts.................................................... 7-4

NEC Bulletin Board System ................................ 7-5

vi Contents

What is the BBS?........................................... 7-5

How Do You Use the BBS?............................ 7-6

NEC Technical Support....................................... 7-7

NEC Customer Service Response Center ............. 7-7

Mail-in Service......................................................... 7-8

Maintenance Contracts ............................................. 7-8

A Specifications

B NEC Communications Assistant

Glossary

Index

List of Tables

Temperature and Humidity Requirements.................. 1-21

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

Getting to Know Your

1

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

New Information Tool

Your Versa V is a wonderfully useful tool that you’ll soon
find is indispensable. It’s easy to carry around with you and
can be used for most of your information and communica­tion needs.

Your Versa V 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

SETTING IT UP

1. Remove the Versa V from the packing box and press the

front latch to open the notebook.

LCD Release Latch

Pressing the latch

2. Plug in the Versa to an AC (alternating current) power

source, using the cable and the AC adapter that came
with your Versa V. Simply plug the AC adapter into the
socket in the back of your system. Plug the cable into
the AC adapter and the other end into a wall socket.

1-2 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

Power Connector
Port

The power connector

3. Press the power button to start up the system. The

power button is located on the top left of the unit.

Power Button

Pressing the power button

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

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-3

FEATURES

LCD Panel

Here are some of the Versa V’s features:

n LCD Panel
n Function Keys
n LCD Status Bar
n PCMCIA Slots
n Trackball
n Buttons and Controls
n Smart Power Switch
n Online Help.

Your Versa V comes with one of three types of LCD panel,
a TFT color, DSTN color, or DSTN monochrome.

n The active-matrix thin-film transistor (TFT) color LCD

has a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, is backlit, and
supports up to 256 colors. The TFT LCD provides a

9.5-inch display area, brilliant resolution, and an
impressive array of colors.

n The Dualscan Super-Twisted Nematic (DSTN) color

LCD uses cold cathode fluorescent tube (CCFT), is
backlit, and supports up to 256 colors. The STN LCD
provides a 9.5-inch display area, exceptional clarity, and
color for the most demanding graphics.

n The monochrome LCD has a 640 x 480 pixel resolution

and supports 64 shades of gray. The 9.5-inch screen
uses the Dualscan Super-Twisted Nematic (DSTN)
backlit technology for crisp clear images. (Not available
in the U.S.)

1-4 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

Function Keys

The function keys are located, as on most PCs, along the
top of keyboard. The Fn (Function) key activates functions
printed on keys having dual functions.

NOTE: NEC LCD panels meet exacting manufac­turing standards. Of the 921,600 elements involved
in creating the display on your screen, NEC accepts
no TFT screen with more than 6 non-working ele­ments. Although this may mean a pixel or two is
non-functional, its impact on your display should
prove minimal.

Function
Keys

Fn Key

Function keys

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

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-5

Key Combinations

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

Fn F1 Not used

Highlight
Use to set the color LCD contrast to standard or full high-

light for DOS text mode.

LCD/CRT
Use to toggle between LCD mode only, LCD and CRT

modes simultaneously, and CRT only screen mode.

Reverse LCD
Use to reverse the LCD screen image (monochrome only).

Backlight
Use to adjust the screen brightness to standard or full as

your environment requires.

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.

1-6 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

Power Management Levels
Use to set the power management level to off, custom, low,

or high. Notice the changes in the LCD panel as you toggle
the key combination.

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.

Battery I
Use to reset the primary battery icon to four bars on the

LCD status bar. (yyyy) Use when you have reinserted
the primary battery.

Battery II
Use to reset the secondary battery icon to four bars on

the LCD status bar. (yyyy)Use when you have
reinserted the secondary battery.

Fn F11 Not used.

Scroll Lock
Use of this key combination depends upon the software ap-

plication you are using. Refer to the application
user’s guide.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-7

LCD Status Bar

The Versa V has an LCD indicator panel located above the
keyboard. It shows status for the following system functions
and components.

LCD status bar

LCD
Status Bar

Suspend
A half moon icon appears when the system is in Suspend

(or Sleep) mode.

Power Management

Faucet icons indicate the level of power management
being used.

Off
Indicates that power management is not enabled.

Low

1-8 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

Indicates that power management is set at low.

High
Indicates that high power management is set.

Custom
Indicates custom power management features are set.

Hard Disk Drive Access
Indicates the hard disk drive is being accessed.

Diskette Drive Access
Indicates the diskette drive is being accessed.

