PowerMate CT System Illustrated Parts Breakdown.. 5-4 Locating the Mouse Ball Cover.... 6-3 List of Tables PowerMate CT System Configuration... 1-3 System Components.... 1-12 Interrupt Level Assignments.... 2-2 Parallel Port Interrupts... 2-3 Serial Port Interrupts.... 2-4 System Board Jumper Block Settings... 2-5 Maxtor EIDE Hard Drive Jumper Settings.. 2-7 Quantum EIDE Hard Drive Jumper Settings... 2-7 Setup Key Functions.... 2-9 Main Menu Items.... 2-10 Advanced Menu.... 2-14 Security Menu Items.... 2-18 Power Menu Settings... 2-20 Boot Menu Settings.... 2-22 Exit Menu Items.... 2-22 PowerMate CT System Disassembly Sequence... 3-2 Sample RIMM Upgrade Paths... 4-6 System Board Components... 4-8 Parallel Port Addresses.... 4-11 Serial Port 1 and Serial Port 2 I/O Addresses... 4-11 System Memory Map... 4-13 I/O Address Map.... 4-13 DMA Settings.... 4-15 Ordering Parts.... 5-2 PowerMate CT System FRU.... 5-2 Problems and Solutions.... 7-6 NECC Service and Support Telephone Numbers.. 8-2 System Specifications.... 9-2 System Board Specifications.... 9-2 Keyboard Specifications.... 9-3 Mouse Specifications.... 9-3 Speaker Specifications... 9-4 System Unit Specifications... 9-4 Quantum Hard Drive Specifications.... 9-5 Maxtor 5,400 RPM Hard Drive Specifications... 9-6 Maxtor 7,200 RPM Hard Drive Specifications... 9-7 Diskette Drive Specifications... 9-8 NEC CD-ROM Drive Specifications... 9-8 CD-RW Drive Specifications... 9-9 DVD-ROM Drive Specifications.... 9-9 Zip Drive Specification.... 9-10 Modem Board Specifications... 9-11 3Com 3C905C Network Board Specifications... 9-11 Intel PRO 100+ WOL Network Board Specifications... 9-12 Power Supply Specifications.... 9-12 Environmental and Safety Specifications... 9-12 System Compliance.... 9-13

Preface

This manual contains technical information for servicing and repairing the NEC PowerMate CT systems manufactured by NEC Computers Inc. The manual contains hardware and interface information for users who need an overview of system design. The manual includes system setup information, disassembly procedures, and an illustrated parts list. The manual is prepared for NECC-trained customer engineers and support center personnel. The manual is organized as follows. Section 1 System Overview, provides an overview of system features and includes brief descriptions of system components. Section 2 System Configuration, includes information on system IRQs, jumpers, and BIOS. The section also contains information on power management features and system utilities, including the BIOS FLASH Utility and NEC OS Restore CD. Section 3 Disassembly and Reassembly, provides system disassembly and reassembly procedures. Each procedure is supported by disassembly illustrations. Section 4 System Board, includes information on cable and board connector locations, jumper settings, and upgrade sockets. Also provided is information on board components. Section 5 Illustrated Parts Breakdown, includes an exploded view diagram (illustrated parts breakdown) and a parts list for field-replaceable parts. Section 6 Preventive Maintenance, provides recommended maintenance information for maintaining the system in top condition. Section 7 Troubleshooting, includes information for solving possible system problems and their solutions. Section 8 NECC Information Services, lists telephone numbers for obtaining service. The section also includes information on NECC technical support and website. Section 9 Specifications, provides specifications for the major components in the system, including the system board, power supply, diskette drive, hard drive, and CD-ROM drive.

How to Start Setup

To start the BIOS Setup Utility, follow these steps.
Turn on or reboot the system. Press F2 at the NEC startup screen (F2 appears on the bottom of the screen). You have about five seconds to press F2. Setups Main Menu window appears similar to the following screen.
The following screen is a typical screen for a system with a 10.0-GB hard drive. The actual settings on the menu screen depend upon the hardware installed in the system.

Setup Main Menu

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility Main Advanced
System Time: System Date: Language Legacy Diskette A: Primary Master Primary Slave Secondary Master Secondary Slave SMART Device Monitoring Keyboard Features Boot-Time Diagnostic Screen: System Memory: Extended Memory: BIOS Revision: CPU Serial #
F1 Help ESC Exit | | Select Item Select Item

Security

Item Specific Help [10:34:50] [06/05/2000] [English (US)] [1.44/1.25 MB 3 1/2"] [10263MB] [None] [CD-ROM] [None] [Enabled] Select the display language for the BIOS.
[Disabled] 640 KB 130048 KB 167A0118 [Disabled]
/+ Change Values Enter Select Sub-Menu F9 F10 Setup Defaults Save and Exit

2-8 System Configuration

How to Use Setup
The Setup Utility has a Main Menu window and six top-level menus with submenus (see the above figure). The menu bar at the top of the Main Menu window lists the following top-level menus.
Main Use the Main Menu for basic system configuration. For example, select Main to set the system date, set diskette and hard disk parameters, or check memory parameters. Advanced Use the Advanced Menu to set the system for Plug and Play, PCI configuration, serial port and printer port addresses and interrupts, memory cache configurations, I/O device configuration, DMI event logging, and more. Security Use this menu to set User and Supervisor Passwords, security mode, password on boot, network boot, and virus check. Power Use the Power Menu to set power management parameters such as power savings, auto suspend timeout, hard disk timeout, and system switch. Boot Use this menu to set boot options, including restore on ac/power loss, set boot sequence, and assign drive letters to removable devices. Exit Exits the Setup Utility with various save or discard options.
Use the keys listed in the legend bar on the bottom of the Setup Menu to make the selections or exit the current menu. The following table describes the legend keys.

Setup Key Functions

Key F1 Esc Up or down arrow keys Left or right arrow keys -/+ keys Enter F9 F10 Function Provides help for the parameter field being displayed. Exits the menu. Moves cursor up and down for item selection. Selects next menu. Changes values. Executes a command or selects submenu. Loads the default configuration values for the current menu. Saves the current values and exits Setup.

Menu Item Event Logging Settings (default is bold) Enabled, Disabled Selecting Enabled permits logging of DMI events. ECC Event Logging Enabled, Disabled Select Enabled to allow logging of ECC events. Mark DMI Events As Read Preboot Management Press Enter. Select Yes or No to Mark all Events as read? Disabled, Enabled Select Enabled to enable the Preboot Management function. Default Primary Video Adapter AGP, PCI Select PCI to have a PCI card, if installed, used for the boot display device. Select AGP to have the AGP card, if installed, used for the boot display device. Hardware Monitor Control System Temperature CPU Temperature CPU Fan Speed Power Fan Speed System Fan Speed Vcore Voltage Vtt 1.5 Voltage +3.3V Voltage +5.0V Voltage +12V Voltage +5 Usb Voltage Battery Voltage The BIOS detects the value for each of these categories automatically and monitors them accordingly.

Security Menu

Choose the Security Menu by selecting Security in the legend bar on the Main Menu screen. Other Security Menu options are available by selecting submenus. Use the arrow keys to select one of the Security Menu options and press Enter to select a submenu. Items with grayed-out text are not available. Explanations of each Security Menu item are in the following table.

