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

n Periodically, fully discharge the battery.
n Do not expose the system to direct sunlight or high

temperatures. For example, do not leave it in an enclosed

car parked in the sun. Heat can raise the internal

temperatures of the system and damage its components.

n Operate and store the system within the following

temperature and humidity ranges.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

ENVIRONMENT

TEMPERATURE

RELATIVE
HUMIDITY

Operation 41°F to 95°F

(5°C to 35°C)

Storage -4°F to 104°F

(-20°C to 40°C)

20% to 80%
no condensation

20% to 80%
no condensation

CAUTION: If the environmental temperature of the
Versa suddenly rises (for example, when you move
the system from a cold place to a warm place),
vapor condenses inside the system. Turning on the
system under this condition can cause damage to
the internal components.

Wait before turning the system on so that the inter­nal temperature of the system can equalize with the
warmer environment and any moisture can dry.

Getting to Know Your New Information Tool 1-21

2

IN THE OFFICE

Using Your Versa V

There are any number of ways you can use your Versa V
as you go through your daily life. Whether you are in the
office, on the road, or in a meeting, your Versa can go with
you and be an invaluable tool.

This chapter describes how you can use your Versa V to do
all the things you do ordinarily throughout your day:

■ Create

■ Organize

■ Communicate

■ Unwind and demonstrate.

Your portable Versa V can replace your large desktop sys­tem giving you more space in your office to spread out and
work. Or, with a Docking Station or port replicator you can
plug your Versa V right into your desktop interface and
start using it immediately with your larger desktop monitor
and keyboard.

The following scenarios suggest ways you can use the
Versa V in your office.

Using Your Versa 2-1

Organizing and Managing Your Work

Your Versa V takes up less space in the office than your
desktop system. You can now better organize your space to
suit your work habits.

Managing Your Time

Time management is now easier. The time you used to
spend on time-consuming tasks such as transcribing meeting
notes or writing appointments in your bound calendar, is
now available to you. And, you can use the Versa V
wherever you are.

■ Meeting notes can now be transformed from an after-

the-fact chore to a real-time task. You can bring your
Versa V to the meeting with you and take notes in
the meeting.

■ You can also use the Versa V to do work that you

normally leave behind in your office to fill “idle” time
while you wait for the meeting to begin, and at other
such lull times.

■ Using your favorite personal information management

(PIM) application, you can keep track of your schedule
and plan tasks.

Managing Your Contacts

Use your Versa V to manage your business contacts. With
a PIM software application, you can maintain an on-line
address book. If you have communications software and a
modem, you can autodial your contacts and send a fax
directly from your Versa.

Managing Data

You can use your Versa to manage your business data­bases, such as inventory, sales calls, production runs, etc.

2-2 Using Your Versa

Using a Scanner

If you have a scanner with a SCSI connector and a
PCMCIA SCSI card, you can scan in important informa­tion, even business cards!

Keeping Secure

For security purposes you may choose to lock up your hard
disk which you can easily remove from your hard disk drive
bay. You can also password protect your Versa through the
Auto Setup program.

Creating Presentations

You have a client presentation to give at the end of the
week. You can gather slides from previous presentations
that have been stored in an information base on a CD-ROM
disk. You can create additional slides to tailor the presenta­tion to your client's particular needs.

Creating Slides

Use your favorite slide presentation software to create
outstanding visuals.

Using Audio

If you have external speakers, you can include sound in
your presentation. Plug the speakers into the PCMCIA
audio card.

Using CD-ROM

You can access a CD ROM reader if you have a SCSI
interface. With your Versa V connected to CD ROM
reader, insert the CD ROM disk. Then retrieve the files
you need.

CD-ROM can also enable you to create dynamic multi­media presentations that include sound and animation along
with your bright, colorful still visuals.

Using Your Versa 2-3

Communicating from the Office

You can send e-mail messages, faxes using an NEC
PCMCIA modem, and even page someone from your office
using the VersaPage™ paging facility. All it takes is your
Versa V, a modem, and the appro p riate s oftware pac kage(s).

Using a Modem

A modem allows you to connect your Versa to a telephone
line. A PCMCIA modem, which is light and convenient,
slides easily into either PCMCIA slot on the side of your
Versa. (See Chapter 3.) There are a number of modems that
can work with your Versa V. See the Versa Series
PCMCIA Guide for an up-to-date list of modems.

Using a Pager

Using VersaPage, you can page the people you need
immediate contact with. All you need is paging software
and a paging modem that fits into your PCMCIA slot.

Transferring Data

You can transfer data from your Versa to your desktop
computer, freeing up valuable space on your Versa.

Sending E-Mail

If you have an electronic mail (e-mail) network address,
you can communicate with the world! You can send memos,
access on-line databases, set up meetings, — the possibili­ties go on and on.

Unwinding with the Versa V

We actually learn best when we play. Use your Versa to run
on-line tutorials that teach you how to use software that
you’ve installed on your Versa.

■ Play with on-line games to relax you such as Solitaire,

or others you have installed.

2-4 Using Your Versa

■ Communicate with friends using a modem and a

cellular phone.

■ Browse through your favorite on-line service for the

latest news, or information on a topic of special interest
to you.

IN MEETINGS

Business these days requires us to spend many hours in
meetings. Take your Versa V to the meeting with you and
try using it in some of the following ways.

Creating Instantly

Create an instant agenda and print it with a portable printer
for other Versa users at the meeting.

Brainstorm ideas with your colleagues or design team and
capture it all on-line.

Organizing in Meetings

Take meeting notes in real-time, saving valuable time and
extra steps.

Show your team project lists, graphs, graphics to illustrate
your arguments.

Communicating the Essentials

Use your Versa for an effective presentation tool with the
following accessories.

Using a CRT Connector

You can show your presentation on an overhead projector
or a large-screen color monitor.

Using Your Versa 2-5

Using Wireless LAN

You can access files anywhere on the network that you
could access from your office desktop system.

Giving Demos

You can demo your software, letting others “play” with it to
get a feel for it.

ON THE ROAD

You can do all the tasks you perform in your office while
you are on the road using your Versa V.

Creating as You Travel

You can plan your presentation, and organize your thoughts
on the way to the business meeting.

You can gather and record data as you travel, for example,
sales call information, site visit observations. Equipment
like bar code readers, digitized cameras, scanners, can
speed up the data-gathering process even more.

With the appropriate software, you can make sketches on­site of layouts, floor plans, etc.

You can write up your expense report on the way back from
the trip.

2-6 Using Your Versa

Organizing Yourself

Organize your itinerary, incorporating last-minute changes
as necessary. Check flight plans using an on-line service to
ensure your flights are on time.

Plan your meeting agenda enroute.
Take notes as you ride in a taxi or wait in an airport.
Gather information on site.

Communicating with Home

There are lots of ways to use remote messaging to stay in
touch with your office.

Using a Modem

Use a modem and fax software to fax your home office.
Record point-of-sale transactions and transfer the data

immediately back to your office through a telephone link.
E-mail your staff.

Using a Pager

Check flight information using an on-line information
service.

Call your office using VersaConnect and your cellular
phone.

With VersaPage™ (available in the U.S. only), a PCMCIA
pager option, you can send pages to reach fellow travelers
or the home office. If you have a page receiver, you can
also receive a paging message.

Using Your Versa 2-7

Using Global Positioning

With a global positioning system (GPS) PCMCIA device,
you can identify your exact position. This comes in handy
when you are managing a car or truck fleet and you want to
track the location of drivers.

