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NEC VERSA LX Service And Reference Manual

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Table of Contents
®
NEC Versa
LX Notebook Computer
V
LX
ERSA
S E R V I C E
A N D
R E F E R E N C E
M A N U A L

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  Also See for NEC VERSA LX

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NEC VERSA LX Manual 215 pages
NEC Versa LX User Manual
NEC Versa LX User Manual 97 pages
NEC VERSA LX Product Manual
NEC VERSA LX Product Manual 46 pages

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  Summary of Contents for NEC VERSA LX

  • Page 1 ® NEC Versa LX Notebook Computer ERSA S E R V I C E A N D R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L...
  • Page 2 The NEC CSD 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Preface ........................... vii Abbreviations.......................... ix Chapter 1 System Overview Getting to Know the NEC Versa LX ..................1-2 Around the Front of the System.................... 1-3 LCD Panel ........................1-3 Status Panel ........................1-4 Keyboard Panel and Base Unit..................1-5 Around the Back of the System ....................
  • Page 4 Changing the Switch Settings................2-24 Performing the BIOS Update ................2-24 NEC CSD Utilities ......................2-25 NEC Customize Utility....................2-25 Using the NEC Customize Utility ...............2-25 HDPREPEZ Utility......................2-26 Using HDPREPEZ in Windows 95 and Windows 98.........2-26 Using HDPREPEZ in Windows NT..............2-26 Software Applications and Drivers ..................2-27 Using the Application and Driver CD ................2-27...
  • Page 5 Front Cover........................3-13 Speaker Assembly, VersaGlide Assembly, LCD Panel Latch Switch Assembly..............3-14 VersaGlide Assembly ..................3-14 LCD Panel Switch Board..................3-15 LCD Panel Assembly ....................3-15 LED Sub Assembly..................... 3-16 PC Card Assembly, CMOS Battery, Buzzer, and Audio Board........3-17 PC Card Assembly ....................
  • Page 6 Quick Troubleshooting ......................7-2 Helpful Questions .........................7-4 Chapter 8 Getting Services and Support Services and Support Contact Information ................8-2 NEC CSD Web Site ......................8-2 NEC CSD FTP Site....................... 8-3 Email/Fax to Support Services....................8-3 NEC CSD Bulletin Board .....................8-4 NEC CSD Support Services....................8-5 NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center................8-6...

  • Page 7: Preface

    LX notebook computer. The manual also provides hardware and interface information for users who need an overview of the system design. The manual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts, service center personnel, and dealers. The manual is organized as follows: Chapter 1, System Overview, provides an overview of the hardware and interface components.

  • Page 8: Abbreviations

    Abbreviations ampere DLAB Divisor Latch Address bit alternating current direct memory access Advanced Graphics Port DMAC DMA controller disk operating system advanced technology (IBM PC) DRAM dynamic RAM Bulletin Board Service digital video disk binary-coded decimal error checking and correction BIOS Customized Utility enhanced capabilities port BIOS...
  • Page 9 Interrupt Request register personal digital assistant plastic flat package Industry Standard Architecture parallel input/output In Service register pixel picture element input/output PLCC plastic leaded chip carrier integrated peripheral phase lock loop controller peak-to-peak inches per second programmable peripheral interrupt request interface kilo (1024) PROM...
  • Page 10 VESA video electronics standards association VESA-compliant feature connector Video Graphics Array VRAM video RAM watt write Extended Graphics Array...

  • Page 11: Chapter 1 System Overview

    System Overview Getting to Know the NEC Versa LX Around the Front of the System Around the Back of the System Around the Left Side of the System Around the Right Side of the System Around the Bottom of the System...

  • Page 12: Getting To Know The Nec Versa Lx

    Getting to Know the NEC Versa LX The NEC Versa LX notebook computer is a portable system filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include a powerful ® Intel Pentium 200-MHz or 233-MHz, or Pentium II 233-MHz, 266-MHz,...

  • Page 13: Around The Front Of The System

    NEC Versa. The following sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. LCD Panel The NEC Versa LX comes with a color LCD panel that can be adjusted for a comfortable viewing position. Depending on the model, the system is equipped with a: 12.1-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Super Video Graphics Array...

  • Page 14: Status Panel

    Status Panel The NEC Versa status panel provides the features shown in the figure. These features are described after the figure. Status panel A – Microphone B – Operating Status LEDs Microphone — A strategically positioned built-in microphone allows the user to record monophonic sound directly into the notebook computer.

  • Page 15: Keyboard Panel And Base Unit

     File Bay — lights when the NEC Versa accesses either the floppy disk drive or SuperDisk drive installed in the file bay. Keyboard Panel and Base Unit The NEC Versa keyboard panel and base unit contain the following features which are described after the figure.
  • Page 16 System Power Status LEDs — informs users of the system’s current power status. System power status LEDs A – Power Status LED B – Battery Charging LED  Power Status LED — lights green when system is using AC power. When the system is using battery power, this LED lights to indicate the following: Lights green when the system power is on.

  • Page 17: Around The Back Of The System

    Dock. The cover of the NEC Versa Dock is specially designed to allow for proper system cooling. AC Power Port — Use the power jack to attach the NEC Versa to a DC power source, such as the AC adapter or the optional auto adapter.

  • Page 18: Around The Left Side Of The System

    Y-cable adapter, the user can connect both a mouse and a keyboard at the same time. Around the Left Side of the System The left side of the NEC Versa offers the following features, which are described after the figure. Left side features A –...
  • Page 19 USB Port — Connects up to 127 USB-equipped peripheral devices (printers, monitors, scanners, etc.) to the NEC Versa. TV Out (S-Video) Port — Uses a television set equipped with an S-Video input jack as an external monitor. This port supports both NTSC and PAL signals.

  • Page 20: Around The Right Side Of The System

    Kensington Lock — Lets the user provide added security by installing an optional Kensington Lock. File Bay — The NEC Versa ships with a 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskette drive or the SuperDisk drive installed in the file bay. 1-10 System Overview...
  • Page 21 Power/Sleep Button — slide the Power/Sleep button toward the front of the system to power on, power off, and to put the computer into Suspend mode.  Slide the Power/Sleep button toward the front of the system to power  Hold the Power/Sleep button in place for 4 or fewer seconds to put the system into Suspend mode.

  • Page 22: Around The Bottom Of The System

    Around the Bottom of the System The bottom of the NEC Versa offers the features shown next. Features are described after the figure. Bottom features A – Height Adjustment Feet B – Battery Bay Release Latch C – VersaBay Release Latch D –...

  • Page 23: Hard Disk Drive

    Some of the earlier non-AGP 200-MHz, 233-MHz, and 266-MHz systems have a non-user replaceable hard disk drive. File Bay The NEC Versa LX ships with a 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskette drive or the SuperDisk drive installed in the file bay. VersaBay III A 24X CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive comes installed in the NEC VersaBay III on the front of the system.

  • Page 24: Chipset

    ChipSet The following table provides information on the system chipset. System Chipset Chip Manufacturer Description Technology Intel Tillamook MMO 200/233 or Intel 200/233/266/300/333/366/ 320-pin TCP Intel Mobile Pentium II MMO 400 MHz CPU 233/266/300/333/366/400 82430TX (supporting Tillamook) Intel System Controller 82443BX (supporting Pentium) PIIX4E (all models) PC97338VJG...

  • Page 25: Chapter 2 System Configuration And Setup

    System Configuration and Setup Power Sources for Your NEC Versa BIOS Setup NEC CSD Utilities Software Applications and Drivers...

  • Page 26: Power Sources For Your Nec Versa

    Using the AC Adapter Use the AC adapter and power cable that came with your NEC Versa to run your computer on alternating current (AC) power, or to recharge the battery pack. Use the AC adapter whenever a wall outlet is nearby.
  • Page 27 AC source. Connect the AC adapter as follows: 1. Connect the AC adapter cable to the power port on the back of your NEC Versa. 2. Plug one end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter and the other end into a properly grounded 120- or 240-volt wall outlet.

  • Page 28: Powering On

    You can run your system on battery power for approximately two to four hours with power management features enabled. It’s easy to install and remove. Your NEC Versa system provides tools to help you keep track of the main (or an optional) battery’s power level. These include the power status LED described in Chapter 1, and SystemSoft’s PowerProfiler™...

  • Page 29: Determining Battery Status

    Determining Battery Status You can determine battery status via the battery gauge LEDs on the front of the Lithium-Ion battery that ships with your NEC Versa LX computer. Lithium-Ion battery A – Battery Gauge LED B – Alignment Groove...

  • Page 30: When To Change The Battery

    If the battery gauge LEDs display a combination other than those depicted in the illustration, recharge the battery overnight. If the problem still persists, contact NEC CSD Technical Support. In Windows NT environments, in addition to the battery gauge LEDs, use SystemSoft’s PowerProfiler™...

  • Page 31: Battery Handling

    Battery Handling Keep the following in mind when removing or replacing a battery. Use only the battery designed for your system in the NEC Versa. Mixing other manufacturer’s batteries, or using a combination of very old and new batteries can deteriorate battery and equipment performance.
  • Page 32 4. Continue to hold the battery release latch as you slide the battery out of the system. Removing the battery 5. Insert the new battery as follows: Locate the alignment groove on the edge of the battery. Locate the alignment groove inside the battery bay. Align the grooves on the battery with the grooves in the battery bay.

  • Page 33: Battery Precautions

    Battery Precautions To prevent accidental battery ignition, rupture, or explosion, adhere to the following precautions. WARNING There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Page 34: Recharging Battery Precautions

    NEC VersaBay III Battery The NEC VersaBay III battery provides an optional second Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery to use in your NEC Versa LX computer. Inserting a second fully charged battery increases battery life to approximately 4 to 5 hours. See the NEC CSD web site at http://www.nec-computers.com/ for details about the NEC VersaBay III battery.

  • Page 35: Bridge Battery

    BIOS Setup Your NEC Versa LX computer comes with a hardware program called BIOS Setup that allows you to view and set system parameters. BIOS setup also allows you to set password features that protect your system from unauthorized use.

  • Page 36: Bios Setup Utility Main Menu

    BIOS Setup Utility Main Menu After you press , the system displays the BIOS Setup Main Menu screen, similar to the following. BIOS Setup Main Menu Use the up and down arrow keys (located on the lower right corner of the keyboard) to toggle through the BIOS Setup menu items.

  • Page 37: Looking At Screens

    Looking at Screens BIOS setup screens have three areas as shown next. Advanced CMOS Setup Menu Parameters — The left part of the screen. This area lists parameters and their current settings. Available Options and Help — The right part of the screen. This area lists alternate settings and Help text for each parameter.

  • Page 38: Checking/Setting System Parameters

    Checking/Setting System Parameters See the following table for a list of parameters, their factory default settings, and alternate settings. A description of each setting follows the table. To reset all parameters to the default settings, select Auto Configuration with Defaults from the BIOS Setup Main Menu and highlight Yes and press Enter BIOS Setup Parameters Parameter...
  • Page 39 BIOS Setup Parameters Parameter Default Setting Alternate Setting(s) Power Management Setup System Switch Power Button Sleep Button Power Management under AC Power Savings Level Longest Life High Perform/Custom/Off CPU Speed Control 100% 12.5%, 25%, 50% Hard Disk Timeout 2 minutes 5/30/45 sec;...

  • Page 40: Bios Setup Menus

    When you select the Standard CMOS Setup screen you see System Time and System Date parameters as well as drive parameters. Date — Set your NEC Versa’s calendar month, day and year. The calendar clock is year 2000-compliant. These settings remain in memory even after you turn off system power.

  • Page 41: Advanced Cmos Setup

    VersaBay, in your system. Docking Station Drives — Enables and disables the drives installed in a docking station. (These options are only available when the NEC Versa is docked.) Boot Sector Virus Protection — Write protects the boot sector of the hard disk drive to avoid infection by some virus types.

  • Page 42: Power Management Setup

    Power Management Setup Your NEC Versa Windows 98 system uses the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) which enables the operating system to manage the power given to each attached device and to turn off a device when not in use. In addition, ACPI enables manufacturers to develop computers that automatically power up with a touch to the keyboard.

  • Page 43: Boot Device Setup

    Suspend Option — Allows you to specify either Suspend or Save to File (STF) as the default power management mode. In Suspend, after a specified amount of inactivity, your NEC Versa shuts down all devices as you specified in Power Management Setup or applies default timeouts.

  • Page 44: Peripheral Setup

    Silent Boot — Specifies whether or not to display the NEC logo during system boot. Boot from Docking Station IDE — Specifies whether or not the system boots from the docking station IDE device. (Only when the NEC Versa is docked.)

  • Page 45: Other Bios Setup Options

    Setup. Password Protection Your NEC Versa supports a password for system security on several levels. Once you set a supervisor password, you must enter it before you can enter BIOS Setup, access the system at startup, or resume from Suspend, depending on your configuration selection.

  • Page 46: Using The Save To File (Stf) Feature

    Using the Save to File (STF) Feature STF protects the integrity of your working files. For example, if you are called away from your NEC Versa and Suspend mode is selected with auto Save to File active, your system automatically goes into Suspend mode. After 30 minutes, if you don’t return, your working environment is saved to a special file...

  • Page 47: Preparing The Bios Upgrade Diskette

    If you are informed that the default BIOS needs an upgrade, contact the Versa Laptop Fulfillment Hotline at (800) 842-6446, or NEC CSD Support Services at (800) 632-4525, Fax (801) 981-3133 or access the web site, www.nec-computers.com to download the most current BIOS update software.

  • Page 48: Changing The Switch Settings

    A message similar to the following appears: The NEC BIOS Update Utility should not be used to modify the BIOS in a Versa system which is docked. If your Versa is docked, please exit the BIOS Update Utility, power down, and undock your Versa before running the utility.

  • Page 49: Nec Csd Utilities

    NEC CSD Utilities NEC CSD provides several programs and routines designed to make your NEC Versa run more efficiently. The NEC CSD utilities include: NEC Customize Utility HDPREPEZ Utility NEC Customize Utility In Windows 95 systems and Windows NT systems, the NEC Customize utility gives you the option to install or launch: NEC CSD custom wallpaper —...

  • Page 50: Hdprepez Utility

    4. Follow the on-screen instructions to process the selected option. For some of the selected options you are prompted to reboot your system. 5. If necessary, click Exit to close the NEC Customize dialog box. HDPREPEZ Utility Using the HDPREPEZ utility automatically configures your NEC Versa’s system’s save-to-file (STF) area on the hard disk drive.

  • Page 51: Software Applications And Drivers

    Software Applications and Drivers A variety of software* applications and drivers are provided on the Application and Driver CD for the NEC Versa LX that ships with your system. Some of these applications and drivers are already installed as part of your operating system environment.

  • Page 52: Installing The Software

    Using Partition Magic Your NEC Versa notebook computer ships with an internal hard disk drive consisting of a single FAT 32 partition, drive C: (Windows 95 only). Use Partition Magic to create multiple partitions and convert any of all of these to FAT 16 on the hard disk drive.

  • Page 53: Intel Landesk Client Manager

    To monitor network systems only, run Administration setup, only. If you use the NEC Versa system with the NEC Versa Dock and want to install LANDesk Client/Admin Manager, you must load the applicable software before docking the system.

  • Page 54: Systemsoft Powerprofiler

    Copy and move files on a remote system using an infrared device or a parallel or serial cable. Control access each remote system has to your data. Before using Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks for infrared transfer, enable the IR port on your NEC Versa. 2-30 System Configuration and Setup...

  • Page 55: Mcafee Virusscan

    Before using Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks for parallel or serial communication, connect the appropriate cable to the appropriate port on the back of your NEC Versa. For more information about Intellisync 97 or Intellisync for Notebooks refer to the online manual.

  • Page 56: Windows 95 Systems

    Windows 95 Systems In Windows 95, enable the IR port using the IR port setup utility accessible through the NEC Customize icon. Follow these steps to enable the IR port. 1. Double click the NEC Customize icon. 2. From the display window, select Install IR Setup utility.

  • Page 57: Chapter 3 Disassembly And Reassembly

    Disassembly and Reassembly Required Tools and Equipment Disassembly Reassembly...

  • Page 58: Required Tools And Equipment

    Do not interchange boards between non-AGP and AGP systems. Battery Remove the battery pack installed in the NEC Versa LX system as follows. Note: Use the batteries in the NEC Versa computer for which they are designed. Also, installing another manufacturer’s battery, or using a combination of very old...
  • Page 59 Slide the battery release latch toward the back of the system and hold firmly. Battery Release Latch A – Battery Bay Release Latch Continue to hold the battery release latch as you slide the battery out of the system. Removing the battery Disassembly and Reassembly 3-3...

  • Page 60: Removing A Device From The Versabay Iii

    Removing a Device from the VersaBay III Use the following steps to remove a device from the VersaBay III. 1. Locate the VersaBay III release lock and release latch on the bottom of the unit. VersaBay III release lock A – VersaBay Release Lock B –...

  • Page 61: Keyboard, Memory Module, Switch Settings

    Note: If you release the latch before completely removing the device, the device casing catches on the inside of the latch. Releasing the device Keyboard, Memory Module, Switch Settings Use the following steps to access/remove keyboard, memory and switch settings. 1.
  • Page 62 Gently lift up the edge of the keyboard nearest the LCD and slide the keyboard toward the LCD screen to release the tabs that secure it. Positioning the keyboard Carefully turn over the keyboard and place it face down on the VersaGlide. Be careful not to twist the keyboard cable.

  • Page 63: Switch Settings For Non-Agp Models

    Switch 1, Password Override Switch — The default setting is “OFF.” If you forget your password and cannot access the data on your NEC Versa, change the setting to “ON” and your current password dissolves.

  • Page 64: Changing Switch Settings

    Default Switch Settings (AGP Models) Changing Switch Settings Use the following steps to change switch settings. 1. Make sure the system is powered off and that no peripheral devices are attached. 2. Open the LCD panel. 3. Locate the two keyboard retainers, slide each one towards the outside edge of the system, and remove them.

  • Page 65: Disassembly Differences

    Password Override Switch set to On (AGP Models) Note: The system memory expansion slots are also located underneath the keyboard. If you need to install/replace SO-DIMM modules, do it while the system is already disassembled. Disassembly Differences You must determine at this time, if the system you are servicing has a user removable hard disk drive.

  • Page 66: Disassembly - User Replaceable Drive System

    CPU assembly. For information about this tool contact your Intel representative. 1. Remove two screws ( ) from the CPU bay cover on the bottom of the NEC Versa as shown in the following figure. A – CPU Bay Cover Screws 2.

  • Page 67: File Bay Assembly

    1. Remove one screw ( ) from the bottom of the NEC Versa as shown in the following figure. A – File Bay Screw 2. Slide the file bay assembly to the right and remove from the NEC Versa. Disassembly and Reassembly 3-11...

  • Page 68: Hard Disk Drive Assembly

    Hard Disk Drive Assembly Remove the hard disk drive assembly as described below. Remove the screw ( ) that secures the hard disk drive. Place your finger in the center notch of the hard drive lever ( ) and pull up the lever.

  • Page 69: Front Cover

    Once the drive is disconnected, use the lever to lift the drive out of the system. Once removed, only handle the drive by its sides. Lifting the drive out of the bay Front Cover The following describes the steps to remove the front cover. 1.

  • Page 70: Speaker Assembly, Versaglide Assembly, Lcd Panel Latch Switch Assembly

    4. Disconnect the VersaGlide cable from connector P11 (next to the dip switches) and speaker assembly cable from connector P10. Both are located on the main board. 5. Carefully separate and lift the front cover from the bottom assembly, starting on the right and working left.

  • Page 71: Lcd Panel Switch Board

    3. Lift the VersaGlide assembly from the front cover assembly. A – Connector CP16 B – VersaGlide Screws LCD Panel Switch Board Remove the LCD panel switch board as follows. 1. Disconnect the LCD panel switch cable from connector CP17 ( ) on the LCD panel latch switch board.

  • Page 72: Led Sub Assembly

    2. Remove two screws ( ) and lift and separate the LCD panel assembly from the remainder of the system. A – LCD Panel Assembly Screws LED Sub Assembly The LED sub assembly consists of a board that contains three connectors and status LEDs.

  • Page 73: Pc Card Assembly, Cmos Battery, Buzzer, And Audio Board

    Microphone 1. Disconnect the microphone cable at connector CP11. 2. Remove the microphone and cable by gently pulling from the LCD assembly. LED Board and LED Board Cable 1. Remove two screws and disconnect the cable from connector CP12 on the LED board.

  • Page 74: Cmos Battery

    CMOS Battery 1. Disconnect the CMOS battery cable from connector P28 on the main board. 2. The CMOS battery is held in place by double-sided pressure tape. Gently pry up to remove. Buzzer 1. Disconnect the buzzer cable from connector P29 on the main board. 2.

  • Page 75: Cpu Assembly

    3. Slide the fan duct away from the fan to remove. 4. Remove two screws to release the fan from the bracket. CPU Assembly If the CPU assembly was not removed, as described earlier you can remove it now as described next. 1.

  • Page 76: Bottom Base Assembly

    4. Remove one screw ( ) to release the connector board from the bottom assembly. A – Screws B – Connector CP8 Bottom Base Assembly There are doors and tilt feet on the bottom assembly. All doors snap in and out. To remove the tilt feet open the foot and slightly compress the four sections together and snap out.

  • Page 77: Front Cover

    1. Remove two screws ( ) from the CPU bay cover on the bottom of the NEC Versa as shown in the following figure. A – CPU Bay Cover Screws 2. Remove the CPU cover. 3. Remove three screws ( as shown in the following figure.
  • Page 78 1 from the VersaBay III 1 from the File Bay 3 from the battery bay A – Bottom Screws 3. Turn the system over and open the LCD panel. Disassembly Sequence 1 (Battery Pack, VersaBay III Device and File Bay Device) and 2 (Keyboard) should be completed as described in previous sections of this chapter.

  • Page 79: Speaker Assembly, Versaglide Assembly, Lcd Panel Latch Switch Assembly

    Speaker Assembly, VersaGlide Assembly, LCD Panel Latch Switch Assembly 1. Position the front cover assembly as shown in the following illustration. A – Screws 2. Remove the speaker assembly by removing 6 screws. Lift the speaker assembly from the front cover assembly. VersaGlide Assembly Remove the VersaGlide and cable assembly instructions as follows.

  • Page 80: Lcd Panel Assembly

    2. Remove 2 screws ( ) and lift from the front cover assembly. A – LCD Cover Panel Switch Board Screws B – Connector CP17 This completes the disassembly of the front cover assembly. Reverse this procedure to properly reassemble. LCD Panel Assembly Remove the LCD Panel assembly as follows.

  • Page 81: Led Sub Assembly

    LED Sub Assembly The LED sub assembly consists of a board that contains three connectors and status LEDs. The connectors are for the LCD panel switch, main board, and microphone. A – Connector CP13 B – Connector CP12 C – Connector CP11 D –...

  • Page 82: Hard Drive Assembly

    Hard Drive Assembly 1. Disconnect the hard drive cable at connector P9 on the main board. 2. Remove three screws ( ) and lift the hard drive assembly from the system. A – Hard Disk Drive Screws PC Card Assembly 1.

  • Page 83: Buzzer

    Buzzer 1. Disconnect the buzzer cable from connector P29 on the main board. 2. Pry up to remove the buzzer assembly from its location. Main Board Assembly 1. Remove the main board screws ( 2. Disconnect the bridge battery cable at connector P1 ( 3.

  • Page 84: Bracket/Insulator Assemblies, Bridge Battery, Power Switch

    1. Turn the main board over so the bottom is facing up. 2. Remove three screws. 3. Lift and disconnect the CPU assembly from the main board. The heat shield and CPU board comes off as two layered pieces. Bracket/Insulator Assemblies, Bridge Battery, Power Switch 1.

  • Page 85: Bottom Base Assembly

    4. Remove one screw ( ) to release the connector board from the bottom assembly. A – Screws B – Connector CP8 Bottom Base Assembly There are doors and tilt feet on the bottom assembly. All doors snap in and out. To remove the tilt feet open the foot and slightly compress the four sections together and snap out.

  • Page 86: Chapter 4 System Board Layout

    System Board Layout Audio Board Connector Board LCD Panel Switch Board LED Status Board Main Board...

  • Page 87: Audio Board

    Audio Board A – Connector P31 (underside) Connector Board A – Connector CP10 B – Connector CP9 C – Connector CP8 D – Connector CP7 4-2 System Board Layout...

  • Page 88: Lcd Panel Switch Board

    LCD Panel Switch Board A – Connector CP17 LED Status Board A – Connector CP13 B – Connector CP12 C – Connector CP11 D – Microphone System Board Layout 4-3...

  • Page 89: Main Board

    Main Board A – Connector P5 B – Connector P4 C – Connector P2 D – Connector P1 E – Connector P8 F – Connector P9 G – Connector P28 (underside) H – Connector P29 (underside) I – Connector P14 4-4 System Board Layout...

  • Page 90: Chapter 5 Illustrated Parts Breakdown

    Illustrated Parts Breakdown Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Non-AGP Models) !" Parts List (Non-AGP Models) !" Illustrated Parts Breakdown (AGP Models) !" Parts List (AGP Models) !"...
  • Page 91 Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Non-AGP Models) 5-2 Illustrated Parts Breakdown...

  • Page 92: Parts List (Non-Agp Models)

    Parts List (Non-AGP Models) The following table contains a listing of the field-replaceable parts and corresponding part numbers for non-AGP models. Field-Replaceable Parts List Item Description Part Number LCD Panel Sub Assembly 12.1 - inch 158-057557-000 13.3 - inch 158-057558-000 14.1 - inch 158-057559-000 LCD Lock Spring...
  • Page 93 FDD Pack FRU Assembly 158-057556-000A Hard Drive FPC Assembly 808-877607-001A Heat Sink (T) 136-639477-A Heat Sink (DF) 136-639545-A or 136-243661-001A Logo Name Plate (Versa LX) 136-640395-001A SuperDisk FDD Pack 136-243475-001B * Item not shown on IPB. 5-4 Illustrated Parts Breakdown...

  • Page 94: Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Agp Models)

    Illustrated Parts Breakdown (AGP Models) Illustrated Parts Breakdown 5-5...

  • Page 95: Parts List (Agp Models)

    Parts List (AGP Models) The following table contains a listing of the field-replaceable parts and corresponding part numbers for AGP models. Field-Replaceable Parts List Item Description Part Number LCD Panel Sub Assembly 13.3 - inch 136-243683-005B 14.1 - inch 136-243683-004B LCD Lock Spring 136-628895-A LCD Lock Shaft...
  • Page 96 DVD Drive Pack 136-243283-001A or OP-270-69001 FDD Pack FRU Assembly 158-057556-000A Hard Drive FPC Assembly 136-244455-001A Heat Sink Assy 136-243661-001A Logo Name Plate (Versa LX) 136-640395-001A SuperDisk FDD Pack 136-243475-002D Close Off Switch 808-743156-001A Lock Bracket 136-639544-A FDD Plate Assembly...
  • Page 97 Field-Replaceable Parts List Item Description Part Number Bay Plate Assembly 136-243461-001B Earth Plate 136-639527-A Top Cover Assembly 136-243469-002A LED Cable Assembly 808-743297-001A HDD Frame 050-01648-000 Weight Saver Pack 136-641008-001A * Item not shown on IPB. 5-8 Illustrated Parts Breakdown...

  • Page 98: Chapter 6 Preventive Maintenance

    Preventive Maintenance Cleaning the Notebook Exterior Cleaning the Notebook Interior Protecting Disk Drive Handling the Battery Pack Maintaining the LCD Quality...

  • Page 99: Cleaning The Notebook Exterior

    Preventive maintenance is limited to cleaning the plastic case, the keyboard, the display screen, and the diskette drive heads, as required. Note: Remove the battery and disconnect the AC adapter before performing any maintenance. Voltage is present inside the system unit and LCD even after the system is turned off.

  • Page 100: Handling The Battery Pack

    Run a virus detecting program to check for possible virus infected areas on the hard disk. Use the preinstalled ScanDisk program to correct any errors found in the directory and File Allocation Table (FAT). This also frees up space from any unused sectors.

  • Page 101: Maintaining The Lcd Quality

    Maintaining the LCD Quality When it comes to screen problems, heat plays a big part. After a good working session, the typical routine is to shut the machine and close the cover. The display surface (no matter what type it is) radiates heat. When you close the cover, you trap the heat against the screen.

  • Page 102: Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Quick Troubleshooting Helpful Questions...

  • Page 103: Quick Troubleshooting

    Quick Troubleshooting This section summarizes problems that may develop during system operation and lists suggested corrective actions. Quick Troubleshooting Problem Corrective Action No power Check that the AC adapter is plugged into the power connector of the system. Also, check that the AC adapter is plugged into a properly grounded AC power outlet.

  • Page 104: Troubleshooting

    If the PC card is a Type II card, install it in the system’s other PC card slot. Replace the PC card. Replace the main board. NEC VersaGlide does not work Check if PS/2 or Alps mouse driver is properly installed. Check VersaGlide cable inside the system if it is inserted properly.

  • Page 105: Helpful Questions

    Quick Troubleshooting Problem Corrective Action Parallel device does not work Check all connections. Check if external device is turned on. Check the device drive installation for any IRQ or I/O address conflict. Test another parallel device. Check I/O controller chip on the main board for any cold or loosed soldering.

  • Page 106: Chapter 8 Getting Services And Support

    Getting Services and Support Services and Support Contact Information NEC CSD Web NEC CSD FTP Sites Email/Fax to Support Services NEC CSD Bulletin Board NEC CSD Support Services NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center...

  • Page 107: Nec Csd Web Site

    NEC CSD Web Site If you have a modem or a network board, you can access the NEC CSD web site. You can do this through a commercial online service or through your Internet account.

  • Page 108: Nec Csd Ftp Site

    NEC CSD FTP Site You can use the Internet to access the NEC CSD FTP (file transfer protocol) site to download various files (video drivers, printer drivers, BIOS updates, and Setup Disk files). The files are essentially the same files as on the NEC CSD Web site and the NEC CSD Bulletin Board System.

  • Page 109: Nec Csd Bulletin Board

    NEC CSD Bulletin Board If you have access to a modem, you can use the NEC CSD Bulletin Board System (BBS) to get the latest information on hardware and software. The BBS allows you to download files (video drivers, printer drivers, BIOS updates, etc.) to a diskette for system enhancements and upgrades.

  • Page 110: Nec Csd Support Services

    NEC office or dealer for the support and service available in your country.) Direct assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the NEC CSD Support Services, toll free, at (U.S. and Canada only) for the 1-800-632-4525 following support.

  • Page 111: Nec Csd Customer Assistance Center

    NEC CSD offers Customer Service for extended warranty and contract information, spare parts ordering, warranty claims, repair services, and service authorizations. Direct assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m. to 8:00p.m. EST. Call the NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center, toll free, at 1-888-632- (U.S. and Canada only). 9128...

  • Page 112: Chapter 9 Specifications

    Specifications System Components Pin Assignments Connector Locations Memory Map Interrupt Controllers...
  • Page 113 External Keyboard/External Mouse — 1 port, PS/2, 6-pin MiniDIN; exclusionary use or both supported with optional Y-cable adapter Expansion — 1 port, 240-pin for optional NEC Versa Dock or optional NEC Versa PortBar Microphone — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini Pin Jack...
  • Page 114 Stereo Headphones/Line-out — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini Pin Jack, .5 watts per channel Stereo Line-In — 1 port, 3-pin, Mini Pin Jack TV Out  1 port; 2-pin RCA Jack  1 port, 7-pin S-Video Jack DC In — 1 port, for AC adapter cable USB port —...
  • Page 115 Keyboard Membrane 85 keys (both U.S. and International) with standard QWERTY-key layout (International keyboards are country-specific) Function keys — 12 keys Cursor Control keys — 4 keys; arrow keys arranged in inverted T layout Numeric keypad — embedded Fn key — function key for ROM-based key functions Stroke —...
  • Page 116 Hard Disk Drive Specifications vary depending upon model: Ultra DMA/33 support Capacity — Internal 2.1 GB, 3.2 GB, 4.0 GB, 5.1 GB, 6.0 GB, or 10 GB 9.5 mm, 12.5 mm,or 12.7 mm Read/write track-to-track seek rate — 3 ms - 4.5 ms Average seek time —...
  • Page 117 Battery Pack Width — 4.47 in. (114 mm) Depth — 6.19 in. (158 mm) Height — 0.72 in. (18.5mm) Weight NEC Versa  5.65 lb (2.57 kg) to 5.83 lb (2.65 kg) without primary battery or VersaBay III device installed ...
  • Page 118 Recommended Environment Operation Temperature — 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C) Relative Humidity — 20% to 80% (Noncondensing) Storage Temperature — -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C) Relative Humidity — 20% to 80% (Noncondensing) Pin Assignments Keyboard/Mouse Connectors Signal Keyboard Data Mouse Data Ground Keyboard Clock...
  • Page 119 Power Connector Signal ADP IN Ground Ground* * Connect to pin 2 when using the AC adapter. Parallel Printer Pin Assignments Signal Strobe Data Bit 0 Data Bit 1 Data Bit 2 Data Bit Data Bit 4 Data Bit 5 Data Bit 6 Data Bit 7 Acknowledge...
  • Page 120 Hard Disk Drive Connector Signal Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Ground Ground HDD Access LED Chip Select 0 Chip Select 1 Address 2 Address 0 Diagnostic Address 1 Not Used Ground DMA Acknowledge Ground I/O Channel Ready Ground I/O Read Ground...
  • Page 121 Hard Disk Drive Connector Signal Data14 Data1 Data13 Data2 Data12 Data3 Data11 Data4 Data10 Data5 Data9 Data6 Data8 Data7 Ground RESET 9-10 Specifications...
  • Page 122 CRT Connector Pin Assignments Signal Green Blue OPT1 Ground Ground Ground Ground +5V PnP VESA Vcc Ground OPT2 PnP VESA Data Horizontal Sync Vertical Sync PnP VESA Clock Specifications 9-11...
  • Page 123 Connector Locations Connector Locations Connector Location Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Main Board Audio Board Connector Board Connector Board Connector Board CP10 Connector Board CP11...
  • Page 124 Memory Map The system supports system and video shadowing, both controlled through complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The system supports BIOS as a cacheable area with write protection. The following table shows the system's memory map. System Memory Map Memory Space Size Function...
  • Page 125 Slave IRQ09 USB Port Slave IRQ10 PC Card Bus Controller/Video (AGP) Slave IRQ11 VersaBay in Versa Dock Slave IRQ12 PS/2 Mouse/NEC VersaGlide Slave IRQ13 Math Coprocessor (built into CPU) Slave IRQ14 Hard Disk Controller 1 Slave IRQ15 VersaBay III Master...

