Page 1 NECC is prohibited. NEC, PowerMate, and MultiSync are registered trademarks and AccuSync is a trademark of NEC Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. All are used under license. Intel, Pentium, and LANDesk are registered trademarks and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Fax/Modem Board................1-13 AGP Video Board................1-14 Chassis ...................... 1-14 Speakers ....................1-14 System Overview ..................1-15 Hardware ..................1-15 Software.................... 1-16 Preloaded Software ..............1-16 NEC OS Restore CD..............1-17 NEC Application and Driver CD ..........1-17 Security..................... 1-17 Contents iii...
Page 3 Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection........3-23 Moving the Hard Drive ..............3-24 FLASH Utility...................3-24 NEC INFO Center ..................3-25 NEC Application and Driver CD...............3-26 NEC OS Restore CD .................3-28 System Board Jumper Settings ..............3-29 Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility ..........3-34 System Requirements................3-34 Installation ..................3-34...
Page 4 4 Installing Options General Rules ....................4-2 Safety Precautions ..................4-3 System Unit Covers..................4-4 Removing the Cover ................4-4 Replacing the Cover ................4-6 Removing the Front Panel ..............4-7 Replacing the Front Panel..............4-9 Expansion Boards..................4-10 Removing the Expansion Board Retainer Bar ........4-11 Installing an Expansion Board............
Page 5 5 Solving System Problems Solutions to Common Problems ..............5-2 System Problems.................5-2 Diskette Drive Problems ..............5-4 Monitor Problems ................5-5 Keyboard/Mouse Problems..............5-6 CD-ROM Drive Problems ..............5-6 Speaker Problems................5-7 How to Clean the Mouse ................5-8 How to Replace the CMOS Battery............5-10 6 Getting Services and Support NECC Website ....................6-2 NECC FTP Site ...................6-3 Email/Fax Technical Support Service ............6-3...
Page 6 B System Specifications Models......................B-2 System Board ..................... B-2 Storage Devices..................B-3 Input/Output Devices ................. B-4 Expansion....................B-4 Power Management..................B-5 System Management .................. B-5 Operating System Software................ B-5 Operating Environment ................B-5 Compliance ....................B-6 Index Regulatory Statements Contents vii...
Page 7: Using This Guide
BIOS Setup Utility, the FLASH Utility, the NEC INFO Center, the NEC Application and Driver CD, and the NEC OS Restore CD. The chapter also includes information for setting system jumpers. Chapter 4, Installing Options, provides installation procedures for processor and memory upgrades, expansion boards, and storage devices.
Page 8: Text Conventions
Prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use your computer in the manner described in Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment. Text Conventions This guide uses the following text conventions.
Page 9: Related Documents
Release Notes is the result of extensive product testing. Your system also comes with the NEC INFO Center online documentation on your hard drive. The NEC INFO Center is an online guide to your PowerMate system. It provides information about the system through the following online modules: Tour, User’s Guide,...
Page 10: Reviewing System Features
Reviewing System Features Front Features Rear Features Inside Features Chassis Speakers System Overview...
Page 11 Front Features You can use your PowerMate CT 815 system as a minitower or as a desktop system. The following figures show the features on the front of the system for both configurations. Brief descriptions follow the figures.
Page 12: System Controls And Lamps
PowerMate CT 815 desktop front features A – Power/Sleep Button F – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bracket B – CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive G – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bay C – 5 1/4-Inch Bay H – Diskette Drive D – Power/Sleep Lamp I –...
Page 13: Diskette Drive
Power/sleep lamp The power/sleep lamp indicates whether system power is on or off. It also lets you know if the system is operating in a power-saving mode. A steady green lamp indicates that the power is on to all system components.
Page 14: Cd-Rom Drive
CD-ROM Drive Systems come with a 48X Max or higher variable speed compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive. Use the CD-ROM drive to load and start programs from a CD. You can also use the CD-ROM drive to play your audio CDs. The CD-ROM drive operates at different speeds depending on whether the CD you are using contains data or music.
Page 15: Rear Features
On the rear of your system, you’ll find the power supply socket, a monitor power socket, a voltage switch, external connectors, and expansion board slots. The following figures show these features. PowerMate CT 815 minitower rear features A – AC Power Connector E – Expansion Slots B –...
Page 16 PowerMate CT 815 minitower rear connector locations A – Keyboard Port G – Line In B – Mouse Port H – Line Out C – USB Port I – VGA Connector D – Parallel Port J – Serial Port 1 E –...
Page 17 C – Cover Locking Tab G – Voltage Switch D – Expansion Slots H – AC Power Connector PowerMate CT 815 desktop rear connector locations A – Mouse Port G – Serial Port 1 B – USB Port H – VGA Connector C –...
Page 18: External Connectors
VGA monitor connector Attach the signal cable from your monitor to the VGA connector on ® the rear of the system. Use this port to connect an NEC MultiSync monitor, NEC AccuSync™ monitor, or other VGA-compatible monitor with a 15-pin connector.