Unwinding on the Road

Wile away long travel hours or simply unwind with the
following activities using your Versa V “companion.”

■ Play your favorite on-line games on your Versa V —

Solitaire, or others you have installed.

■ Take those on-line software tutorials you’ve been put-

ting off. Learn the finer points of applications you
use routinely.

■ Learn a new language using a software tutorial.

What to Take

The following are the things you should take with you when
you travel with your Versa.

■ Single-outlet surge protector

■ Long telephone extension cord and male-to-male coupler

■ AC adapter

■ Copy of proof of purchase for computer and other

■ Versa Series Quick Reference card

■ Customer support phone numbers for your software

■ AC extension cord

2-8 Using Your Versa

equipment for customs

Before You Leave

Here are some things to do before you leave home:

■ Back up your Versa’s hard disk

■ Put your system into Suspend or Standby mode so you

can quickly boot up at the airport security check

■ Fully charge all your batteries.

Tape your business card to your Versa, AC adapter,
and batteries.

Using Your Versa 2-9

3

Adding Options

You can add a number of options to your Versa V system.
This chapter describes procedures for adding the following
options:

■ PCMCIA cards

■ Modems

■ Memory expansion

■ Hard disk

■ Printer

■ External keyboard

■ External mouse

■ External monitor

■ Docking station

■ Port replicator.

NOTE: Some of the optional components may not
be available outside the U.S. Contact an authorized
NEC dealer for specific information.

PCMCIA CARDS

You can add various types of PCMCIA cards to your sys­tem. The Versa V system provides two PCMCIA slots in
which different kinds of PCMCIA cards can be installed.
Cards that are currently available include modem, network,
memory, SCSI, and storage cards.

Adding Options 3-1

The PCMCIA slots are located on the left side of the
system. The Versa's two slots are stacked. The primary
slot (slot 0) is on the bottom and the secondary slot (slot 1)
is on the top.

PCMCIA
Slots

PCMCIA
Card

PCMCIA slots

Inserting and Removing Cards

Inserting and removing a PCMCIA card is simple. Open the
slot cover and follow these steps.

1. Hold the card with the 68-pin connector pointing toward

the slot.

2. Slide the card into either slot. A double beep sounds to

let you know that it's fully inserted and recognized by the
system. (If you have elected to turn off the sound on
your Versa, the beeps do not sound.)

3. If you like, look for the CardView™ icon on the

Windows Program Manager. It shows which slot
contains a PCMCIA card and which slot is empty.

3-2 Adding Options

MODEMS

4. To remove the card, press the button on the side of the

slot. A double beep again sounds and the card is ejected.

You can leave the card in the slot for storage even though it
is disconnected from the system.

NOTE: Some cards draw power even when not in
use. Be sure the card is disconnected. CardView
should show an empty slot.

If you'd like to know more about PCMCIA cards and NEC
Versa series computers, see the Versa Series PCMCIA
User's Guide.

Using a modem and a phone line, you can communicate
using your Versa V — send faxes and E-mails, access
information services, transfer data.

Telephone Line Connections

Before you can connect the Versa V to a telephone line,
you must install a PCMCIA modem into the system. The
modem option comes with an adapter that provides a tele­phone cable jack.

TIP: PCMCIA modem connector adapters vary.
Refer to your modem card’s manual for specific
setup procedures.

Adding Options 3-3

Connecting a Phone Cable Only

To connect the modem’s telephone jack to a wall telephone
outlet, use a telephone cable with a modular (RJ11) connec­tor on both ends. You can buy telephone cables and any
other necessary accessories in computer stores or wherever
telephones are sold.

Follow these steps to connect your system to a phone line.

1. Insert the PCMCIA modem into one of the Versa’s

PCMCIA slots.

2. Connect the modem’s adapter to the PCMCIA modem.

3-4 Adding Options

Modem
Adapter

Connecting the adapter

3. Connect one end of the modular telephone cable to the

adapter’s telephone jack.

4. Connect the other end of the telephone cable to the wall

outlet (you might have to unplug the telephone if it is
plugged into the outlet).

Telephone
Jack

Connecting a Phone and a Versa V

To connect both your system and a telephone to the wall
outlet, use a dual-RJ11 connector. Use the following proce­dure to attach a dual-RJ11 connector.

Connecting to a telephone line

1. Insert the PCMCIA modem into one of the Versa V’s

PCMCIA slots.

2. Connect the modem’s adapter to the PCMCIA modem.

3. Connect the one end of a modular telephone cable to the

adapter’s telephone jack.

4. Connect the other end of the telephone cable to the single

jack on the dual-RJ11 connector.

5. Unplug the telephone cable from the wall outlet. Connect

the cable to one of the two available jacks of the dual­RJ11 connector and to the telephone.

Adding Options 3-5

6. Connect another telephone cable to the other available

jack of the dual-RJ11 connector and to the wall outlet.

Dual­Connector

Using a dual-RJ11 connector

TIP: When using a modem outside the U.S. and
Canada, you might need an international telephone
adapter. You can buy this at an electronics supply
store.

For more information on using the modem, see the guide
that came with the modem.

MEMORY EXPANSION

You can increase system memory by installing memory
cards in the Versa V. You can install any of the following
memory cards in the system.

■ 4-MB memory card

■ 8-MB memory card

■ 12-MB memory card

■ 16-MB memory card

3-6 Adding Options

Use the following steps to install a memory card.

1. Make sure the system power is off.

2. Remove the memory compartment cover from the

system by pressing down slightly and sliding it to the
right. Lift the cover off the system. Remove the disk
compartment cover by sliding it downward.

Memory
Compartment
Cover

Disk
Compartment
Cover

Removing covers

Adding Options 3-7

3. Install the memory card as follows.

■ Align the memory card connector with the connector

in the system.

■ Insert the card connector by sliding it into the system

connector. Press the card to make sure it is securely
seated.

3-8 Adding Options

Memory
Card

Inserting a memory card

4. Replace the disk compartment cover.

5. Replace the memory compartment cover.

6. Run Auto Setup to check the new configuration.

HARD DISK

You can increase the system's storage capacity by replacing
the standard hard disk.

Use the following procedure to replace the hard disk.

1. Check that the Versa power is off.

2. Remove the memory compartment cover from the

system by pressing down slightly and sliding it to the
right. Lift the cover off the system. Remove the disk
compartment cover by sliding it downward.

Memory
Compartment
Cover

Disk
Compartment
Cover

Compartment covers

Adding Options 3-9

3. Swing the pull handle down and pull the drive out of

the compartment.

Drive Lever

Drive lever

4. Insert the new drive by sliding it into the compartment.

3-10 Adding Options

Swing the pull handle up and press firmly to make sure
the drive is fully seated.

Hard
Disk

Installing a hard disk

5. Replace the disk compartment cover.

6. Replace the memory compartment cover.

7. Run Auto Setup to check the new configuration.

Adding Options 3-11

PRINTERS

You can install either a parallel printer or a serial printer to
connect with your Versa V.

Parallel Printer

To install a parallel printer you need a cable with a male
25-pin connector for the system and, for most parallel print­ers, a Centronics®-compatible 36-pin connector.

TIP: Be sure you have set up the printer correctly
before connecting it to your system. Follow the
setup instructions that came with the printer.

NOTE: Before you connect a printer be sure you
have installed the appropriate printer driver through
the Windows Control Panel.