  • Page 126: Glossary

    AC Adapter A device that connects an NEC Versa portable computer and an AC wall outlet to provide AC power for running the system or recharging the battery. Advanced Graphics Port is an interface specification designed for the throughput demands of 3D graphics.
  • Page 127 Electronic timer used to synchronize computer operations. CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A chip that contains nonvolatile memory in the NEC Versa. CMOS is backed up by an internal lithium battery that preserves clock/calendar data and system configuration parameters stored in CMOS.
  • Page 128 function key The set of keys on the keyboard (usually F1 through F12) that let you get help and error message information or quickly select frequently used commands. hard disk A rigid magnetic storage device that provides fast access to stored data. hardware The electrical and mechanical parts from which a computer is made.
  • Page 129 Usually contained on a single chip that includes an arithmetic logic unit, control logic, and control-memory unit. mode A method of operation; for example, the NEC Versa operates in either normal or power-saving modes. modem MOdulator-DEModulator. A device that links computers over a telephone line.
  • Page 130 page A type of message transmission in which a message is sent or received via modem to a paging device from a computer (with paging communications software) or telephone. parallel interface Interface that communicates eight bits at a time. parallel printer A printer with a parallel interface.
  • Page 131 Random Access Memory. A storage device into which data is entered and from which data is retrieved in a nonsequential manner. read To extract data from a storage device such as a diskette. Read-Only Memory. Memory in which stored data cannot be modified by the user except under special conditions.
  • Page 132 Thin Film Transistor. A type of NEC Versa LCD color screen that supports 256 colors and provides exceptional screen display. VersaGlide A small, touch-sensitive pad used as a pointing device on your NEC Versa notebook computer. With the VersaGlide, you can move your finger along the pad to move the cursor or simulate a mouse click by tapping the pad.

  • Page 133: Index

    Index Control panel, 1-4 Custom settings, power management, 2-18 AC adapter, 2-2 using, 2-2 AC outlet, 2-3 Dimensions AC power cable battery pack, 9-6 types, 2-3 system, 9-6 AC power port, 1-7 Dip switch settings, 3-7 Adapter kit, 2-10 Diskette drive, 1-13 Application and Driver CD, 2-27 Diskette drives, 2-17 using, 2-27...
  • Page 134 8-2 power savings, 2-18 NEC CSD utilities, 2-25 Smart switch, 1-11 NEC Customize, 2-25 Software applications, 2-27 NEC Versa disassembly sequence, 3-2 Specifications NEC VersaBay, 1-7 calendar clock, 9-2 NEC VersaGlide, 1-5 CD-ROM drive, 9-5 NTSC signal, 1-9...
  • Page 135 Using the battery pack, 2-4 VersaBay III removing a device, 1-12 Video out type, 2-17 Volume control, 1-10 Wake up, suspend alarm, 2-19 Weight battery pack, 9-6 system, 9-6 Y-cable adapter, 1-8 Index-3...
  • Page 136 A lithium battery in some computers maintains system configuration information. In the event that the battery fails to maintain system configuration information, NEC CSD recommends that you replace the battery. For battery replacement information, call your NEC CSD dealer or the NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center.
  • Page 137 This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EC Council Directive 89/336/EEC on the approximation of laws of the Member States relating to electro-magnetic compatibility. This product satisfied the Class B limits of EN 55022. NEC Computer Systems Division Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
  • Page 138 NEC Computer Systems Division 819-200064-000 Packard Bell NEC, Inc. 3/99 %&(# %&(#! ! ( ( 1 Packard Bell Way Sacramento, CA 95828-0903...

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