Page 19: Power Supply Features
Audio connectors The system comes with sound integrated on the system board. The following audio connectors are at the rear of the system (see the preceding figure for locations). — Microphone in jack Use this jack to connect a microphone for recording audio information in your data system files.
Page 20: Inside Features
Voltage switch Sets the voltage for your system to 115 volts or 230 volts. Set the switch correctly for the voltage in your area. Most wall outlets in the United States and Canada are 115 volts. Outlets in Europe are 230 volts. Inside Features See the following figure for the location of major features within the system.
Page 21: System Board
System Board The system processor, memory, system battery, internal connectors, and most external connectors are on the system board. For information on the external connectors, see “External Connectors” earlier in this chapter. Internal connectors on the system board include: diskette drive connector primary and secondary IDE connectors that support up to four IDE drives processor Socket 370 that supports Pentium III and Celeron processors...
Page 22: Hard Drive
Instantly Available Technology features the ACPI sleep mode which maximizes power savings. When in the sleep mode, your system appears to be off. The power supply and fans are off and the power lamp is amber. Pressing a key or moving the mouse instantly wakes up your system and returns it to where you were before placing the system in the sleep mode.
Page 23: Agp Video Board
Some systems come with an AGP 4X video board. Connect your monitor to the VGA connector on this board. Chassis The NEC convertible chassis conforms to the Intel ATX form factor specification. The chassis has the following features: standardized chassis size and dimensions...
Page 24: System Overview
See the following sections for information about your system’s hardware, software, and security features. Hardware The PowerMate CT 815 system includes the following hardware features: PC99 compliance ® All the hardware in the system has been certified by Microsoft to be PC99 compliant.
Page 25: Software
If you have a Windows 2000/Windows NT configuration, you must choose the operating system you want to load. The operating system you choose is your only operating system and is the one that the NEC OS Restore program restores. NECC-provided applications, drivers, and utilities come loaded on the hard drive.
Page 26: Nec Os Restore Cd
Should a problem occur that causes data loss or corruption, you can use the NEC OS Restore CD to restore your system to its original factory state or you can restore just the operating system and drivers. A full system restore loads the operating system and all the factory-supplied software that comes on your hard drive.
Page 27 Keyboard/mouse anti-theft bracket Secure the mouse and keyboard cables within the anti-theft bracket to make it difficult to remove them from your system. See “Cover Removal” in Chapter 4 for procedures on securing the cables in the anti-theft bracket. Cover locking tab The system also has a cover locking tab on the rear of the chassis.
Page 28: Setting Up The System
Setting Up the System Chassis Orientation Cable Connections Startup Shutdown Power-Saving Operation System Care More Information...
Page 29 Chassis Orientation The NEC PowerMate CT 815 system can be used either as a minitower or as a desktop system. The accessible drives in the system can be positioned to accommodate either orientation.
Page 30: Startup
To see the messages, press during POST. At the bottom of the NEC startup screen, the following message appears: Press F2 to enter BIOS Setup If you want to enter the BIOS Setup, immediately press while the startup screen displays.
Page 31: Shutdown
Note If the system displays a message indicating that system settings have changed, run the BIOS Setup Utility (see Chapter 3, “Configuring the System”). On systems with Windows 2000, enter your password at the log-on box. On systems loaded with the Windows NT 4.0 operating system, press Ctrl Alt Del when prompted on-screen to do so.
Page 32: Power-Saving Operation
Power-Saving Operation If the system is running Windows 98 or Windows 2000, you can put it in sleep mode (a power-saving state) by pressing and immediately releasing the power button on the front of the system unit. The sleep mode is a way of conserving energy if you are away from your system for a short period of time.
Page 33: Protecting Your System From Damage
Protecting Your System From Damage There are several ways that you can protect your system from possible damage. NECC strongly recommends the following protective measures. Connect a surge suppressor between your system and a grounded wall outlet. A surge suppressor protects your system from sudden transient increases and decreases in electrical power.
Page 34: Keeping Your System In Good Condition
Be sure that nothing is placed on top of your system power cables. Prevent dust from entering your system by covering it when it is not in use. Keeping Your System in Good Condition Maintain the condition of your system by periodically using the following procedures.
Page 35: More Information
If these are not available, be sure to use adequate packing materials to protect the components. To set up your system, follow the steps on the PowerMate CT 815 Quick Setup poster that comes with the system. More Information...
Page 36 Desktop” in Chapter 4 Converting the system to a minitower “Converting from Desktop to configuration Minitower” in Chapter 4 Installing the NEC INFO Center online “NEC INFO Center” in Chapter 3 documentation Protecting the system from viruses Chapter 1, Chapter 3 Reinstalling the applications provided “NEC Application and Driver CD”...