Security Menu Items

Menu Item Supervisor Password Is Settings (default is bold) Clear, Set Status only, user cannot modify. Supervisor password controls access to the BIOS Setup Utility. User Password Is Clear, Set Status only, user cannot modify. User password controls access to the system at boot.
Menu Item Set Supervisor Password Settings (default is bold) Press Enter to access. Use this field to set or change the supervisor password. Press Enter to bring up a dialog box where the password can be entered and confirmed. Set User Password Press Enter to access. Use this field to set or change the user password. Press Enter to bring up a dialog box where the password can be entered and confirmed. Security Mode Press Enter to access the Security Mode. Use this mode to select Password (default), SmartCard, or FingerPrint. Press Enter to open the selected field. Use the SmartCard field to assign access to the SmartCard Reader by the supervisor and/or user. Press Enter to bring up the SmartCard Reader dialog box for setting up SmartCard security. The Assign Supervisor SmartCard field controls Supervisor access to the BIOS Setup utility and the system. A PIN number controls access. The Assign User SmartCard field controls user access to the system at boot. A PIN number controls access. Password on Boot Disabled, Enabled When Enabled, requires password entry before boot. System remains in secure mode until password is entered. Fixed Disk Boot Sector Normal, Write Protect Write Protect protects the boot sector on the hard disk from viruses. Diskette Access Supervisor, User Controls access to the diskette drive. Network Boot Setting Keyboard/Mouse Lock Press Enter to access. Disabled, Enabled Select Enabled to lock the keyboard and mouse when remote booting. Virus Check Reminder Disabled, Daily, Weekly, Monthly Displays reminder message at bootup. Message is daily, every Monday, or first of every month. System Backup Reminder Disabled, Daily, Weekly, Monthly Displays reminder message at bootup. Message is daily, every Monday, or first of every month.

A Retainer Bar End B Retainer Bar Slot
C Lock Tab D Lock Tab Slot

RIMM Memory Modules

See the following sections for procedures on removing or installing a RIMM memory module or a continuity module. See Section 4, System Boards, for RIMM module upgrade paths and guidelines for selecting RIMM modules.
Removing a RIMM or Continuity Module
Remove a RIMM module or a continuity module as follows.
Before opening the system and before handling boards or RIMM memory modules, reduce static discharge by touching the chassis. 1. 2.
Remove the cover (see Removing the Cover earlier in this section). Locate the RIMM memory sockets on the system board (see the following figure).
Locating the RIMM and Processor Sockets
A Processor Socket B RIMM 1 Socket 3.
C RIMM 2 Socket D Wake-On LAN (WOL) Connector
Eject a RIMM module or continuity module by pressing the plastic clips at the outer edges of the socket away from the module (see the following figures). For module identification, note that the RIMM module is taller than the continuity module and has a cover over the memory on the module. Also note that the continuity module has no memory installed on it.
If the system was just turned off, the RIMM module might be hot to the touch. Use caution in removing the module to avoid a burn. 4. 5.
Grasp the center of the module and pull it straight up and out of the socket. Store the module in an anti-static bag. As required, install a replacement RIMM or continuity module (see Installing a RIMM or Continuity Module in the next section).
Ensure that both RIMM sockets are filled with two RIMM modules or one RIMM module and one continuity module. If both sockets are not filled, system memory wont work well or at all.
Removing a Continuity Module

A Plastic Clip (2)

B Continuity Module

Removing a RIMM Module

B RIMM Module
Installing a RIMM or Continuity Module
Install a RIMM module or a continuity module as follows.
Remove the cover (see Removing the Cover earlier in this section). If you need to remove a currently installed RIMM or continuity module, see Removing a RIMM or Continuity Module earlier in this section.

Remove a rail by removing the two or three screws that secure it to the side of the device. Secure each rail to the new device with the screws (two or three to a side) from the old device.
Locating the Screws for 5 1/4-Inch Device Rails

A Screw or Locking Pin

B Device Rail
Removing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device
Remove the system unit cover and front panel (see Removing the Cover and Removing the Front Panel).
Before removing the cover, turn off system power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when the power cable is unplugged. 2. 3. 4.
Tag and unplug the power and signal cables connected to the device. Press the tabs on either side of the device inward to unlatch the device from the chassis (see the following figure). Slide the device out of the accessible device cage in the chassis.
Releasing a 5 1/4-Inch Device
Remove the rails from the old device (see Removing or Installing Device Rails). If the bay is to remain empty, see step 6 only. If you are installing a new device, skip to step 7.
If the bay is to remain empty:

! ! ! !

Store the rails in the empty bay (see Storing and Retrieving Unused Rails). Place the bay cover over the bay (see Replacing a Bay Cover). Replace the front panel (see Replacing the Front Panel). Replace the cover (see Replacing the Cover).
If you are installing a new device in the bay:
If necessary, place the rails on the new device (see Removing or Installing Device Rails). Install the device (see Installing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device).
Installing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device
Install rails on the new device before attempting to insert the new device in the system. Use the rails from the old device or the empty bay. 1.
Before removing the cover, turn off system power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when the power cable is unplugged. 2.
If you are installing the device in an unused bay, remove the bay cover (see Removing a Bay Cover). If the bay contains a device to be removed, remove the device (see Removing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device).
If the new device does not already have rails on either side, use the rails from the empty bay or from the old device (see Removing or Installing Device Rails). Position the new device so it is right-side up for the chassis orientation you plan to use (see the following figure).

Orient the 5 1/4-inch accessible device correctly for the configuration (desktop or minitower) you plan to use. Make sure the device is right-side up for that configuration. 5.
Slide the device into the device cage in the chassis. The tab on the end of each rail should click into place when the device is in place.
Inserting a 5 1/4-Inch Device for Use in a Minitower
Reconnect the power and signal cables to the device. Replace the front panel (see Replacing the Front Panel). Replace the system unit cover (see Replacing the Cover).
3 1/2-Inch Accessible Devices
The 3 1/2-inch accessible devices in the system are housed in a two-device bracket. The bracket installs in the lowest bay of the accessible device cage, much like a 5 1/4-inch accessible device. This applies equally to the desktop or minitower configuration. The following sections describe how to remove and install 3 1/2-inch accessible devices in the system.
Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device
To remove a 3 1/2-inch accessible device, first remove the bracket holding the device from the system, then remove the 3 1/2-inch accessible device from the bracket.
Tag and unplug the power and signal cables connected to all devices in the two-device bracket. Press the tabs on either side of the bracket inward to unlatch it from the chassis. Pull the bracket out the front of the chassis.
Removing the 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bracket
Unlatch the bracket cover by pressing the two side tabs towards each other (see the following figure). Reach in behind the front shield of the bracket for access. Set the cover aside. Remove the four screws (two to a side) that secure the device to the bracket (see the following figure).
The 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bracket
A Side Tabs on Bracket Cover B Drive Screws (two of four) 7. 8. 9.
C Best Approach for Unlatching Side Tabs
Slide the device out the front of the bracket. If you are installing another 3 1/2-inch accessible device, see Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device. If you are not installing a new device at this time, continue with step 9. Press the plastic bay cover over the opening in the bracket cover.
10. Press the bracket cover over the front shield so the two side tabs click into place. 11. Slide the bracket into the chassis. The tab at either side of the bracket should click into

place.

12. If there is still a device in the other bay of the bracket, reconnect its power and signal

cables.

13. Replace the front panel (see Replacing the Front Panel). 14. Replace the system unit cover (see Replacing the Cover).
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device

Tag and unplug the power and signal cables connected to all devices in the drive bracket. Remove the screws that hold the drive bracket to the front of the chassis (see the following figure).
Locating Internal Drive Bracket Screws

A Screws 5.

Slide the bracket back about one quarter inch. The tabs on the bracket should slide out of the guides on the side of the accessible device cage (see the following figure).
Sliding the Internal Drive Bracket out of the Chassis

A Guide 6.

B Tab (one of four)
Remove the four screws that secure the drive to the drive bracket (see the following figure). Depending on the position of the drive, the screws might be located on opposite sides of the bracket, or all on one side of the bracket.
Locating Internal Drive Screws on the Bracket
A Screws (2 of 4) B Screw Holes (2 of 4) 7. 8. 9.
C Screws (all on one side)
Slide the device out the front of the bracket. If you are installing a new 3 1/2-inch internal drive, see Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Drive. If you are not installing a new drive, continue with step 9. Align the tabs on the bracket with the guides on the accessible device cage. Slide the bracket into the chassis. chassis.
10. Support the bracket within the chassis while you replace the screws at the front of the 11. Reconnect the power and signal cables of any drives still in the bracket. 12. Replace the front panel (see Replacing the Front Panel). 13. Replace the system unit cover (see Replacing the Cover).
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Drive
Before removing the cover, turn off system power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when the power cable is unplugged. 1. 2. 3.
Follow steps 1 to 8 of Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Drive to remove the internal drive bracket and (if applicable) an existing drive from the system. With the drive connectors last, slide the new drive into the bracket. Secure the new device in the bracket with four screws. Depending on the position of the drive, the screws might be located on opposite sides of the bracket, or all on one side of the bracket (see the previous figure). With the drive connectors last, slide the bracket into the chassis. The bracket should slide along the guides on the side of the accessible device cage.
Locating Guides for the Internal Drive Bracket
Support the bracket within the chassis while you replace the screws at the front of the chassis.
Securing the Internal Drive Bracket

A Screws 6. 7. 8.

Reconnect the power and signal cables for all devices in the drive bracket. Replace the front panel (see Replacing the Front Panel). Replace the system unit cover (see Replacing the Cover).

CMOS Battery

The system board uses a CMOS battery to maintain system configuration information. The battery is a coin-cell battery mounted on the system board (see the following figure). If it fails to maintain system configuration information, replace it with an identically rated battery from the same manufacturer.

Reinstalling the System Board
NECC recommends that you contact your NECC Technical Support Center for assistance in removing or replacing your system board. 1.
Place the system board in the chassis. The screw holes in the board should align with the holes in the chassis. The back panel connectors should fit perfectly into the back of the chassis.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Secure the board to the chassis with the six screws previously removed. Reconnect any cables that were disconnected from the system board. Replace the expansion boards (see Installing an Expansion Board). If appropriate, install any memory modules, processor, or cables from a previous board. Replace the system unit cover (see Replacing the Cover).
Remove the power supply as follows.
Before removing the system cover, turn off the power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when the power cable is unplugged. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Turn off the system and any connected peripherals. Unplug the system AC power cord and any peripheral power cords. Disconnect any attached peripherals. Remove the system cover (see Removing the Cover earlier in this section). Tag and unplug the power cables from all installed devices. Remove the four screws holding the power supply to the rear of the chassis.
Locating the Power Supply Screws

A Screws (4) 7. 8.

Slide the power supply towards the front of the chassis enough to clear the chassis. Lift the power supply out of the chassis and set aside.

Front USB Port

Remove the front USB port using these steps.
Remove the system unit cover and front panel (see Removing the Cover and Removing the Front Panel). Disconnect the front USB port cable from its header on the system board. Remove the two screws that secure the USB port to the front of the chassis. Save the screws.
Locating Front USB Port Screws

A Screw 4.

B USB Port Board
Gently pull the board off the chassis and feed its cable through the cutout in the front of the chassis.
Reverse this procedure to install a front USB port.

Front LED/Switch Bracket

Remove the LED/switch bracket from the front of the chassis using these steps.
Before removing the system cover, turn off the power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when the power cable is unplugged. 1. 2. 3.
Remove the cover and front panel (see Removing the Cover and Removing the Front Panel). Disconnect the LED/switch cable connector from its header on the system board. Press both sides of the LED/switch bracket together to disengage the tabs that hold it to the chassis. (The tabs are hooked on the left side, so only the tabs on the right side disengage.)

4-8 System Board

Component Winbond Super I/O W83627HFAW controller Function The controller supports the following: Industry-standard floppy controller Multimode parallel port Centronics compatible (standard mode) Enhanced capabilities port (ECP) Enhanced parallel port (EPP) Two RS-232C serial ports Two USB ports Integrated PS/2 keyboard and mouse controller One MIDI/Game port Hardware monitor Audio integrated on system board, compatible with Windows Sound System

Yamaha Sound YMF 752-S

Processor and Secondary Cache
The system uses an Intel Pentium III processor with an internal clock speed of 533 MHz or higher. The processor is an advanced pipelined 32-bit addressing, 64-bit data processor designed to optimize multitasking operating systems. The 64-bit registers and data paths support 64-bit addresses and data types. To use the processors power, the system features an optimized 64-bit memory interface and 256 KB of secondary write-back cache on the processor. The processor is compatible with 8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-bit software written for the Intel386, Intel486, Pentium, Pentium II, and Pentium III processors. The processor is installed in a Socket 370 on the system board.

System BIOS

The PCI-compatible BIOS is contained in a 4-Mb flash memory device on the system board. The BIOS provides Power-On Self-Test (POST), system Setup program, PCI auto-configuration utility, and BIOS recovery code. The FLASH ROM allows fast, economical BIOS upgrades. The FLASH ROM is a reprogrammable EPROM containing both the system and video BIOS. Using the FLASH ROM to change the ROM BIOS provides the following advantages:
BIOS upgrade is performed quickly and easily expense of replacing ROM BIOS chips is eliminated, so system maintenance costs are reduced less chance of inadvertently damaging the system board than when physically replacing ROMs network administrators can exercise company-wide control of BIOS revisions.
The BIOS programs execute the Power-On Self-Test (POST), initialize processor controllers, and interact with the display, diskette drive, hard drives, communication devices, and peripherals. The system BIOS also contains the Setup Utility.

Unplug the mouse from the system. Turn the mouse upside down and locate the ball cover. Turn the ball cover counterclockwise and remove the cover.
Locating the Mouse Ball Cover

A Mouse Ball Cover 4. 5.

Turn the mouse over and remove the ball. Clean the mouse as follows:
Clean the mouse ball with tap water and a mild detergent, then dry it with a lint-free cloth. Remove any dust and lint from the mouse socket. Use a Q-tip to remove accumulated dirt.

6. 7. 8. 9.

Replace the mouse ball in its socket. Replace the ball cover and turn it clockwise until it locks in place. Connect the mouse to the mouse port. Plug in the AC power cord and press the power/sleep button.

Troubleshooting

Checklist Diagnostics
This section provides information to help isolate and repair system malfunctions at the field level. The system has a built-in program that automatically checks its components when the system is powered on. If there is a problem, the system displays an error message. If this happens, follow any instructions on the screen. If screen messages do not help or an error message does not appear, refer to the information in this section to help determine and correct the problem. For the more common problems, refer to Checklist for assistance. If the information in the checklist does not help, refer to Diagnostics for more detailed problem solving. If disassembly is required, see Section 3, Disassembly and Reassembly. Jumper setting information is given in Section 2, System Configuration and in Section 4, System Board.

Checklist

Check the following information for a match to a system or component problem and the possible cause and solution.

System Problems

No power and power lamp not lit. Check that the power switch is on. Check that the power cable is plugged into the system power socket and that the other end is plugged into a live, properly grounded AC power outlet or surge protector. Check the outlet or surge protector by plugging in a lamp.
Non-System Disk error message displays when the system is started. A diskette is in the diskette drive, and the diskette drive is set before the hard drive in boot order. Remove the diskette from drive A and restart the system.
Operating system not found error message displays when the system is started. If a CD is left in the CD-ROM drive, the system may not be able to boot. Try removing the CD and rebooting.
System does not boot and error message displayed on screen. Run the Setup Utility (see Section 2, System Configuration). Check that the parameters are set correctly, particularly if you just installed an option.

1. Perform steps 1 through 4 listed in this table under No Power. 2. Check power supply voltages. Voltages should be measured with a load on them (system board plugged in). 3. Replace the power supply.
1. Check system configuration (see Section 2). 2. Check all jumper settings and verify that drives are enabled (see Section 2). 3. Reseat RIMM(s), continuity module, and option boards in their connectors. Inspect system board for foreign objects such as paper clips. 4. 5. Remove option boards and reboot. Replace system board.
Invalid Configuration message displayed.
1. Press F2 to run Setup and correct the parameters. 2. Replace the CMOS battery (see Section 3) if the date and time must be set each time the system is powered on.

7-6 Troubleshooting

Problem Operating system does not boot (contd) Symptom System halts during loading sequence. Solution 1. Power the system off. Check for proper jumper settings (see Section 2), then power-on the system. 2. Check the condition of the selected bootload device (diskette, disc, or hard disk) for bad boot track or incorrect OS files. 3. Try booting OS from diskette or disc, or recopy OS files onto hard disk. 4. Diskette drive does not work Lamp on drive panel does not light when diskette is loaded. Verify correct hard disk is selected.
1. Check power and signal cable connections between diskette drive and power supply. 2. Check diskette drive cable. Replace as necessary. 3. 4. 5. Check power supply. Replace diskette drive. Replace system board.

Hard drive malfunction

Hard drive lamp does not light but hard drive can be accessed. Hard drive controller failure message displayed. Cannot access hard drive.
1. Check cable connections between lamp and system board. 1. Check that the IDE channel and hard drive are enabled in Setup (see Section 2). 1. Check signal/power connections between hard disk, system board, power supply. 2. 3. Check hard drive jumper settings. Check power supply.
4. Check hard drive cable and hard drive. Replace as necessary. 5. Memory malfunction Total memory not recognized. 1. 2. Replace system board. Reseat RIMM(s) and continuity module. Systematically swap RIMMs.
3. Check to see if the RIMM configuration is valid (see Section 4). 4. 5. Replace RIMM(s) or continuity module. Replace system board.

Problem Keyboard or mouse malfunction Symptom Monitor has prompt, but cannot input data using keyboard or mouse. Solution 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Monitor malfunction Unable to synchronize display. 1. Check keyboard/mouse plugged in. Clean mouse Check password (see Section 2). Disable password (see Section 2). Replace keyboard (or mouse). Replace system board. Adjust the monitors synchronization controls.
2. Check that the monitors resolution matches the video setting or the video driver used. 3. Check that the utility is not selecting a refresh rate/resolution that is not supported by the monitor. 4. Check that the driver used matches the capabilities of the video controller and DRAM. Wavy display. Blank display. 1. Check that the system and monitor are not near motors or electric fields. 1. Press any key or move the mouse to ensure power management has not blanked the display. 2. Check that the monitor power On/Off switch is On. 3. Adjust brightness and contrast controls on the monitor. 4. Check that the monitor cable is attached to the video connector at the back of the system. 5. Check cable connections between the AC power supply and monitor. 6. CD-ROM drive malfunction System power not on. Disc tray does not open. 1. 1. Replace monitor. Turn system power on. System power not on. Turn system power on.
2. System power failed. Insert the end of a straightened paper clip into the emergency eject hole, then gently press inward until the tray opens.

7-8 Troubleshooting

Problem CD-ROM drive malfunction (contd) Symptom No sound from CDs. Solution 1. Check that speaker power is on and volume is adjusted. 2. 3. Check audio software settings. Check the CD.
4. Check the CD-ROM drive audio cable connections. 5. Check the CD-ROM drive audio cable. Replace as necessary. 6. 7. Cannot access CD-ROM drive. Replace the CD-ROM drive. Replace the system board.
1. Check that the CD-ROM driver software is loaded and not corrupted. 2. Check signal and power connections between the CD-ROM drive, system board, and power supply. 3. Check the master/slave jumper settings (see Section 2). 4. Check the interface cable. Replace as necessary. 5. Check the power supply. Replace as necessary. 6. Check the system board. Replace as necessary.
NECC Information Services
Service Telephone Numbers Technical Support
This section contains the following NECC service and support information:

Email/Fax Technical Support Service
The NECC Technical Support Center offers technical support by Internet email if you have access. The Internet email address is:
tech-support@nec-computers.com
You can also fax technical questions to the NECC Technical Support Center if you have access to a fax machine or fax/modem. The fax number is:

1 (801) 578-5101

When using the email or fax support service, please include one of the following words in the subject field for prompt response from the appropriate technical person:
Desktop Monitor Notebook.
Provide as much specific information in your questions as possible. Also, if sending a fax, please include your voice telephone number and your fax number with the question. You will receive a response to your questions within one business day.

Technical Support Center

NECC also offers direct technical support through its Technical Support Center. (NECC technical support is for U.S. and Canadian customers only; international customers should check with their sales provider.) Direct assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the NECC Technical Support Center, toll free, at 1 (800) 632-4525 (U.S. and Canada only) for the following support.
System hardware - toll-free phone support is limited to the length of the standard warranty. Preinstalled software - toll-free phone support for 90 days from the time of your first call to the NECC Technical Support Center.
Please have available your systems name, model number, serial number, and as much information as possible about your systems problem before calling. For callers outside the U.S. and Canada, please contact your local NECC sales provider.

Specifications

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
System Board Keyboard Mouse Speakers System Unit Hard Drives Diskette Drive CD-ROM Drives CD-RW Drive DVD-ROM Drives Zip Drive Modem Boards Network Boards ATX Power Supply Environmental and Safety Compliance
This section contains the specifications for the various components comprising the PowerMate CT systems. The following table lists the specifications and the pages where the specifications can be found.

Preface

This manual contains technical information for servicing and repairing the NEC PowerMate VT 300i Series computers manufactured by NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc. The manual contains hardware and interface information for users who need an overview of system design. The manual includes system setup information, disassembly procedures, and an illustrated parts list. The manual is prepared for NEC CSD trained customer engineers, system analysts, service center personnel, and dealers. The manual is organized as follows. Section 1 System Overview, provides an overview of system features and includes brief descriptions of system components. Section 2 System Configuration, includes information on system IRQs, jumpers, and BIOS. The section also contains information on video modes and power management features. Also included is information on system utilities, including the BIOS update utility and NEC OS Restore CD. Section 3 Disasssembly and Reassembly, provides computer disassembly and reassembly procedures. Each procedure is supported by detailed disassembly illustrations. Section 4 System Board, includes information on cable and board connector locations, jumper settings, and upgrade sockets. Also provided is information on board components and memory map. Section 5 Illustrated Parts Breakdown, includes an exploded view diagram (illustrated parts breakdown) and a parts list for field-replaceable parts. Section 6 Preventive Maintenance, provides recommended maintenance information for maintaining the system in top condition. Section 7 Troubleshooting, includes information for solving possible computer problems and their solutions. Section 8 NEC CSD Information Services, lists telephone numbers for obtaining service. The section also includes information on NEC CSD technical support, website, and bulletin board service. Section 9 Specifications, provides specifications for the major components in the system, including the system board, power supply, diskette drive, and hard drives. Appendix A NEC PowerMate VT 300i Series Release Notes, describes recommended operating procedures not documented in other PowerMate VT 300i Series documentation.

Preface xi

Abbreviations
A AC ACK AGP ASIC ampere alternating current acknowledge accelerated graphics port application-specific integrated circuit AT advanced technology (IBM PC) ATA AT attachment ATAPI AT attachment packet interface ATM asynchronous transfer mode BBS Bulletin Board Service BCD binary-coded decimal BCU BIOS Customized Utility BIOS basic input/output system bit binary digit BUU BIOS Upgrade Utility bpi bits per inch bps bits per second C capacitance C centigrade Cache high-speed buffer storage CAM constantly addressable memory CAS column address strobe CD-ROM compact disk-ROM CH channel clk clock cm centimeter CMOS complementary metal oxide semiconductor COM communication CONT contrast CPGA ceramic pin grid array CPU central processing unit DAC digital-to-analog converter DACK DMA acknowledge dB DC DCC DCE DDC DIMM DIP DMA DMAC DMI DOS DRAM DVD ECC ECP EDO EGA EISA email EMI EPP EPROM ESD EVGA F FAX FCC FG FM FP FRU FSB ftp decibels direct current direct cable connection data communications equipment Display Data Channel Dual In-Line Memory Module dual in-line package direct memory access DMA controller Desktop Management Interface disk operating system dynamic RAM digital versatile disc error checking and correction extended capabilities port extended data output Enhanced Graphics Adapter enhanced ISA electronic mail electromagnetic interference enhanced parallel port erasable and programmable ROM electrostatic discharge Enhanced Video Graphics Array Fahrenheit facsimile transmission Federal Communications Commission frame ground frequency modulation fast page field-replaceable unit front side bus file transfer protocol

VESA VFC VGA VHF VLSI VRAM W WAN WRAM W www
video electronics standards association VESA-compliant feature connector Video Graphics Array very high frequency very large scale integration video RAM watt wide area network Windows RAM write world wide web

Abbreviations xv

System Overview
T Configurations T Features T Components
This section provides an overview of the NEC PowerMate VT 300i Series microtower computer system configurations. The section highlights system hardware features, computer front, back, and inside features, and system security features. Also included are brief descriptions of the major components comprising the system.

Configurations

NEC PowerMate VT 300i Series computer systems are built-to-order systems for commercial offices. The systems feature an Intel Celeron, Pentium II, or Pentium III processor, two dual inline memory module (DIMM) sockets, synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and a plug and play input/output (I/O) controller. The system also features two universal serial bus (USB) ports, two serial ports, and a parallel port. Ultra direct memory access (DMA), remote wakeup (WakeOn LAN), accelerated graphics port (AGP), and power management are supported. Build choices include intelligent device electronics (IDE) hard drives ranging from 4.3 gigabyte (GB) to 12.9 GB. System memory is provided in 32-megabyte (MB) (minimum), 64-MB, or 128-MB DIMM modules. Memory configurations range from 32 MB to 256 MB. Additional build choices include fax/modem, sound, video, and peripheral devices such as CD-ROM drives. The following figure shows the components comprising the PowerMate VT 300i Series system (the monitor and speakers are optional).
PowerMate VT 300i Series System Components
A Speaker Set B Keyboard C Mouse

D Monitor E System Unit

1-2 System Overview
The following table lists the PowerMate VT 300i series system configuration.
PowerMate VT 300i Series System Configuration
Component System Board CPU* Description

0LFUR6WDU ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 06
Celeron 300A MHz, 66 MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) 333 MHz, 66 MHz FSB 366 MHz, 66 MHz FSB 400 MHz, 66 MHz FSB 433 MHz, 66 MHz FSB Pentium II 350 MHz, 100 MHz FSB 400 MHz, 100 MHz FSB 450 MHz, 100 MHz FSB
Pentium III 450 MHz, 100 MHz FSB 500 MHz, 100 MHz FSB

System RAM* Hard Drive*

32 MB (minimum) to 256 MB of SDRAM in 2 DIMM sockets IDE Ultra DMA/33: 4.3 GB (Maxtor) 4.3 GB (Seagate) 8.4 GB (Fujitsu) 8.4 GB (Maxtor) 12.9 GB (Maxtor) Celeron: 128 KB Pipeline Burst SRAM integrated on processor cartridge Pentium II and III: 512-KB Pipeline Burst SRAM integrated on processor cartridge AGP slot on system board supports AGP-compatible graphics boards Graphics board: 4-MB, 8-MB, or 16-MB SDRAM (depending on board installed) Creative ES1371/1373 audio chip integrated on system board Samsung 3.5-inch 1.44-MB (SFD-321B) 90 watt or 145 watt Chicony 6923 Microsoft 3D Mouse NEC CDR-3000A 32X Lite-On LTN-301 32X Lite-On LTN-382 40X Hitachi GD2500 4X DVD-ROM/24X CD-ROM 3Com U.S. Robotics Python, 56 Kbps V.90/Voice (ISA) Diamond MDM100D 56 Kbps V90 TTU Modem (PCI) Aztec MDM100A 56 Kbps V90 TTU Modem (PCI) GVC MDM100G 56 Kbps V90 TTU Modem (PCI) ATI Minden RAGE IIC 4-MB AGP ATI XPERT 98 RagePRO 8-MB AGP Diamond Viper V550 Tnt 16-MB AGP Iomega 100-MB Zip Drive
Cache AGP Slot Graphics Memory Audio Diskette Drive Power Supply Keyboard Mouse CD-ROM Drive**
DVD-ROM Drive** Fax/Modem Board**

AGP Board**

Zip Drive**

System Overview 1-3

Component Tape Backup Drive** LS-120 Drive** Speakers** Description Seagate Travan 4/8-GB Tape Backup Device Imation SuperDisk LS-120 Diskette Drive Harman/Kardon 10-watt
* Component varies by system ** Built-to-order component

Features

The system front, back, and inside features are described in the following paragraphs. Also included are descriptions of system security features.

Front Features

The following figure identifies the components, lamps, and controls on the front of the system. Brief descriptions of the components follow the figure.

AGP Board

All systems come with a graphics accelerator board preinstalled in the AGP slot. The board provides an integrated, advanced MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group), 3D and 2D graphics and video accelerator for exceptional graphics and superior quality full-screen, full-motion video. Included on the board is a standard VGA output connector for connecting a VGA-compatible monitor. Graphics modes are given in Section 2, System Configuration. Graphics board specifications are given in Section 9, Specifications.

CD-ROM Drive

All systems come with a 32X or 40X CD-ROM drive. The drive features up to 32-speed or 40-speed technology, affording faster data transfer and smoother animation and video. The CD-ROM drive comes with an Enhanced IDE (EIDE) interface. The drive is fully compatible with Kodak Multisession Photo CDs, CD-I, FMV, and CD Plus, as well as standard CDs. The CD-ROM drive can also play audio CDs (for systems with sound capabilities). A three-connector IDE cable connects the IDE drive to the secondary IDE/PCI channel on the system board. The drive is connected as the master device on the secondary channel. An optional second device can be added to the secondary channel using the free connector on the three-connector cable. CD-ROM jumper settings are included in Section 2, System Configuration. Specifications for the CD-ROM drive are given in Section 9, System Specifications.

Speakers

Some systems come with a high-quality 10-watt stereo speaker set, an AC adapter, and connecting cables. One speaker has a power on/off/volume control. Volume can also be controlled by the Windows sound software. The speaker set connects to the speaker line out jack on the back of the system. Speaker specifications are given in Section 9, Specifications.

System Overview 1-11

Fax/Modem Board
Some systems come with a fax/modem board preinstalled. The board operates as a fax system and data modem according to the operating system and software installed. The modem board offers a full-duplex speakerphone and 56,600 bits per second (bps) data/14,400 bps fax communications. The fax/modem board is Plug and Play compatible. There are no switches or jumpers to set if the system is running the Window 95 operating system. The fax/modem default settings are COM2, IRQ3 for Windows 95. Systems running the Windows NT 4.0 operating system must be configured for COM2 and IRQ3. See Section 2, System Configuration, for information on setting Windows NT jumpers. Section 4, System Board, includes cable connection information for the fax/modem. Fax/modem board specifications are provided in Section 9, Specifications.

5. Replace the three previously removed screws. 6. Replace the left side cover as previously described. 7. Reconnect all external peripherals. 8. Plug in all power cables.
Disassembly and Reassembly 3-7

Expansion Board Removal

Remove any installed expansion board(s) as follows. 1. Remove the left side cover (see Removing the Left Side Cover earlier in this section). 2. Label and disconnect any cables connected to the expansion board. 3. Remove and save the screw securing the board to the support bracket. 4. Pull the expansion board out of its connector and expansion slot. Set the board on an antistatic surface or store in an antistatic bag.
Removing an Expansion Board
A Screw B Expansion Board

C System Board

5. Install a new board or, if not installing a board, install the previously removed slot cover. 6. Place the slot cover over the slot and secure it with the slot cover screw. 7. Replace the left side cover (see Replacing the Left Side Cover earlier in this section).
3-8 Disassembly and Reassembly

AGP Board Removal

Remove the AGP board as follows. 1. Remove the left side cover (see Removing the Left Side Cover earlier in this section). 2. Remove the screw holding the AGP board in its expansion slot. 3. Pull the AGP board out of its connector on the system board and out of the system. 4. If not replacing the AGP board, install the previously removed slot cover.

Front Panel Removal

Remove the front panel from the chassis as follows. 1. Remove the left side cover (see Removing the Left Side Cover earlier in this section). 2. Remove the front panel from the chassis by grasping the edges at the bottom of the panel and evenly pulling out on the panel until its locking plugs release.

Removing the Front Panel

A Metal Shield B Plugs

C Front Panel

Blank Panel and Metal Shield Removal
Remove the blank panel from the front panel and the metal shield covering the accessible device bay as follows. 1. Remove the front panel (see Front Panel Removal earlier in this section). 2. Remove the blank panel from the selected slot in the front panel by pressing the blank panel tabs and pushing the blank panel out.

Removing the Blank Panel

A Blank Panel Tabs
3. Remove the metal shield from the accessible bay on the front of the chassis. (See the previous figure Removing the Front Panel for location of the metal shield.)

T Insert a screwdriver into one of the holes in the metal shield. T Twist the shield with the screwdriver until the shield comes loose.
3-10 Disassembly and Reassembly

DIMM Module Removal

Remove a DIMM module from the system board as follows. 1. Remove the left side cover (see Removing the Left Side Cover earlier in this section). 2. Locate the DIMM module sockets on the system board. 3. Eject the DIMM module by pressing the plastic clips at the outer edges of the DIMM socket away from the module.

Removing a DIMM Module

A Plastic Clips
Processor Cartridge Removal/Replacing
The system board has a Slot 1 connector and a universal retention mechanism for securing in place a Celeron, Pentium II, or Pentium III processor cartridge (depending on system model). To remove or replace a processor cartridge, refer to the appropriate procedure in the following subsections:
Removing the Celeron or Pentium III Processor Cartridge Replacing the Celeron or Pentium III Processor Cartridge Removing the Pentium II Processor Cartridge Replacing the Pentium II Processor Cartridge.
Removing the Celeron or Pentium III Processor Cartridge
Remove the Celeron processor cartridge or the Pentium III processor cartridge from the universal retention mechanism and system board as follows.
Before handling components, reduce static discharge by touching the chassis.
1. Power off the system. 2. Remove the left side cover (see Removing the Left Side Cover earlier in this section). 3. Position the system on its right side for easier access to the system board and processor cartridge.
If the system was just running, the processor and heat sink on the system board are hot. To avoid a burn, let the components cool for 10 minutes before continuing.
4. Locate the processor cartridge on the system board. If necessary, remove any expansion board(s) blocking access to the processor cartridge. 5. If the processor cartridge has an attached cooling fan, tag and unplug the fan cable from its connector (CPUFAN) on the system board. 6. At one end of the processor cartridge (see the following figure), carefully pull the locking lever away from the cartridge approximately 1/4-inch. The lever requires a strong steady pull to release the cartridge. 7. While holding the locking lever out, carefully pull up on the end of the processor cartridge to release it from the lever. 8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the locking lever on the opposite end of the cartridge. 9. Pull the cartridge straight up and out of the socket and universal retention mechanism. Store the cartridge in an antistatic bag.

Specifications 9-7

8.4-GB Fujitsu Hard Drive Specifications
The specifications for the 8.4-GB Fujitsu hard drive are included in the following table.
Feature Hard Drive Formatted Capacity Nominal Rotational Speed Number of Disks Number of R/W Heads Buffer Size Power Temperature (non-condensing) Humidity (non-condensing) Altitude Dimensions Specification 8.4-GB Fujitsu 8450 MB 5,400 rpm 512 KB EDO DRAM +5V +/-5%; 100 mV peak-to-peak allowable ripple/noise 12V +/-8%; 250 mV peak-to-peak allowable ripple/noise Operating: 5 to 55 C (41 to 131F) Non-operating: -40 to 60C (-40 to 140F) Operating: 8% to 80% rh Non-operating: 5% to 85% rh Operating: -60 m to 3,000 m (-200 to 10,000 ft.) Non-operating: -200 m to 12,000 m (-650 to 40,000 ft.) Height: 1.0 inches (26.1 mm) Width: 4.0 inches (101.6 mm) Depth: 5.75 inches (146.0 mm) 1.2 lbs (0.5 Kg)

9-8 Specifications

8.4-GB Maxtor Hard Drive Specifications
The specifications for the 8.4-GB Maxtor hard drive are included in the following table.
8.4-GB Maxtor DiamondMax Hard Drive Specifications
Feature Hard Drive Formatted Capacity Nominal Rotational Speed Number of Disks Number of R/W Heads Buffer Size Power Temperature (non-condensing) Humidity (non-condensing) Altitude Dimensions Specification 8.4-GB Maxtor 8455 MB 5,400 rpm 256 KB +5V +/-5%; 100 mV peak-to-peak allowable ripple/noise 12V +/-5%; 250 mV peak-to-peak allowable ripple/noise Operating: 5 to 55 C (41 to 131F) Non-operating: -40 to 71C (-40 to 160F) Operating: 5% to 85% rh, 30C (86F) Non-operating: 5% to 95% rh, 40C (104F) Operating: -200 m to 3,000 m (-650 to 10,000 ft.) Non-operating: -200 m to 12,000 m (-650 to 40,000 ft.) Height: 1.02 inches (25.9 mm) Width: 4.2 inches (102.1 mm) Depth: 5.77 inches (146.6 mm) 1.3 lbs (0.59 Kg)

Specifications 9-9

12.9-GB Maxtor Hard Drive Specifications
The specifications for the 12.9-GB Maxtor hard drive are included in the following table.
12.9-GB Maxtor DiamondMax Hard Drive Specifications
Feature Hard Drive Formatted Capacity Nominal Rotational Speed Number of Disks Number of R/W Heads Buffer Size Power Temperature (non-condensing) Humidity (non-condensing) Altitude Dimensions Specification 12.9-GB Maxtor 1290 MB 5,400 rpm 512 KB +5V +/-5%; 100 mV peak-to-peak allowable ripple/noise 12V +/-5%; 250 mV peak-to-peak allowable ripple/noise Operating: 5 to 55 C (41 to 131F) Non-operating: -40 to 71C (-40 to 160F) Operating: 5% to 85% rh, 30C (86F) Non-operating: 5% to 95% rh, 40C (104F) Operating: -200 m to 3,000 m (-650 to 10,000 ft.) Non-operating: -200 m to 12,000 m (-650 to 40,000 ft.) Height: 1.02 inches (25.9 mm) Width: 4.02 inches (102.1 mm) Depth: 5.77 inches (146.6 mm) 1.3 lbs (0.59 Kg)
ATX Power Supply Specifications
The specifications for the ATX 90-watt and 145-watt power supplies are included in the following table.

Specifications 9-15

Feature Software Specification SwapFit Flash Filing system driver enabling full floppy disk or hard drive emulation on flash cards; compatible with all compression and PC-utilities software Single drive letter designator for all memory cards Graphical installation and formatting utilities Functionality Supports ISA Plug and Play Supports mixed voltage (3V) cards Vcc and Vpp Matrix: Micrel MTC2563
Tape Backup Unit Specifications
The specifications for the tape backup unit are included in the following table.
Feature Tape Backup Unit Capacity Specification Seagate CTT8000 IDE Minicartridge Drive 4.0 GB (900 Oe 740 Travan cartridge, uncompressed) 8.0 GB (900 Oe 740 Travan cartridge, compressed) 30 MB/min typical native 45 MB/min typical compressed 300/450/600 KB/second Fast Sense 33, 51, or 77 ips 90 ips max Serpentine QIC-3095-MC 900 Oe 740 Travan TR-4 3.2 in. x 2.4 in. x 0.4 in. (81 mm x 61 mm) 67,733 bpi 72 data tracks, one directory track 5 MBytes/sec maximum 5 MBytes/sec maximum +5V +/-5%; +12V +/-10%
Effective Backup Rate Data Transfer Rate Tape Speed Read/Write Search/Rewind Recording Method Recording Format Recording Media Cartridge Size Data Density Tracks Synchronous Transfer Rate (Burst) Asynchronous Transfer Rate (Burst) Voltage Tolerance

9-16 Specifications

Feature Temperature Humidity Altitude Specification Operating: 5 to 45 Non-operating: -40 to 65 Operating: 20% to 80% (non-condensing) Non-operating: 5% to 95% (non-condensing) Operating: -1,000 to 15,000 feet Non-operating: -1,000 to 50,000 feet

Zip Drive Specifications

The specifications for the Zip drive are included in the following table.

Zip Drive Specification

Feature Zip Drive Sustained Data Transfer Rate Burst Transfer Rate Minimum Seek Average Seek Maximum Seek Average Latency Spindle Speed Track-to-Track Access Time Average Head Switch Time Head Reload Time Average Start/Stop Time Removable Zip Cartridge Capacity Error Correction Height Width Depth Weight Relative Humidity (Noncondensing) Operating Temperature Specification Iomega Zip 100 ATA Drive Up to 11.2 Mbits/sec Up to 26.7 Mbits/sec 4.0 ms 29.0 ms 55.0 ms 10.2 ms 2941 rpm 5.0 ms 8.0 ms 200.0 ms 3/2 seconds 100 MB formatted Reed-Solomon 1.00 in. (25.4 mm) 3.99 in. (101.4 mm) 6.44 in. (163.6 mm) 13.2 ounces (374.22 grams) 10% to 80% (operating) 10C to 32C

Specifications 9-17

Environmental and Safety Specifications
The system environmental and safety specifications are included in the following table.

A-4 NEC PowerMate VT 300i Series Release Notes
Installing LapLink Application Not Supported
The LapLink application included on the NEC Application and Driver CD is not supported. This version of LapLink can cause problems when installed. When released, a new version will be available on the NEC CSD website (http://www.nec-computers.com). On the website, select Service & Support and then choose PowerMate.
Installing PartitionMagic
Install PartitionMagic files from the NEC Application and Driver CD. Select the PartitionMagic software from the Applications tab in the Installation utility menu. The utility loads files from the NEC Application and Driver CD to C:\Program Files\PowerQuest\PartitionMagic4. You can find setup and documentation files in the following folders:
Btmagic Diskette Setup Userinfo.
If the PartitionMagic setup program asks you for a serial number, enter the following number:

PM400ENOEMCD-673785

See the documentation in the Userinfo folder for information about using PartitionMagic, BootMagic, and the recovery diskette program. Reading the Userinfo files requires the Adobe Acrobat reader. Install the Adobe Acrobat reader from the NEC Application and Driver CD. Select the Adobe Acrobat software from the Applications tab. To load the reader, run Ar32e301.exe from the C:\Acrobat3 folder.
Note: If you are installing BootMagic in a system with the Windows NT operating system, see Installing BootMagic in a System with Windows NT at the end of this document.
Getting CD-ROM Support in Command Prompt Only Mode
CD-ROM support is not available when you select F8 at the Starting Windows 9x prompt and select the Command Prompt Only option. To initiate CD-ROM support in the Command Prompt Only mode, run DOSSTART.BAT which is located in the C:\WINDOWS directory.
NEC PowerMate VT 300i Series Release Notes A-5
Installing Internet Explorer 4.01 Add-On Components from the NEC Driver CD
Choosing the Installing Internet Explorer 4.01 Add-On Components option on the NEC Driver CD results in a file opening error message. Due to the space these components require, the component files are not included on the NEC Driver CD. NEC CSD recommends that you run Internet Explorer 4.01, click the Help menu, and select Product Update. This procedure takes you to the Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 website where you can install these components.
Identifying the Pentium III Processor
NEC computer systems with the Intel Pentium III processor come equipped with the most advanced Intel Pentium processor available. Because the new Pentium III processor was introduced after the release of Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 95, and Windows NT operating systems, these operating systems are not able to correctly identify the processor. These operating systems might identify the Pentium III processor as a Pentium II or Pentium Pro processor. Windows identifies the processor on the General tab of the Windows System Properties sheet. You can get to System Properties in either of the following ways:

T Right click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop and select
Properties from the drop-down menu.
T Select Settings from the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel,
double click the System icon. The Windows System Properties processor identification does not effect in any way the performance of the Pentium III processor. At bootup, the system BIOS detects the Pentium III processor. You can obtain a patch to fix the Windows processor identification once Microsoft releases the patch. Check for the patch on the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) or NEC CSD website (www.nec-computers.com).

SCSI Drive Limitations

The following procedures and operating limitations apply to systems whose only hard drive is a SCSI device.

Booting from a CD

In systems with only a SCSI hard drive, it is not possible to boot from an IDE CD-ROM drive.
A-6 NEC PowerMate VT 300i Series Release Notes
Using the NEC OS Restore CD with a SCSI Drive
If a situation arises in which a full operating system restore must be performed using the NEC OS Restore CD, first boot the system from the bootable diskette. (This might be necessary, for example, if the system does not boot from the hard drive.) The bootable diskette comes with all systems that have a SCSI hard drive. After the system boots, proceed with the NEC OS Restore procedure.
LS-120 SuperDisk Copy Utility
Using the LS-120 SuperDisk Copy utility on 1.44-MB or 120-MB media intermittently causes system lockups and diskette eject failures. This condition only occurs when you use the SuperDisk Copy utility supplied with the SuperDisk Tools diskette shipped with the system. To safely copy a 1.44-MB diskette, NEC CSD recommends using the standard Microsoft Disk Copy program supplied with the Microsoft Windows operating system. You can find the Microsoft Disk Copy program by double clicking My Computer and right clicking the LS-120 icon. The context menu displays Copy Disk as one of the available items. Using this Copy Disk program allows the LS-120 SuperDisk drive to copy 1.44-MB diskettes without system lockups and allows the drive to eject the 1.44-MB diskette. However, this utility does not copy 120-MB media. If you need to duplicate 120-MB media, you must use the SuperDisk Copy utility. To avoid data loss, make sure you save all data and close all applications before you attempt to copy 120-MB diskettes with the SuperDisk Copy utility. To recover from a diskette eject failure or a system lockup after completing the SuperDisk Copy, restart the system by pressing the power button to turn off the system. Then press the power button again to turn on system power. LS-120 SuperDisk Copy issues are currently under investigation and will be fixed in the next version of the SuperDisk Utilities. Please check the NEC CSD website below for updates.

A-18 NEC PowerMate VT 300i Series Release Notes

Glossary

access time
The time period between the supply of an access signal and the output or acceptance of the data by the addressed system. Examples are the access times for DRAMs, SRAMs, hard drives, and CD-ROM drives. Hard drive access time is the time it takes for a computer to get data from the drive. A hard drive with an 11 ms access time is fast. A CD-ROM drive with a 280-ms access time is fast.
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. A power management specification developed by Intel, Microsoft, and Toshiba. When installed on the system, ACPI enables the operating system to control the amount of power given to each device attached to the computer. With ACPI, the operating system can turn off peripheral devices (such as CD-ROM drives) when they are not in use. As another example, ACPI enables manufacturers to produce computers that automatically power up as soon as you touch the keyboard.

adapter

An expansion board or component on the system board that communicates with peripherals (such as the display monitor or network devices).

address

A hexadecimal number that represents a location in storage or memory. Also used to identify communication ports. To communicate with a storage device.
Accelerated Graphics Port. A high-speed, high-performance video standard supported by a dedicated connector on the system board. The connector allows the connection of an AGP board to the system boards AGP bus. AGP boards feature 64- or 128-bit graphics acceleration with an integrated digital video engine and accelerated 3-D graphics, texture mapping, and shading functions. Fast refresh rates, high resolution, and color depth allow for incredible graphics suitable for multimedia and graphic intensive applications.

algorithm

Any set of instructions to be followed in order.

anti-aliasing

Making jagged edges look smoother by filling in the jags with an intermediate color. Usually used in reference to the edges of shapes, especially letters, on a computer screen.

Glossary 1

Application Programming Interface. An API is a series of functions that programs can use to make the operating system do routine or repetitive tasks. Using Windows APIs, for example, a program can open windows, files, and message boxes (as well as perform more complicated tasks) by passing a single instruction. Windows has several classes of APIs that deal with telephony, messaging, and other issues.
Advanced Power Management. An API developed by Intel and Microsoft that allows developers to include power management in the BIOS. APM defines a layer between the hardware and the operating system that effectively shields the programmer from hardware details.

application programs

Software designed to perform specific functions or a group of functions, like solving business or mathematical problems. Examples of applications include word processing, communications, or database management.

Slot 1

The form factor for Intel Pentium processors. The Slot 1 package replaces the Socket 7 and Socket 8 form factors used by previous Pentium processors. Slot 1 is a 242-pin daughter card slot that accepts a processor packaged as a Single Edge Contact (SEC) cartridge. A system board can have one or two Slot 1s. See SEC.
Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. A hard drive feature that works in conjunction with system software (for example, LANDesk Client Manager, NEC Auto Backup) for identifying a potential problem on the hard drive and automatically backing up system files to a user-specified device, such as a tape or Zip drive.

sound card

An expansion card designed for sound input and output. Sound cards can record and play back digital audio. Most also have a MIDI synthesizer, which means they can play MIDI files; some also have MIDI inputs and outputs.
super video graphics array (SVGA)
A color bit-mapped graphics display standard that provides a resolution of 1024x 768 with up to 256 colors displayed simultaneously.

synchronous

Refers to protocols that require the clocks of the communicating machines to be coordinated.

14 Glossary

system board
The main printed circuit board inside the system unit into which other boards and major chip components, such as the system microprocessor, are connected.

Tracks per inch.

Any of many concentric circular regions on a disk for storing data. Tracks are divided into sectors. One measure of storage density of a disk is tpi.

Ultra DMA

A protocol developed by Quantum Corporation and Intel that supports burst mode data transfer rates of 33.3 MBps. This is twice as fast as the previous disk drive standard for PCs, and is necessary to take advantage of new, faster Ultra ATA disk drives. The official name for the protocol is Ultra DMA/33.
Universal Serial Bus. An external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps (12 million bits per second). A single USB port can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices, such as mice, modems, and keyboards. USB also supports Plug-and-Play installation and hot plugging. It is expected to eventually replace serial and parallel ports.
Video Electronics Standards Association. The source of a SuperVGA standard used on many video boards.
Software that copies itself onto hard drives and diskettes without user intervention, usually when a diskette is placed into the drive of a computer. Viruses usually trigger a harmless or destructive occurrence on the system, activated by some preset condition. Viruses are frequently written with antisocial intent.

Tape backup unit features, 1-12 jumpers, 2-8 specifications, 9-16 Technical support services, 8-3 Telephone numbers service and support, 8-2 Troubleshooting, 7-2 CD-ROM drive, 7-5 diskette drive, 7-4 keyboard/mouse, 7-5 monitor, 7-4 problem checklist, 7-2 problem diagnostics, 7-6 speakers, 7-6
Uninstalling, NEC Help Center, 2-27 Upgrading BIOS, 2-18

Index-4

USB interface features, 4-15 Utilities Cheyenne Backup, 2-28
Wake-On Lan setting jumper JWOL, 4-7 Website, 8-2 Windows network security, 1-8
Zip drive, 1-13 jumpers, 2-8 specifications, 9-17

Index-5

Regulatory Statements
T FCC Statement T Note for Canada T Battery Replacement T Battery Disposal
The following regulatory statements provide information about use of the PowerMate VT 300i Series computer:
FCC Statement (For United States Only) Note for Canada Battery Replacement Battery Disposal.

Regulatory Statements-2

FCC Statement (For United States Use Only)
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.
T Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. T Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. T Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from the one to
which the receiver is connected. Use shielded and properly grounded I/O cables and power cable to ensure compliance of this unit to the specified limits of the rules.