To connect a parallel printer to your Versa V, do the
following.

1. Check that both the Versa and printer power are off.

2. Open the middle-rear cover of the system.

3. Attach the 25-pin printer cable connector to the printer

4. Attach the printer cable connector to the port on

3-12 Adding Options

port on the system. (The parallel printer port is the
fourth from the left.)

the printer.

5. Secure the printer cable as follows.

■ Secure the system connection with the screws

provided.

■ Lock the connector to the printer with the

connector clips.

Connector
Clips

Screws

Connecting a parallel printer

6. Connect the power cable to the printer.

7. Turn on power to the system and the printer.

TIP: Check that the printer is on line before you try
to print. See the instructions that came with your
printer for printing information.

Adding Options 3-13

Serial Printer

To install a serial printer, you need a cable with a female
9-pin connector.

NOTE: Before you connect a printer be sure you
have installed the appropriate printer driver through
the Windows Control Panel.

To connect a serial printer to your Versa V, do the
following.

1. Check that both the Versa and the printer power is off.

2. Open the left-rear port cover.

3. Connect the printer cable connector to the printer port on

the system. (The serial port is the third from the left.)

4. Attach the other end of the cable to the appropriate port

on the printer.

5. Secure the connections with the screws provided.

6. Connect the power cable to the printer.

7. Turn on power to the system and the printer.

NOTE: You can also use the serial port to connect
an external modem.

EXTERNAL KEYBOARD

You can add a full-size external keyboard to your Versa V
using the Plug and Play feature. To connect a PS/2-style
keyboard to the system, do the following.

3-14 Adding Options

1. Press the Suspend button on the Versa. Check that the

system is in Suspend mode.

CAUTION: Make sure the Versa power is in
Suspend mode whenever you add or remove the
keyboard. Doing so with the power on in Active
mode may damage the keyboard controller chip.

2. Open the left-rear cover of the system.

3. Connect the keyboard cable connector to the keyboard

port on the system. (The keyboard/mouse port is the
first one.)

Connecting an external keyboard

4. Press the Suspend button again to resume Active mode.

The system will immediately recognize the keyboard.

Adding Options 3-15

After you connect an external keyboard, you can use both
the built-in keyboard and external keyboard simultaneously.

NOTE: For instructions on connecting an external
keyboard to the docking station, see the

Series Docking Station User's Guide

EXTERNAL MOUSE

You can add an external mouse to your Versa V to use in
place of the VersaTrack ball for moving the pointer. Use
the following procedure to connect a PS/2-style mouse to
the system. The Plug and Play feature allows you to do this
with the system powered on, but in Suspend mode.

NOTE: For instructions on connecting an external
mouse to the docking station, see the

Docking Station User's Guide

Versa

.

Versa Series

.

1. Check that the Versa is in Suspend mode.

2. Open the left-rear cover of the system.

3-16 Adding Options

CAUTION: Make sure the Versa power is in Sus-
pend mode whenever you add or remove a mouse.
Doing so with the power on in Active mode may
damage the system.

3. Connect the mouse cable connector to the mouse port on

the system. (The keyboard/mouse port is the first one.)

Connecting an external mouse

4. Press the Suspend button again to resume Active mode

on the Versa.

NOTE: Connecting an external mouse automatically
disables the VersaTrack ball.

Adding Options 3-17

EXTERNAL MONITOR

You can add a standard external CRT monitor to your
Versa V using the Plug and Play feature. You need a
display signal cable, which is usually provided with the
monitor. One end of the cable must have a male 15-pin
connector for the system. (See the back of the Versa, behind
the left-rear cover for the monitor connector.)

NOTE: When you connect a monochrome VGA or
super VGA monitor to the color Versa, the built-in
color LCD displays in monochrome mode.

Follow these steps to connect an external monitor.

1. Check that the Versa is in Suspend mode and

the monitor power switch is turned off.

NOTE: The Versa power must be i n Suspend mode
while the monitor is being connected. If power re­mains Active, the Versa won’t recognize the new
display type, and Auto Setup can’t switch the active
screen from LCD to monitor.

2. Open the left-rear cover of the system.

3. Attach the 15-pin cable connector to the monitor port

3-18 Adding Options

on the system. (The monitor port is the second from
the left.)

4. Secure the cable connection with the screws provided on

the 15-pin connector.

Screws

Connecting a monitor

5. Connect the display power cable and plug it into a

wall socket.

6. Follow any setup instructions in the monitor manual.

7. Turn on power to the monitor.

8. Press the Suspend button to resume Active mode on the

Versa.

TIP: Each time you resume Active mode, be sure to
power on the external monitor before you resume
the Versa. Otherwise, the Versa won’t recognize the
new display type.

See the section on Function Keys in Chapter 1 for informa­tion about using both the LCD and CRT monitor.

Adding Options 3-19

DOCKING STATION

The Versa Docking Station is an option that lets you turn
your portable computer into a desktop or even a multimedia
station. It features expansion bays and slots, and extra ports
for connecting peripherals. See the Versa Series Docking
Station User's Guide for instructions on connecting the
Docking Station.

Expansion Bays

The Docking Station provides an internal bay for a hard
disk drive. Its three external bays let you install your choice
of floppy diskette, CD-ROM, or tape drives.

Versa Docking Station

Expansion Slots

The Docking Station also features two expansion slots for
sound boards, LAN cards, CD-ROM controller boards, or
video cards.

Ports

The Docking Station has a headphone port and a micro­phone port in addition to the mouse and keyboard ports.

3-20 Adding Options

PORT REPLICATOR

The Versa Port Replicator option provides you with the
convenience of a single-touch dock at your desk. With
your Versa V securely attached to a Port Replicator,
you can have one connection with all your peripheral
resources — printer, local network, monitor, mouse, and
keyboard — instead of five.

Port
Replicator

Versa Port Replicator

Ports

The Versa Port Replicator provides the following connector
ports:

■ Enhanced parallel port

■ Serial port

■ VGA CRT monitor (supports up to 256 colors at

1024 x 768)

■ PS/2-style mouse

■ PS/2-style keyboard/keypad

The Versa V has a combined mouse/keyboard port. The
Versa Port Replicator allows you to have separate mouse
and keyboard ports.

Adding Options 3-21

Understanding Power

4

WHAT IS POWER MANAGEMENT?

Default Settings

Management

Power Management is a set of features in the Versa V that
conserve battery power, maximize the life of your battery
pack and LCD backlight, and provide protection against
data loss due to low battery power.

You can set some features to function automatically or acti­vate them manually with the keyboard or a button.

Some people like to keep power management enabled, even
when using AC power to ensure privacy. Other people find
that having the Versa drop into Suspend mode frequently is
a nuisance. Adapt a style that fits your work habits.

The system arrives from the factory set up with many
power-saving features already enabled. See the following
table.

Automatic Power-Saving Features

DEFAULT

DEVICE

TIMEOUT COMMENT

LCD
backlight

Hard disk 1 min. Hard disk motor stops when hard

Serial port 4 sec. The serial port times out after the

Suspend 10 min. System enters Suspend mode.

2 min. Backlight is turned off after there is

no keyboard or trackball input for
the specified timeout.

disk is not accessed for specified
timeout.

specified time of system inactivity.

Understanding Power Management 4-1

You can change the timeout period for any of the devices
using Auto Setup. See “Using Auto Setup” in this guide.

Use the

Fn F7 key combination to set the power manage-

ment level. Low and High are preset. You can modify the
third level, Custom, for your specific working environment
using Auto Setup. Default values change depending on the
type of power management you use.

Power-Saving Modes

The Versa V has three different power consumption states:

■ Active mode

■ Local Stand-by mode

■ Suspend mode.

The system can switch automatically to Local Stand-by
and Suspend modes. This eliminates unnecessary power
consumption when you operate the system on battery power
or AC.

Active Mode

Active mode is when the system is fully active — all
components are turned on and active.

Local Stand-by Mode

Each major component of the system (the hard disk drive,
the LCD, input/output ports) may be individually timed to
turn off after a period of inactivity. This is known as Local
Stand-by mode.

Some components (such as the LCD) that have “timed out”
automatically reactivate, returning to Active mode when
you move the trackball, press a key, or when there is a
communication through an I/O port.

4-2 Understanding Power Management

If the notebook has been shut, the LCD comes back on and
the system returns to Active mode when it’s reopened.

Suspend Mode

Suspend mode is a power-saving mode that shuts down all
possible devices in the system while retaining data and sys­tem status.

The system resumes Active mode when you press the
suspend button or if an optional serial port modem detects a
ring. The system will not resume Active mode if a
PCMCIA modem detects a ring.

Press the suspend button to enter Suspend mode when you
need to be away from your system for a short period of time
and want to return to where you left off.

Suspend
Button

Suspend button

You can toggle between Suspend mode and Active mode.

Understanding Power Management 4-3

Smart Power Switch

The Smart Power Switch is an automatic feature that pre­vents you from accidentally powering off the Versa and
losing your data while your system is in Suspend mode. The
Smart Power Switch senses that the system is in Suspend
mode and becomes deactivated.

To power off the system from Suspend mode

1. Press the Suspend/Resume button to make the

system active.

2. Press the Power button to shut it off.

Automatic Suspend Mode Initiation

You can set your system to enter Suspend mode auto­matically after a specified number of minutes of system
inactivity.

You specify how long system is inactive before the system
enters Suspend mode. System activity includes any key­board, trackball, or finger touch, diskette or hard disk drive
access, PCMCIA modem, network, or LAN card, serial, or
printer port communications.

Resume Active mode by pressing the suspend button.
See Chapter 5 in this guide for information on how to set

system modes.

Power Management With a Docking Station

When the optional Versa Docking Station is connected,
power management is turned off, although the LCD still
shuts off after the timeout. See the Versa Docking Station
User’s Guide for more information on docking stations.

4-4 Understanding Power Management

PROLONGING BATTERY LIFE

Use the following guidelines to reduce power consumption
and prolong battery life.

■ Put the system in Suspend mode when you need to leave

the system for a short time but plan to resume working.
Suspend mode uses the least amount of battery power or
AC power, if you are using AC. In Suspend mode, all
operations stop temporarily.

Suspend mode lets you stop working and return to where
you left off.

■ Turn off the system when you are finished using it.

■ Close the Versa V notebook. When you close the note-

book, the LCD panel sensor automatically shuts off
the LCD.

■ Use the Fn F5 key combination or BACKLITE.EXE

to toggle the LCD backlight between standard and
full brightness.

■ Adjust the LCD brightness control to the lowest setting

that is comfortable for viewing.

■ Use the automatic hard disk power-saving function.

Set the timeout to power down the hard disk with
Auto Setup.

■ Use the Fn F8 key combination to turn off the hard disk

if you are not going to use it for awhile.

Understanding Power Management 4-5

5

AUTO SETUP

Using Auto Setup

Your Versa V comes with a hardware setup program called
Auto Setup that allows you to view and set system parame­ters. Auto Setup also includes security features that protect
your system from unauthorized use.

The system has two sets of internal settings: one mobile
and one docked. The mobile settings are used when the
system is on the move, away from a Docking Station. The
docked settings are used when the Versa V is connected to a
Docking Station. The sample screens in this chapter show
both kinds of setting configurations.

With Auto Setup you can modify the active configuration.
This chapter describes Auto Setup and the system parame-

ters you can set with it.

You can access the Auto Setup program at power-on
(you don’t need a diskette). Auto Setup detects current
system parameters automatically during the Power-On
Self-Test (POST).

Use Auto Setup

■ to set the time and date.

■ to check a hardware discrepancy when POST displays

an error message and prompts you to run Auto Setup.

■ to identify which parameter(s) changed. Auto Setup

indicates specific hardware changes with blinking double
carets (>>).

Using Auto Setup 5-1

■ to confirm that any optional memory you added is

installed correctly.

■ to customize your system.

How to Enter Auto Setup

When it is enabled, (it comes that way from the factory),
you can access Auto Setup at power-on, when the cursor
changes to a block character (❚).

The following sections describe how to enter Auto Setup no
matter what the message at POST.

With an Error at POST

If an Invalid Configuration message prompts you to “Press
F1 to run Auto Setup” during POST, simply press
the prompt.

F1 at

After you press
is collecting Auto Setup data. Then it displays an error
message regarding changes found in the current parameter
settings. Press

After you press Enter, Auto Setup displays windows that
indicate the detected hardware changes. For information
about using Auto Setup, see “How to Use Auto Setup.”

With No Error at POST

To enter Auto Setup when no error message is displayed
during POST, press
test and while the cursor is a large block.

After you press
ing that it is collecting Auto Setup data. After the message,
the Auto Setup Summary screen appears. The summary
screen displays the current hardware parameters of
your computer.

5-2 Using Auto Setup

F1, the system displays a message that it

Enter to check these settings.

F1 after POST displays the memory

F1, the system displays a message indicat-

See “How to Use Auto Setup” for information about using
Auto Setup.

Auto Setup Summary

Exit Comms Drives Keyboard Power System Time/Date about

System RAM: 4.00 MB

Current Extended RAM: 3.00 MB
Previous Extended RAM: 3.00 MB

Power Management: High

Diskette Drive A: 1.44 MB - 3.5″
Diskette Drive B: Not Installed

Hard Disk Drive1: BIOS Defined Type 18*
Hard Disk Drive 2: Not Installed

Auto Setup Summary screen

How to Use Auto Setup

The following sections describe the menu areas, keys, and
procedures you use in Auto Setup for checking and chang­ing system parameters.

Looking at the Screen

Auto Setup screens have three main areas of information:

■ Menu bar — top line of the screen. This line contains

user-selectable menu options.

*220 MB hard drive is type 18.
340 MB hard drive is type 20.

Using Auto Setup 5-3

■ Parameter list — middle of the screen. This list provides

current parameter information. Selecting a parameter
from the list (using the menu bar) opens a pop-up
window. That window may display another window
with a list of selectable parameter settings.

■ Key status line — bottom line of the screen. This line

displays the keys that you can use to move the cursor or
to select a particular function, such as saving parameters
and exiting the menu.

Using Key Functions

The following table provides a quick reference to key func­tions that you can use in Auto Setup.

Auto Setup Quick Reference

KEY WHAT IT DOES
Tab Moves the cursor to another field in the menu. For

example, pressing Tab moves the cursor up or
down a list of current parameters.

Highlighted character Selects the menu bar option or parameter with the

highlighted letter.
Alt and Opens a window with a list of parameter settings.
or Moves the cursor up or down a list of parameter

settings.
Esc Exits a parameter window without changing

parameter settings.
C Saves parameter changes and closes a parameter

window. Also opens the Auto Setup Comms menu

on the main screen.
Enter Saves parameter changes and closes a parameter

window.

5-4 Using Auto Setup

Checking/Setting System Parameters

If it finds no error condition, Auto Setup starts at the
summary screen. If there is an error condition, Auto Setup
displays the discrepancy in the appropriate parameter
window.

Use the following steps to view or change system
parameters.

See “System Parameter Options” later in this chapter for a
description of all parameter options and their settings.

1. If there is an error condition, go to step 2. Otherwise,

select a parameter menu for the menu bar by simultane­ously pressing

Alt and the highlighted character in the

menu name.
For example, to select “Drives,” press

Alt-D. A window

appears with a parameter menu and the current setting
for each parameter. Continue to step 3.

2. If you entered Auto Setup with an error condition,

blinking double carets (

>>) identify the changed

parameter(s). You can do one of the following:

■ accept the change(s) by pressing Enter and return to

the Auto Setup Summary screen. Continue to step 7.

■ check other settings for the changed parameter by

continuing to the next step.

3. Position the cursor on the parameter that you wish to

view by pressing

4. View the parameter settings by simultaneously pressing

Alt and the down arrow ( ).

Tab or the arrows.

A window appears with a list of parameter settings.

Using Auto Setup 5-5

5. Select a setting as follows.

Press

or to position your cursor on the parameter

setting.
Press

Enter to select the new setting. Auto Setup rec-

ords the change, exits the window, and returns you to
the parameter window.

6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 to set parameters in the same

parameter menu.
When you are through viewing and setting parameters

within the parameter menu, press

Enter or C to record

any parameter changes, close the window, and return to
the Auto Setup Summary screen.

To return to the summary screen without saving
changes, press

7. When you are through viewing or changing parameters,
X to select Exit in the menu bar. The screen dis-

press

Esc.

plays a list of options.

8. Use to select “Exit and Save Changes” and press

Enter. The screen displays a prompt requesting

confirmation that you wish to exit.

9. Press Enter to confirm your selection. The system

reboots with the saved changes.

SYSTEM PARAMETER OPTIONS

This section provides descriptions of the available
parameter options in Auto Setup. Refer to the following
table for a quick reference list of parameters and their
factory default settings in the mobile mode.

You can select default nonvolatile memory (complementary
metal oxide semiconductor = CMOS) settings as an
option in Auto Setup if you have trouble setting specific
parameters.

5-6 Using Auto Setup

System Parameter Options

MENU/PARAMETER DEFAULT SETTING
Comms

Serial Port
Parallel Port
Parallel Port Mode

Drives
Diskette Drive A
Diskette Drive B
Hard Disk Drive 1
Hard Disk Drive 2
IDE Hard Disk Drive Interface
Diskette Boot

Keyboard
Typematic Rate
NumLock Status
System Password
Keyboard Lock Hot Keys

Power
Power Management
Power Management under AC
Slow CPU Speed When Idle
Backlight
Highlight
Suspend Warning Tone
Resume on Serial Port Ring
Resume on Time of Day

3F8h-3FFh/IRQ4 (COM)
378h-37Fh/IRQ7 (LPT1)
Unidirectional

Internal 1.44 MB — 3.5”
Not installed
BIOS defined
Not installed
Internal only
Enable

Normal
NumLock Off
Disable
Disable

High
Disable
Enable
Full
Full
Enable
Disable
Disable

System
Quick Boot
Setup Lock

Time/Date
Time
Date

Disable
Disable

—
—

Using Auto Setup 5-7

Comms

The Comms option (Alt-C) lets you check or change
settings for the following system communication ports:

■ Serial port

■ Parallel port.

Comms lets you change the input/output (I/O) address for
the serial and parallel ports. Change the default address and
interrupt level only if there is a conflict between optional
board settings. Comms also allows you to set the mode of
the parallel port.

NOTE: Use the default settings whenever possible.
Change these settings only if your system condi­tions require different settings.

For system security, you can disable a port entirely by
selecting the “Disable” setting. This prevents unauthorized
data transfer through the port.

Drives

The Drives option (Alt-D) lets you check or change
parameters for your diskette drives and hard disk, including
security features.

Unless you are connecting the Versa V to a Docking Station
equipped with additional diskette drives or hard drives, you
do not need to change Diskette Drive or Hard Disk Drive
parameter settings. If you install another hard disk drive
type, you need to enter Auto Setup to accept the new sys­tem configuration.

5-8 Using Auto Setup

Keyboard

Drive options include the following:

■ IDE Hard Disk Interface

Allows you to select the internal IDE controller, the
docking station’s IDE controller if the system is docked,
or to disable the interface completely.

■ Diskette Boot

Lets you specify from which drive you would like the
system to boot. When disabled, prevents boot-up from
the diskette drive. When enabled, allows start-up from
the diskette drive. If a diskette is not inserted in drive A
or drive A isn’t installed, the system defaults to drive C.

The Keyboard option (Alt-K) lets you check or change key­board parameters and set password options. The following
information describes the parameters.

■ Typematic Rate

The typematic rate is the speed at which a key repeats it­self when you press the key. Use this parameter to
change the rate to suit your typing speed.

■ Numlock Boot Status

This controls the Numlock key status at power-on.
When set to “Numlock Off” (the default), this parameter
disables the Numeric Keypad mode at power-on. Set this
parameter to “Numlock On” to enable the Numeric
Keypad mode at power-on.

■ System Password

You can use this parameter to enable and set a system
password for system security. The system password
protects your data by allowing your system to boot only
after you enter a password. You are not prompted for a
password until you set an initial password.

Once you set a system password, you can enable the
keyboard lock hot keys.

Using Auto Setup 5-9

To set and use a system password, see “System Pass­word” later in this chapter.

■ Keyboard Lock Hot Keys

This parameter offers a security feature after you set a
system password.

After you select a hot key sequence, you can lock your
keyboard, mouse, or trackball at any time, using any
operating system, by executing the hot key sequence.
Your keyboard, mouse, or trackball remain locked until
you enter the system password.

For information about selecting and using keyboard lock
hot keys, see “Keyboard Lock Hot Keys.”

NOTE: Select your hot keys carefully to prevent
locking your keyboard unintentionally. See
“Keyboard Lock Hot Keys” for guidelines on choos­ing hot keys.

Power

The Power option (Alt-P) lets you select the level of power
management, suspend mode, and suspend/resume options.

■ Power Management

5-10 Using Auto Setup

The Versa V’s ability to manage power can be set to
high, low, or turned off completely. A “High” setting
provides maximum power saving. “Low” sets minimal
savings and “Off” disables all power management
timers. You can also customize the system’s power
management by entering values for the following
timeouts:

 Automatic Suspend
 Hard Disk Timer

 Serial Timer
 LCD Panel Timer.

■ Power Management under AC

Normally, whenever AC power is connected to the
Versa, power management is disabled. If you enable this
option, the system uses the power management mode
(high, custom, low, or off) you set using the Power
Management option.

■ Suspend Mode

Suspend mode has a method of operation called
Suspend/Resume that stores information in RAM
and maintains RAM contents after shutting down all
local devices.

■ Slow CPU Speed

This option automatically slows the CPU speed when the
system is idle.

■ BackLight

Use this option to set the backlight to either standard or
full. Using the lower setting, “standard”, saves power.

■ HighLight

Use this option to set the character brightness to either
standard or full. Using the lower setting, “standard”,
saves power.

■ Suspend Warning Tone

This option lets you enable or disable a warning tone
when Suspend/Resume starts. It is best to keep this op­tion enabled.

Using Auto Setup 5-11

System

The System option (Alt-S) lets you set the following system
parameters.

■ Quick Boot

■ Setup Lock

The Quick Boot option removes certain tests from POST to
reduce the time needed to boot the system.

The Setup Lock option is a security feature which, when set
to disable, keeps unauthorized users from changing system
parameters at power on.

NOTE: To enable Auto Setup after disabling it, you
must use the ENABLACU.EXE utility. At the MS­DOS prompt, type enablacu. Turn the system off
and back on again. Press F1 in enter Auto Setup.

Time/Date

Use this option (Alt-T) to set the current time and date. The
settings remain in memory even after you turn off system
power.

To set the time, enter the current hour, minute, and second
in hh:mm:ss, 24-hour format. For example, type
for 1:30 p.m.

To set the date, enter the current day, month, and year in
dd/mm/yyyy format.

5-12 Using Auto Setup

13:30:00

TIP: When setting the time and date, enter preced-
ing zeroes. For example, to enter 9:20 a.m. and
February 4, 1994, type 09:20:00 and 02/04/1994.

SECURITY OPTIONS

Your system supports the following options for system
security:

■ system password

■ keyboard lock hot keys.

System Password

The system password protects your data by allowing your
system to boot only after you enter a password.

When a system password is set, you must enter the pass­word before you can enter Auto Setup. This feature allows
only an authorized user to change system parameters.

You are not prompted to enter a password until you set an
initial password. Your system is not protected until you
enter the initial password.

Use the following procedures to set and use your system
password.

Setting an Initial System Password

Set an initial password as follows.

1. Select the Keyboard option (Alt-K) in Auto Setup.

2. Select “System Password” on the Keyboard settings

menu.

3. Select “Enter and Enable.”

4. At the prompt, enter a password up to seven characters

long. Another window appears with a prompt to reenter
your password for verification. Write your password
down and keep it in a secure place in case you forget it.

5. Reenter you password. Auto Setup returns you to the

Keyboard settings menu.

Using Auto Setup 5-13

6. Save your changes and return to the initial summary

screen.

7. Save the changes and exit Auto Setup.

NOTE: Once you set a system password, you can-
not edit or disable it in Auto Setup. If you want to
change or remove it, see “Removing/Replacing a
Password” in this chapter.

The next section tells you how to use your system
password.

Using the System Password

After you set your password for the first time and reboot the
Versa, a password prompt appears each time you power on
your system. The password prompt is a key icon (

The key icon appears after POST completes.

).

To use your password, boot the system by turning the
power off and then on again. At the password prompt
(
your operating system or to enter Setup.

5-14 Using Auto Setup

NOTE: If a system password is set, you can’t enter
Auto Setup until you enter the password.

), enter your password and press Enter to load

NOTE: For security , the characters you enter do not
appear on your screen. Enter your password care­fully. The password is case sensitive, which means
uppercase and lowercase letters are seen as distinct.

If you enter the password incorrectly, your system will not
boot. You have three chances to enter the correct password.
After the third unsuccessful attempt, you must power off
your system and try again.

Removing/Replacing a Password

You can remove a password and you can replace a current
password with a new one.

■ To remove a password, at the password prompt

type your current password and a slash in the following
format:

current password/

Press

Enter. Your password clears and you are no

longer prompted to enter one when you power on
the system.

■ To replace your current password with a new one, at the

password prompt type your current password, a slash,
and your new password in the following format:

current password/new password

Enter. Your password changes to the new pass-

Press
word. The next time you power on and enter the new
password, the operating system loads.

NOTE: Enter your new password carefully. If you
make a mistake, you cannot change the password
again without powering off and starting over.

Using Auto Setup 5-15

Keyboard Lock Hot Keys

This feature lets you use a key sequence to lock your key­board. This key sequence (up to three keys) can be used at
any time or while in any application program. You must
have a system password to use this feature. (See “Setting an
Initial Password”.)

Valid Keys

The following are valid hot keys:

■ All keys on the typewriter key area of your keyboard

including
 Ctrl, Alt, Caps, Lock, Tab, left Shift, right Shift,

Enter, and Backspace

 “Lowercase” keys
 punctuation, brackets, and slashes
 numbers 0 through 9 (excluding the numeric

keypad)

■ Esc key

■ all function keys (F1 through F12).

Invalid Keys

The following keys are invalid hot keys:

■ Numeric keypad keys

■ Arrow keys

■ “Uppercase” keys

■ Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause keys

■ Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, and Page

Before you select a key sequence, review the guidelines in
the next section.

5-16 Using Auto Setup

Down keys.

Selecting Hot Keys

It is extremely important to choose your hot keys within the
parameters described in this section. To prevent locking
your keyboard unintentionally, select your hot-key sequence
as follows:

■ Use a different key sequence than your system password.

■ Avoid key sequences that are used by your operating

system and commonly used applications.

■ Avoid key sequences that contain all alphanumeric

characters.
Use non-printable keys such as the Ctrl key or Function

keys to start your key sequence. This helps eliminate
accidental lockout by the use of commonly typed charac­ter sequences.

For example, if you select “ste” as your hot keys, your
keyboard locks every time you type “system.”

■ Avoid a one-key sequence.

Setting Your Hot Keys

Use the following procedure to set your hot keys.

1. If you don't have a system password, set one (see

“Setting an Initial System Password”).

2. Select “Keyboard” (Ctrl-K) from the menu bar.

3. Select “Keyboard Lock Hot Keys” on the Keyboard

Settings menu.

4. Select “Enable and Disable.” A window opens with a

prompt to enter up to three keys.

Using Auto Setup 5-17

5. Type up to a three-key sequence (see “Selecting

Hot Keys”).
When you are through entering your hot keys, press

to save them.

6. Save the changes and exit Auto Setup.

Using Your Hot Keys

To use your keyboard lock hot keys, simply type them when
you want to lock your keyboard. The first two keystrokes
appear on your screen, if they are printable keys. The third
keystroke does not appear.

To unlock your keyboard, enter your system password.
If you have a problem with the keyboard lock hot keys,

disable them or set new hot keys using “Keyboard Lock
Hot Keys” from the Auto Setup Keyboard menu. You must
first disable the system password and reboot the system.

End

5-18 Using Auto Setup

6

PROBLEM CHECKLIST

Problem Solving

The Versa V has a built-in checking program that automati­cally tests its components when you turn the system power
on. This diagnostic test is called the Power-On Self-Test
(POST). If the system finds a problem during the POST,
the system displays an error message. If this happens, fol­low the instructions in the POST error message table later
in this chapter.

Read through this chapter to familiarize yourself with what
to do if you encounter a problem.

If the screen is blank, the instructions do not help, or an
error message does not appear, use the information in this
chapter to determine and fix the problem. The problem is
often one you can solve yourself.

First check the items in the following list. If these items do
not help, see the table that follows the list.

■ Power is on to the computer.

■ The electrical outlet to which your AC adapter is

connected is working. Test the outlet by plugging in a
lamp or other electrical device.

■ All cables are tightly connected.

■ The display setting is configured correctly.

■ The display's brightness and contrast controls are

adjusted properly.