Page 37: Configuring The System
Configuring the System Configuration Tools and Utilities BIOS Setup Utility Hard Drive Security Flash Utility NEC INFO Center NEC Application and Driver CD NEC OS Restore CD System Board Jumper Settings Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility...
Page 38 FLASH Utility for BIOS updates NEC INFO Center for quick access to information about your system NEC Applications and Driver CD for installing the NECC-supplied applications and installing optional drivers NEC OS Restore CD for restoring the operating system jumper settings for setting various system configurations.
Page 39 Configuration Tools and Utilities Configuration Method, Tool, or Utility Drivers for NECC hardware, installing NEC Application and Driver CD Hard drive, setting a pre-delay BIOS Setup (Advanced Menu) Hard drive, setting password protection BIOS Setup (Security Menu) Inactivity timeout, setting...
Page 40: How To Start Bios Setup
To start the BIOS Setup Utility, follow these steps. Turn on or reboot the system. Press as soon as you see the following message at the bottom of the NEC startup screen. <F2 for BIOS Setup> You have about five seconds to press before the system boot continues.
Page 41: How To Use Setup
How to Use Setup The Setup Utility has a Main Menu window and four top-level menus with submenus. 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 set the hard drive auto-detect feature.
Page 42: Main Menu
Navigation Keys Function Left or right arrow keys Selects next menu. Increases numeric values or makes /PgUp changes. –/PgDn Decreases numeric values or makes changes. To select one of the four menus from the menu bar, use the left and right arrow keys.
Page 43 Setting items on this menu to incorrect values can cause your system to malfunction. Main Menu Items Menu Item Settings (default is bold) Set system date in this field. Press Tab or Enter System Date to move between month, date, and year fields. Example: 10/20/2000 System Time Set system time in this field.
Page 44 Main Menu Items Menu Item Settings (default is bold) Primary IDE Master Auto, User Type, Not Installed Auto, User Type, Not Installed Primary IDE Slave Auto, User Type, Not Installed Secondary IDE Master Auto, User Type, Not Installed Secondary IDE Slave Each device menu item displays the hard drive or CD-ROM identifier if a device is installed.
Page 45 Main Menu Items Menu Item Settings (default is bold) Write When Type is Auto, value in the Write Precompensation Precompensation field is auto-detected and field is read only. Sectors When Type is Auto, value in the Sectors field is auto-detected and field is read only. Maximum Capacity When Type is Auto, value in the Maximum Capacity field is auto-detected and field is read...
Page 46: Advanced Menu
Main Menu Items Menu Item Settings (default is bold) Front Side Bus Speed xxx MHz Not selectable, displays information only. Memory Size xxx MB Not selectable, displays information only. Memory Speed xxx MHz Not selectable, displays information only. Axxxxxx BIOS Version Not selectable, displays information only.
Page 47 Advanced Menu - Advanced CMOS Setup Menu Item Settings (default is bold) View DMI Event Log Status only. Press Enter to view. Clear all DMI Events No, Yes Logs Selecting No prevents clearing out the DMI events logs. Enabled, Disabled Event Logging Selecting Enabled permits event logging.
Page 48 Advanced Menu - Advanced Configuration Menu Item Settings (default is bold) Try Other Boot Devices Yes, No Select Yes to cause the system to try to boot from other boot devices if there is a boot failure. Selecting No causes the boot to be carried out from selected devices.
Page 49 Advanced Menu - Advanced Chipset Setup Menu Item Settings (default is bold) USB Function Enabled, Disabled Select Enabled to enable use of USB functions for USB devices. Enabled, Disabled, USB Keyboard/Mouse Legacy Support Select Enabled to enable the USB functions for a USB keyboard and mouse.
Page 50 Advanced Menu - Power Management Setup Menu Item Settings (default is bold) ACPI Standby State S1/POS, S3/STR Select S1/POS for a low wake-up latency sleeping state. In the S3/STR mode, the CPU, cache, and chipset contexts are lost. USB Keyboard Wakeup Disabled, Enabled From S3 Select Enabled to allow the system to wake up from a...
Page 51 Advanced Menu - Power Management Setup Menu Item Settings (default is bold) Resume on LAN Disabled, Enabled The Enabled setting automatically reboots the system when a signal is sent through a LAN. Disabled, Enabled Resume on RTC Alarm When Enabled, you can choose the time the system boots up (see the following time settings).
Page 52 Advanced Menu - Plug and Play Setup Menu Item Settings (default is bold) Plug and Play Aware No, Yes Select No to allow the BIOS to initialize any add-on boards. Select Yes to allow the operating system to initialize any add-on boards. No, Yes Clear NVRam Select No to prohibit clearing of NVRam.
Page 53 Advanced Menu - Peripheral Setup Menu Item Settings (default is bold) AC’97 Audio Controller Enabled, Disabled The Enabled setting allows use of onboard sound. Enabled, Disabled AC’97 Modem Controller The Enabled setting allows use of onboard telephony. