Wistron MS2146, MS2146BG Users Manual

Notebook Computer

User’s guide

Copyright © 2003
All Rights Reserved

Notebook Computer User’s guide
Original Issue: August 2003

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any
person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or
supplementary documents and publications. This company makes no representations or warranties, either
expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in the space
provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to your computer.
All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and purchase
information.

Notebook Computer

Model Number : __________________________________

Serial Number:____________________________________

Purchase Date: ___________________________________

Place of Purchase: ________________________________

All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective companies.

Contents iii

Preface vii

Connecting the computer vii
Care and maintenance ix

1 Getting familiar with your computer 1

A tour of your computer 3

Top view 3
Front view 5
Left view 6
Right view 7
Rear view 7

Bottom view 9
Features 10
Display 12
Indicators 13
Keyboard 15

Special keys 15

Keyboard ergonomics 20
Touchpad 21

Launch keys 23
Storage 25

Hard disk 25

Optical drive 25
Connectivity options 28

Ethernet and LAN 28

Fax/data modem 28

Optional wireless communication 30

Fast infrared 31
Audio 32

AV control panel 33
Securing your computer 37

Security notch 37

Passwords 37

2 Operating on battery power 39

Battery pack 41

Battery pack characteristics 41

Installing and removing the battery pack 42

Charging the battery 43

Checking the battery level 44

Optimizing battery life 44

Battery-low warning 45

Power management 45

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface 46

3 Peripherals and options 47

External monitor 49

Using simultaneous display 49
S-video 50
External keyboard 51
External pointing device 52
Printer 53
Audio devices 54
PC Card 55

PC Card slot 55
USB devices 57
IEEE 1394 devices 58
Miscellaneous options 59

Additional power packs 59
Key component upgrades 60

Memory upgrade 60

Hard disk upgrade 60

4 Moving with your computer 61

Disconnecting from the desktop 63
Moving around 63

Preparing the computer 63

What to bring to short meetings 63

What to bring to long meetings 63
Taking the computer home 63

Preparing the computer 64

What to bring with you 64

Special considerations 64

Setting up a home office 64
Traveling with the computer 65

Preparing the computer 65

What to bring with you 65

Special considerations 65
Traveling internationally with the computer 65

Preparing the computer 65

What to bring with you 66

Special considerations 66

Contentsiv

5 Software 67

System software 69
Launch Manager 70
BIOS Utility 71

Security 72
Exit 75

6 Troubleshooting 77

Frequently-asked questions 79
Error messages 82

A Specifications 87

B Notices 93

Index 101

v

Contentsvi

Preface

This notebook computer incorporates such features as CardBus, internal pointing
device, IEEE 1394, and Universal Serial Bus in an portable package.
This manual should answer most of the questions you have about the day-to-day
operation of your notebook computer.
You should also take advantage of the online help files that are available with
almost all of the programs shipped with your computer.
We hope you enjoy your notebook computer. With proper care, your computer
will provide you with years of productive service.

Connecting the computer

Connecting the computer is as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Insert the battery at an angle (1); press gently on the battery (2) until it click
into place. Then slide the lock/unlock latch into the lock position (3).

vii

Note: When using a battery pack for the first time, fully recharge the battery,
then disconnect the adapter to use up the battery before recharging again.
Perform this action twice to condition the battery pack.

viii

2. Connect one end of the AC adapter to the DC-in port on the computer’s rear
panel and the other end to a properly grounded power outlet.

3. Slide the display cover latch to the left (1) to open the display (2). Press the
power switch (3) to turn on the power. The POST (power-on self-test) routine
executes and Windows begins loading.

Note: To turn off the power, we recommend that you use the Windows Turn
Off command to shut down the computer. If you are unable to shut down
your computer normally, press and hold the power switch for more than four
seconds to turn off the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to
turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.

Care and maintenance

Taking care of your computer

Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.

• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of
heat, such as a radiator.

• Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) or above 50ºC
(122ºF).

• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

• Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.

• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock and vibration.

• Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.

• Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer.

• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

ix

Taking care of your AC adapter

Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:

• Do not connect the adapter to any other device.

• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Carefully
route the power cord and any cables away from all potential traffic.

• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the
plug.

• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the
ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total
current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not
exceed the fuse rating.

x

Taking care of your battery pack

Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:

• Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off
before removing or replacing batteries.

• Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.

• Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at all
possible.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1. Power off the computer and remove the battery pack.

2. Disconnect the AC adapter.

3. Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

Contact your dealer or see your service technician if any of the following occurs:

• The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged.

• Liquid has been spilled into the product.

• The computer does not operate normally.

1 Getting familiar with

your computer

This computer combines high-performance, versatility,
power management features and multimedia capabilities with
a unique style and ergonomic design. Work with unmatched
productivity and reliability with your new power computing
partner.

This chapter gives an in-depth "tour" of the computer’s many
features.

A tour of your computer

Let us show you around your new notebook computer.

Top view

3

# Item Description

1 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays

computer output.

2 Status indicator LEDS (light-emitting diodes) that turn on and off to

show the status of the computer and its functions and
components.

1 Getting familiar with your computer4

# Item Description

3 AV control panel Control buttons for playing audio/video media.

4 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a

computer mouse.

5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use

6 Speakers Outputs sound.

7 Click buttons (left,

center and right)

8 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.

9 Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used programs. See

10 Power button Turns on the computer power.

11 Microphone Inputs sounds and voices into your computer.

the computer.

The left and right buttons function like the left and
right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4­way scroll button.

“Launch keys” on page 23 for more details.

Front view

# Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer’s battery pack.

2 Eject button Ejects the CD/DVD disk.

3 LED indicator Lights up when the DVD/CD-RW combo drive is

active.

4 Drive slot Slot for inserting a CD or DVD.

5 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer,

IR-aware computer).

5

6 Expansion module Module for optional second hard disk or optional

subwoofer.

7 Display cover latch Unlatch to open the LCD display.

1 Getting familiar with your computer6

Left view

# Item Description

1 Hard disk Bay Houses the computer’s hard disk.

2 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II 16-bit PC Card or 32-bit CardBus

PC Card with ZV support.

3 PC Card eject button Ejects the PC Card from its slot.

4 SD slot Accepts Secured Digital (SD) memory card.

5 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer

security lock.

Right view

# Item Description

1 USB ports Connect to a USB devices (e.g., USB mouse).

2 Fan slots Keep the computer cool. Do not cover these slots to

prevent the computer from overheating.

Rear view

7

# Item Description

1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

2 External monitor port Connects to a display monitor (up to 2048x1536

resolution).

3 S-video port Connects to a television or display device with S-

video input.

1 Getting familiar with your computer8

# Item Description

4 Modem jack Connects a phone line (only for models with an

internal fax/data modem).

5 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network.

6 Microphone-in jack Connects to a microphone; supports S/PDIF (Sony/

Philips Digital Interface) digital input

7 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player,

stereo walkman).

8 S/PDIF line-out jack Connects to S/PDIF audio line-out devices (e.g.,

speakers, headphones).

9 USB port Connect to a USB devices (e.g., USB digital

camera).

10 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer).

11 IEEE 1394 port (4-

pin)

12 IEEE 1394 port (6-

pin)

Connects to a IEEE 1394-compatible (4-pin) device
(e.g., digital video camera).

Connects to a IEEE 1394-compatible (6-pin) device
(e.g., digital video camera).

Bottom view

9

# Item Description

1 Battery lock/unlock

latch

2 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack.

3 Battery bay Houses the computer’s battery pack.

4 Hard disk bay Houses the computer’s hard disk.

5 Hard disk protector Protects the hard disk from accidental bumps and

6 Memory

compartment

Locks/unlocks the battery pack.

vibrations.

Houses the computer’s main memory.

1 Getting familiar with your computer10

Features

This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its many
features:

Performance

• Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor - M with Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep™
technology

• 1 MB (1024K) on-die L2 cache

• 15.4” 16:10 SXGA (1280x800) widescreen TFT LCD panel

• ATI® Mobility™ Radeon™ 9600 high-performance graphics chipset with
64MB frame buffer

• Onboard memory upgradable to 2048 MB with 2 DDR-266/333 SoDIMM

• High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk

• Lithium Ion battery pack

• Power management system

• Dual display capability

• Simultaneous LCD and CRT display

• LCD panel supports resolution up to 2048x1536

• VGA monitor supports resolution up to 2048x1536

• Embedded TV encoder supports resolution up to 1024x768

Multimedia

• AV control panel

• Playback MP3 through SD, HDD or Audio CD with system off

• AC’97 2.2 compliant stereo audio

• S/PDIF line-out jack

• Enhanced audio system with 2 speakers and an optional subwoofer

• Built-in microphone

• Slot-loading DVD/CD-RW combo drive

• S-video output port

Connectivity

• High-speed fax/data software modem

• Onboard PCI 10/100 Mbps LAN support

• Fast infrared wireless communication

• USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports (2.0)

• 2 IEEE 1394 ports (one mini port and one regular port)

• Optional 802.11b/g wireless LAN

Human-centric design and ergonomics

• Sleek, smooth and stylish design

• Full-sized keyboard

• Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device

• Launch keys

Expansion

• Upgradeable memory and hard disk

• Second hard disk module

• Secure Digital (SD) slot

11

1 Getting familiar with your computer12

Display

The graphics display offers excellent viewing, display quality and desktop­performance graphics. The computer supports a widescreen Thin-Film Transistor
(TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) displaying up to 16.7 million colors at
1280x800 Super eXtended Graphics Array (SXGA) resolution.

Simultaneous display

The computer’s crisp display and multimedia capabilities are great for giving
presentations. If you prefer, you can also connect an external monitor when giving
presentations. This computer supports simultaneous LCD and CRT display.
Simultaneous display allows you to control the presentation from your computer
and at the same time face your audience. You can also connect other output
display devices such as LCD projection panels for large-audience presentations.

Power management

The power management system incorporates an "automatic LCD dim" feature that
automatically dims the LCD when the computer is powered by a battery pack to
conserve battery power. See “Power management” on page 45 for more
information on power management features.

Opening and closing the display

To open the display, slide the display cover latch to the left and lift up the cover,
then tilt it to a comfortable viewing position. See “Connecting the computer” on
page vii. The computer employs a microswitch that turns off the display (e.g.,
enters standby mode) to conserve power when you close the display cover, and
turns it back on when you open the display cover.

Note: If an external monitor is connected, the computer turns off the display
(but does not enter standby mode) when you close the display cover.

To close the display cover, fold it down gently until the display cover latch clicks
into place.

Caution: To avoid damaging the display, do not slam it when you close it.
Also, do not place any object on top of the computer when the display is
closed.

Indicators

The computer has seven easy-to-read status indicators (LEDs) under the display
screen.

13

The Power and Standby indicators are visible even when you close the display
cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover is closed.

# Function Description

1Wireless

communication

2 Power Lights when the computer is on.

3 Standby Blinks when computer enters Hibernation mode.

Lights when the Bluetooth/Wireless LAN (optional)
capabilities are enabled.

Blinks when a battery-low condition occurs.

1 Getting familiar with your computer14

# Function Description

4 Media activity Lights when the hard disk, or CD or DVD drive is

active.

5 Battery charge Lights when the battery is being charged.

6 Caps lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated.

7Num lock

(Fn-F11)

Lights when Numeric Lock is activated.

Keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys with an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys,
two Windows keys and twelve function keys.

Special keys

Lock keys

The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.

Lock Key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in

uppercase.

15

Num Lock (Fn­F11)

Scroll Lock
(Fn-F12)

When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode.
The keys function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic
operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of
numeric data entry. A better solution would be to connect an
external keypad. See “External keyboard” on page 51.

When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when
you press ↑ or ↓ respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some
applications.

1 Getting familiar with your computer16

Embedded numeric keypad

The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is
indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To
simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the
keys.

Desired Access Num Lock On Num Lock Off

Number keys on
embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on
embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while typing letters on

Note: If an external keyboard or keypad is connected to the computer, the
numlock feature automatically shifts from the internal keyboard to the
external keyboard or keypad.

Type numbers in a normal
manner.

Hold Shift while using cursor­control keys.

embedded keypad.

Hold Fn while using
cursor-control keys.

Type the letters in a
normal manner.

Windows keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

Key Description

Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform special

functions. Below are a few examples:

+ Tab (Activates next Taskbar button)

+ E (Explores My Computer)

+ F (Finds Document)

+ M (Minimizes All)

17

Shift + + M (Undoes Minimize All)

+ R (Displays Run dialog box)

Application key Opens the application’s context menu (same as right-click).

1 Getting familiar with your computer18

Hotkeys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the
computer’s controls like screen contrast and brightness, volume output and the
BIOS setup utility.