Problem Solving 6-1

■ If you do not have the AC adapter connected, check that

the battery pack is properly inserted and fully charged.

■ System parameters are set correctly through Auto Setup

for your hardware configuration.

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM WHAT TO DO
The system does not

power on

If you have the AC adapter attached, check that

LCD screen is dark

and blank

Brightness and contrast controls need adjustment.

The system entered Suspend mode due to low

Battery power does not

last long

If you are operating the system with battery power,
check that the battery pack is correctly inserted.
Attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery.

the electrical outlet you are using works.

Power-saving mode has shut off the backlight.
Press any key, Fn F5, or use the suspend button.
The built-in LCD may not be selected. Press

once or twice.

Fn F3

Adjust the controls. Power-saving mode has shut
off the backlight. Press any key, Fn F5, or use the
suspend button.

battery power. Plug in the AC adapter or replace
the battery pack, then press the suspend button to
resume operation.

Use power-saving modes.
Recharge the battery pack fully. If this doesn’t

work, use the Discharge utility (dcharge
replace the battery pack, then press the suspend
button to resume operation.

) or

Information on the LCD

screen is difficult to see

6-2 Problem Solving

Adjust the brightness and contrast controls.

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM WHAT TO DO
An optional component

does not work

The suspend button

does not work

The docking station might be connected to the

System BIOS cannot be

reprogrammed

Make sure the component is securely installed
or connected. Verify that the system parameter for
the I/O port configuration is set correctly in Auto
Setup.

A disk drive might be busy. Wait until the disk drive
stops and try again.

Versa. Some power management functions do not
work when the docking station is connected.

System Configuration switch 1 may be in the up
position. Move switch 1 down and retry flashing a
BIOS.

The docking station might be connected to the
Versa. You cannot reprogram System BIOS when
the docking station is connected.

START-UP PROBLEMS

The system displays an invalid configuration error message
at power on when there are the following conditions:

■ current configuration information does not match con-

figuration information stored in Auto Setup, such as
when an internal option is added.

■ the system loses configuration information.

■ the lithium battery for the CMOS is depleted.

If any of these conditions is true, the system displays an
“invalid configuration information” message.

To continue start-up procedures, press

F1 and run Auto

Setup to set current system parameters.

Problem Solving 6-3

If an error message appears before the operating system
starts, look up the error message in the following table.
Follow the instructions. If you see other error messages, the
hardware might need repair.

NOTE: When the Versa detects an error related to
display devices, it cannot display on either the LCD
or a CRT. The system warns you by beeping.

POST Error Messages

MESSAGE WHAT TO DO
Diskette drive n failure Drive n does not work or is not properly

connected. (
drives A and B.)

n

is 0 or 1. Drives 0 and 1 refer to

Diskette read failure — Remove the diskette from

No boot device available

— press F1 to run Auto
Setup

Invalid configuration

information — run
Setup program

Check that drive
power is on.

Press F1 to start Auto Setup to check the diskette
drive parameters.

If there’s still a problem, drive

drive A and press F1 to run Auto Setup. Press any
other key to retry boot, or start the system from
the hard disk.

Or, insert a bootable disk in drive A and press F1.

Press F1 to start Auto Setup. Change the hard
disk type to the correct setting. Exit and save
Auto Setup.

One or more system configuration parameters
are not properly set. Start Auto Setup, set
them correctly, and exit and save to update
the parameters.

Replace the CMOS lithium battery.

n

is securely connected and

n

might need repair.

6-4 Problem Solving

POST Error Messages

MESSAGE WHAT TO DO
Real time clock

failure

Replace the internal CMOS lithium battery.

Time-of-day not set —

Run Setup program

Fixed disk

configuration error

Fixed disk failure

Fixed disk controller

failure

Check to see if the hard disk connector is seated

Set time and date using Auto Setup. Exit and save
to update the parameters.

Set the time and date using Auto Setup. Exit and
save Setup to update the parameters.

Start Auto Setup. Exit and save to update the
parameters. Check to see if the hard disk
connector is seated properly. If there is still a
problem, the hard disk might need repair.

Press F1 to start Auto Setup. Exit and save to
update the parameters. Check to see if the hard
disk connector is seated properly. If there is still
a problem, the hard disk might need repair.

Press F1 to start Auto Setup. Exit and save to
update the parameters.

properly.
The hard disk controller does not work and might

need repair.

Keyboard clock line

failure

Keyboard data line failure Have the keyboard repaired.

Keyboard controller failure Have the keyboard repaired.

Have the keyboard repaired.

Problem Solving 6-5

POST Error Messages

MESSAGE WHAT TO DO
Keyboard stuck

key failure

A key is jammed. Remove any obstruction
you find.

You may have repeatedly pressed the F1 key
when trying to enter Auto Setup.

If the error message remains, you may have to
have the keyboard repaired.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

If you have a problem with your computer, first review the
checklist and troubleshooting table in the previous section.

If you still have a problem, call the NEC Technical Support
Center (TSC), toll free, at 1-800-632-4525. Direct technical
assistance is available Monday through Friday, between
8:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. eastern time.

Your system is supplied with remote diagnostic software. If
you bought a modem to use with your system, a TSC tech­nician may be able to diagnose the system remotely.

Direct Technical Support

When TSC receives a call from you, a technician attempts
to diagnose your problem over the telephone. The technician
determines if your problem requires troubleshooting your
system remotely with the Remote Support Session software
that comes on your NEC Hardware Utilities diskette.

6-6 Problem Solving

Remote Technical Support

With Remote Support Session, the technician can diagnose
your system from a TSC computer. To use this utility,
you must connect your modem to a telephone line. (See
“Connecting Phone Lines” in Chapter 3.)

If the Remote Support Session software is required, the
technician asks you for your phone number and helps you
to prepare your system for remote support.

Follow these steps to prepare your system for remote sup­port. You must have a modem installed in the system and
connected to a telephone line.

1. With the system power off, insert the NEC Hardware

Utilities diskette into the diskette drive.

2. Turn on the system power. A menu appears.

3. Type 2 to select “Remote Support Session.” Your screen

displays “Wait Dial-In Set” and a message indicating
that the system is waiting for the remote dial-in.

TIP: Do not touch your keyboard while waiting
for the remote dial-in. You may interfere with the
remote connection.

To cancel the remote dial-in, remove the diskette and simul­taneously press

Ctrl-Alt-Del.

Problem Solving 6-7

Features

Remote Support Session has the following features:

■ The remote screen (technician's screen) looks like your

computer's screen.

■ The technician can access data, run and control applica-

tions on your system, and print reports using the remote
keyboard and mouse. Or the technician can simply
observe your computer’s operations.

■ You can simultaneously view what the technician sees

on the remote screen.

■ The technician can view your keystrokes and whatever

appears on your screen.

6-8 Problem Solving

7

If You Need Help

The NEC Customer Service & Support (CS&S)
organization provides high quality technical service and
support for all NEC products. CS&S offers many programs
and options from which to choose to keep your NEC Versa
V working at peak performance.

Warranty information and resources outlined in this chapter
apply if you purchased your system in the United States or
Canada. The 800 phone numbers noted in this chapter let
you call NEC free of charge from locations in the U.S. and
Canada. Other numbers noted in this chapter can be used by
NEC users throughout the world to access technical infor­mation. (Local/international telephone charges apply to
these calls.)

If you purchased your system outside of the United States
or Canada, check with your local dealer and NEC subsidi­ary for details about warranty coverage and service.