Num Lock
Indicates the numeric keypad lock function is enabled.

Scroll Lock
Indicates the scroll lock function is enabled.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-9

Caps Lock
Indicates the caps lock function is enabled.

Battery
The left battery icon represents the primary battery and the

right battery icon represents the secondary battery.
Bars within the battery icons represent the remaining bat-

tery charge when the system is in use:

n 4 bars indicate a 100% charge zzzz
n 3 bars indicate a 75% charge zzz
n 2 bars indicate a 50% charge zz
n 1 bar indicates a 25% charge. z

If two fully charged batteries are installed, 8 bars contained
in 2 battery icons appear in the display. Neither the bars nor
icons blink.

1-10 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

As battery power is consumed, the bars disappear. When
one solid blinking bar remains, battery power is almost
used up.

A blinking battery shell in the display indicates that the
battery is charging. Four bars in a box represent one fully
charged battery and eight bars in two boxes represent two
fully charged batteries.

If only bars 1 and 3 appear, the battery status is unknown.
This is caused when the battery is removed and reinserted,
or when a newly charged battery is first inserted. To return
to fully charged status, press Fn F9 if you have one battery
and Fn F10 if you have two batteries installed to reset the
battery icon. Be sure to do this only if you know the battery
is fully charged. Four (or eight) bars should appear and the
system should work normally.

Eight solid blinking bars indicate an abnormal battery status. The battery

pack may not be installed correctly, or is defective.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-11

PCMCIA Cards

Your Versa V has two PCMCIA card slots for attaching
options such as fax/modems, Local Area Network (LAN),
and extra hard disk storage.

Refer to the Versa Series PCMCIA User’s Guide for
information on card types.

The PCMCIA slots in your Versa V are located on the left
side of the unit stacked one above the other. Slot 0 is in the
lower position, Slot 1 is above it.

Slot 1

Slot 0

PCMCIA card slots

For more information on using PCMCIA cards with your
Versa V, see the Versa Series PCMCIA User’s Guide.

1-12 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

VersaTrack Ball

The VersaTrack ball, located on the front of the Versa V,
works much like a mouse — you use it to control the
movement of the pointer in Windows and any other appli­cation that supports a mouse. Use the Windows Control
panel to set the speed of the pointer.

Click the left button to select a function and click the right
button to cancel a function. Quickly pressing either button
twice is double clicking. Rotating the ball with either button
pressed is dragging.

VersaTrack
Ball

VersaTrack ball

Cleaning the VersaTrack

Periodically, dust and dirt builds up and you need to clean
the roller inside the VersaTrack. Follow these steps.

1. Tip the system to easily pull and remove the VersaTrack

cover and the ball.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-13

2. Use a lint-free applicator to carefully remove any dirt on

the rollers.

NOTE: Be careful when cleaning the rollers that
they don’t become misaligned. If the rollers aren’t
aligned you may experience sticking.

3. Place the ball into the opening, align the notch of the

VersaTrack cover with the system, and push the cover to
secure it into place.

Buttons and Controls

The following figure shows the buttons and controls besides
the VersaTrack that you use to run the Versa V. Descrip­tions of them follow.

Contrast
Control

Brightness
Control

Power
Button

Suspend
Button

Buttons and controls

1-14 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

n Power Button — controls power on the system. Pull,

momentarily hold, and then release the power button to

turn the system on. Pull the power button again to turn

the system off. When power is available, the LCD indi-

cator panel shows the operational status of the system.

TIP: After turning off the system, wait 5 seconds
before turning the system back on. Turning the
system off and on before allowing it to completely
power down strains the system.

n Contrast Control (only on DSTN panels) increases or

decreases the contrast of the LCD backlight. Slide

the control up to increase the contrast, down to decrease

the contrast.

n Brightness Control — increases or decreases the

brightness of the LCD backlight. Slide the control up

to increase the brightness or slide it down to decrease

the brightness.

TIP: The degree of brightness affects the length of
battery operation. A brighter adjustment uses more
battery power. For longer battery operation,
decrease the brightness.

n Suspend Button — lets you manually put the system

in the Suspend mode of operation while using battery

power. Suspend mode retains the contents of memory

(RAM) and system status. Suspend mode saves battery

power. To exit Suspend mode, press the suspend

button again.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-15

Use Suspend mode when you need to be away from the
system for a short time and you want to return to where
you left off.

To activate the Suspend mode, press the suspend button
or use Auto Setup to set the system to enter Suspend
mode automatically. A half moon icon appears on the
LCD indicator panel when the system is in Suspend
mode.

To resume system operation, press the suspend button.
System operation returns to where it stopped.

Smart Power Switch

The Versa V has a Smart Power Switch feature that pre­vents you from accidentally turning off the system while it’s
in Suspend mode.

If your system is in Suspend mode and you want to override
the Smart Power Switch and turn off the system, hold down
the Suspend button and press the Power switch.

For more information about Suspend mode, using the
suspend button, and the Smart Power Switch, see
“Understanding Power Management.”

Online Help

The Versa V has online help to assist you when you have
questions about using the system.

1. From Windows, look for the Versa Help program group.

2. Click on the icon for the guide you need.

1-16 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

Batteries

Main Battery

There are three battery types that come with the Versa V:

n Main battery
n Bridge battery
n CMOS battery.

The main battery is the removable NiMH battery pack that
comes with your Versa V. With it you can run your system
without a wall outlet. It’s easy to install and remove.

Once you install the battery pack, you can leave it inside the
computer. You can install a second battery pack at the same
time; it replaces the standard diskette drive.

To get the most out of battery operation, familiarize your­self with how to

n use battery power
n check battery conditions on the LCD indicator panel
n recharge a battery pack
n install/replace a battery.

You can read all about each of these areas in the Versa
Series Battery Guide.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-17

Bridge Battery

The Versa V has an internal bridge battery that acts as a
safety net. The bridge battery keeps the memory contents
and system status when the system is in Suspend mode and
the main battery pack is removed.

To exchange a drained battery with a charged battery, you
do not have to turn off system power if the system is in
Suspend mode. The bridge battery keeps alive the data
you are currently working with while you replace the
primary battery.

TIP: The bridge battery supplies power for up to
5 minutes while the system is in Suspend mode.

The bridge battery is easy to keep charged. You recharge

the bridge battery whenever you plug in the AC adapter. It’s
a good idea to leave your Versa V plugged in for 24 hours
at least once a month to insure that your bridge battery is
fully charged.

The bridge battery uses up its reserve of power each time
you change batteries while traveling. It’s a good idea to
plug in your Versa V using the AC adapter to recharge the
bridge battery every few days, at least.

If you replace the bridge battery, allow it 24 hours to
fully charge.

1-18 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool

CMOS Battery

Plug and Play

There is alithium battery that backs up the CMOS RAM.
The CMOS retains the internal system information such as
configuration, date, and time.

NOTE: The CMOS battery lasts approximately
three years. When the CMOS battery no longer re­tains information, contact NEC about CMOS battery
replacement. Call 1-800-632-4525. (Refer to
Chapter 7, “If You Need Help...”)

To install the new CMOS lithium battery, follow the steps

in the Versa Series Battery Guide.

Your Versa V system has a Plug and Play feature which
allows you to add or remove an external mouse, keyboard,
or monitor “live” while the system is in Suspend mode
without damaging your system. When you resume Active
mode, the Versa recognizes the option you added. (Refer to
“Suspend Mode” in Chapter 4.)

CAUTION: Do not add an external mouse,
keyboard, or monitor while the Versa V is in Active
mode. This could cause system damage. Press the
Suspend/Resume button to place the Versa in
Suspend mode before attaching an option.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-19

SYSTEM CARE

The Versa V is a durable, dependable system built for
extensive use and travel. Follow these guidelines to
maintain the condition and performance of your computer.

n Periodically clean the outside and inside surface areas

n Keep food and liquids away from your computer.
n Avoid vibrations and shocks.

with a soft, clean, dry cloth.
You can remove fingerprints or stains with a cloth

slightly dampened with a mild detergent. Never use a
strong cleaner or solvent on any part of the computer.

For safety, unplug your system from an electrical outlet
before cleaning.

If the LCD screen gets dirty, apply a household glass
cleaner to a clean dry cloth or paper towel and wipe the
screen. Do not spray cleaners directly on the screen. The
cleaner could run down inside the unit.

n Avoid environments with dust and smoke.
n Turn off the power button when you are not using

the system.

n Close the screen securely before moving the system.

Never lift or carry the computer by its screen.

n Keep the system cover closed when you are not using

the computer.

n Close all system covers before you transport the Versa.
n Keep ths battery pack charged. Whenever possible, leave

the AC/DC adapter connected to your computer and
wall outlet. The adapter continues to charge the battery
when the computer is on or off.

1-20 Getting to Know Your New Information Tool