HotKey Function Description

Fn-F1 Hotkey help Displays a list of the hotkeys and their functions.

Fn-F2 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode, which can be

defined via the advanced section of the Power
Management Properties in the Windows Control
Panel.

Fn-F3 Display toggle Switches display output between the display

screen, external monitor (if connected) and both
the display screen and external monitor.

Fn-F4 Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

power. Press any key to return.

Fn-F5 Speaker on/off Turns the speakers on and off; mutes the sound.

Fn-PgUp Home Functions as the “Home” key.

Fn-PgDn End Functions as the “End” key.

HotKey Function Description

Fn-→ Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

19

Fn-

←

Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

Activating hotkeys

When activating hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key
in the hotkey combination.

1 Getting familiar with your computer20

Keyboard ergonomics

Located below the keyboard, the wide and curved palm rest is ergonomically
designed to provide you with a very comfortable place to rest your hands while
you type.

Touchpad

The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface.
This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the
touchpad. The central location on the palm rest provides optimum comfort and
support.

Touchpad basics

The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:

21

• Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.

• Press the left (1) and right (2) buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to
do selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left
and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad produces similar
results.

1 Getting familiar with your computer22

Function Left Button Right Button Tap

Execute Click twice

quickly.

Select Click once. Tap once.

Drag Click and hold,

then use finger
to drag the
cursor on the
touchpad.

Access
context menu

Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep
the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements.
Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will
not increase the touchpad’s responsiveness.

Click once.

Tap twice (at the same speed as
double-clicking the mouse
button).

Tap twice (at the same speed as
double-clicking the mouse
button) and hold finger to the
touchpad on the second tap to
drag the cursor.

Launch keys

Located at the top of the keyboard are five launch keys used to launch frequently
used applications.

23

# Item Description

1 Wireless

communication

2 Email The mail button is used to launch the email application.

This button is used to enable or disable the Bluetooth/
Wireless LAN (optional) function.

1 Getting familiar with your computer24

# Item Description

3 Internet browser By default, is used to launch your internet browser.

4 P1 This button is user-programmable.

5 P2 This button is user-programmable.

Storage

This computer supplies you with the following media storage:

• High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk

• Slot-loading DVD/CD-RW combo drive

• Secure Digital (SD) slot

• Optional external USB 3.5-inch floppy drive

• Optional second hard disk module

Hard disk

The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where
your programs and data are stored.

Optical drive

A high-speed optical drive (DVD/CD-RW combo drive) gives you portable
multimedia access and at the same time lets you burn your data onto a CD
recordable disc.

Inserting the disc

This computer features a slot-loading optical drive. To insert a disc into the optical
drive, gently push the disc into the slot and the drive will lock the disc in place and
pull it inside.

25

1 Getting familiar with your computer26

Ejecting the disc

To eject the disc from the slot, press the eject button and wait for the drive to eject
the disc.

Playing DVD movies

To play DVD movies in your computer, just insert the DVD disc into the drive and
the DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds.

Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program
asks you to input the region code. DVD discs are divided into 6 regions.
Once your DVD drive is set to a region code, it will play DVD discs of that
region only. You can set the region code a maximum of five times (including
the first time), after which the last region code set will remain permanent.
Recovering your hard disk does not reset the number of times the region code
has been set. Refer to the table below for DVD movie region code
information.

Region code Country or region

1 U.S.A., Canada

2 Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Japan

3 Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Korea (South)

4 Latin America, Australia, New Zealand

Region code Country or region

5 Former U.S.S.R., parts of Africa, India

6 People's Republic of China

Note: To change the region code, insert a DVD movie of a different region
into the DVD-ROM drive. Please refer to the online help for more
information.

27

1 Getting familiar with your computer28

Connectivity options

The computer has built-in features for connecting to a network and communicating
with other computers.

Ethernet and LAN

The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet­based (10/100 Mbps) network.
To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack on the
rear of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.

Fax/data modem

The computer has a built-in fax/data modem (available in select countries).

Warning: This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines.
Plugging this modem into a digital phone line will damage the modem.

To use the fax/data modem port, connect a phone cable from the modem port to a
telephone jack.

29

1 Getting familiar with your computer30

Optional wireless communication

This computer has optional wireless communication feature built-in. This feature
allows you to communicate with other wireless communication devices.

You can manually turn off your wireless communication feature.