These resources include:

■ UltraCare

program for the Versa family

®

— industry-leading warranty service

■ A network of authorized service centers located

throughout the U.S. and Canada

■ NEC’s own factory repair depots

■ Automated self-help technical support services.

If You Need Help 7-1

NEC products carry some of the industry’s leading
warranties. Your Versa V is backed by a 3-year limited
warranty. NEC warrants its products to be free from
defects in material and workmanship and agrees to repair
or replace any part of the products that proves defective
under the warranty terms and conditions.

This means that anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, your
Versa V is covered — no matter what the problem — by
the NEC warranty.

If you are enrolled in UltraCare, your Versa V is covered
anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, and in 26 other countries.

For more information on what components your warranty
does and does not cover, review the Limited Warranty
Statement. The statement is packed with the Versa V
product registration materials.

The warranty covers only NECTECH-supplied components.
Service required as a result of third-party components is not
covered under this warranty.

Repair service and technical support for the Versa V can be
obtained from any of the following sources:

■ UltraCare

■ Your reseller

■ Directly from NEC.

UltraCare SUPPORT

UltraCare is NEC’s warranty service program for the Versa
Series. UltraCare eliminates the hassles involved in getting
your Versa repaired, if needed.

UltraCare offers the following benefits at no charge for the
first year:

■ Coverage in the U.S., Canada, and 26 other countries.

7-2 If You Need Help

■ Toll-free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the

U.S. and Canada.

■ Free overnight courier pick up and return.

■ Repair service within one business day (U.S. and

Canada) or two business days (internationally).

■ Virus detection and customer notification.

■ Option to extend UltraCare coverage.

To enroll in UltraCare, complete the warranty registration
program hotloaded on your hard drive and return the regis­tration either by mail or fax. UltraCare coverage is free
for the first year. For coverage after the first year, you can
purchase UltraCare for the second and third years of your
Versa V warranty.

Without UltraCare, your Versa V is covered by NEC’s
standard limited 3-year warranty. Warranty repair service is
provided by your local authorized reseller or NEC’s factory
repair depot.

When you enroll in UltraCare, NEC sends you a package of
registration materials within 30 days. The materials include
a registration decal to attach to your system, a special toll­free number for UltraCare customers only, and details
about using the program.

SUPPORT FROM THE NEC RESELLER

Your NEC reseller is prepared to provide technical and
service support. The reseller should have a thorough under­standing of how your NEC product is set up and operates.

NEC resellers receive special training and are equipped to
resolve most hardware and software questions that you may
have. Nearly all resellers have trained technicians on their
staff to make most repairs in a timely manner.

If You Need Help 7-3

Depending on your needs, the reseller can provide support
via telephone, fax, electronic bulletin board, or in person.
If you feel that the reseller made every effort to solve
the problem but was unable to do so, contact NEC directly
for support.

SUPPORT FROM NEC

NEC is ready to support you in operating and maintaining
your NEC system. If you need support, NEC suggests that
you use the following services in the order presented.

1. NEC FastFacts: An automated electronic service

that offers the latest technical information about all
our products.

2. NEC Bulletin Board Service: An electronic bulletin

board service that provides facilities for downloading
BIOS updates, print utilities, drivers and more.
(This service requires that you use a modem with
your system.)

3. NEC Technical Support: Toll-free support for help in

4. NEC Customer Service Response Center: An organiza-

NEC FastFacts

FastFacts is the NEC Technologies’ automated response
system that provides free technical information whenever
you need it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply call
FastFacts from a touch-tone phone. Listen to the instruc­tions and order the documents you need or a list of available
documents and catalogs.

Placing an order takes only minutes and the information
goes directly to your fax machine.

7-4 If You Need Help

diagnosing and resolving technical hardware problems.

tion that provides help with hardware service and repair,
warranty issues, and customer service problems.

Reach FastFacts by dialing:

■ 1-800-366-0476 (U.S. and Canada)

■ 1-708-860-9500 x2621 (International).

FastFacts contains the following information:

■ Product brochures

■ Technical information bulletins, including:

 Installation procedures
 Quick reference guides
 Troubleshooting information.

NEC Bulletin Board System

The NEC Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS) is
available to all customers free of charge. If you dial us
directly at [phone], your only expense is the
cost of the phone call. The BBS is also accessible through
CompuServe for customers who are already members. The
CompuServe password is “GO NECTECH.”

The BBS provides the most up-to-date service tips, drivers,
BIOS updates and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. You have access to information developed by our
technical support team to ensure superior operation of your
NEC system.

What is the BBS?

The BBS is a remote database containing files devoted to
enhancing the maintenance and functionality of NEC’s
products. It is a non-commercial system and its services
are organized into straightforward menus that include:

If You Need Help 7-5

■ A Message Menu containing an interactive e-mail

network that lets you leave messages for members of
the NEC support staff and correspond with other
BBS members.

■ A Bulletin Menu that contains online help, important

NEC Technologies’ phone numbers, and a selection of
useful files and utilities available for downloading.
These files include:

 BIOS update files
 Driver files for CD-ROMs, video boards, and

printers

 Replacement set-up disks.

■ A Door Menu that makes it possible to run external

programs online.

How Do You Use the BBS?

To access the BBS, you need a computer, modem, and
communications software. The communications software
allows you to transfer files (download or upload) through
the modem to and from a remote system.

If the phone you are using with your modem has call­waiting, disable it while using the modem. The beep that
signals another call can be interpreted by the system as a
break signal and result in a disconnect.

To contact the BBS, dial [phone]. The first time
you access the BBS, you must supply your name, address,
and telephone number to create your password. For security
purposes, you are also asked for personal information that
only you would know. The next time you log in, you only
need to give your name and password to access the system.

7-6 If You Need Help

BBS communication parameters are as follows:

■ Baud rate — 2400 to 9600 bps

■ Parity — none

■ Data bits — 8

■ Stop bits — 1.

NEC Technical Support

NEC offers a free technical support service to use if you
have a technical problem that cannot be resolved by your
dealer. NEC’s technical support can help you with ques­tions about software and hardware compatibility, operating
system software issues, and using the products.

Call 1-800-632-4525, Monday through Friday, between
8:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

NEC Customer Service Response Center

If the need arises, the NEC Customer Service Response
Center (CSRC) can help you with alternatives for servicing
and repairing your NEC product. The CSRC also provides
general information, handles call routing, and resolves any
warranty issues and customer complaints.

Call the CSRC at 1-800-632-4525, Monday through
Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., EST.

The NEC service and repair network includes the following:

■ 250 premier level TotalService Preferred servicers

■ 1350 NEC Authorized Service Centers (NASC)

■ Mail-in to an NEC repair depot (for warranty and out-

of-warranty products).

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MAIL-IN SERVICE

NEC provides an optional mail-in repair service in
circumstances that preclude the use of UltraCare, a local
authorized dealer, or if the warranty has expired. You can
mail your NEC product to one of four repair depots located
across the U.S. and Canada. Arrange for mail-in service
through the CSRC at 1-800-632-4525.

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

Maintenance contracts are available for servicing products
after their warranties expire. The contract continues the
same high-quality service available during the warranty
period. (See the section on UltraCare earlier in this chapter
for information about NEC’s industry-leading warranty
service program.)

You can buy maintenance contracts through NEC’s Service
Telemarketing Department. Call 1-800-632-4525. Pricing
depends on the product and your location.

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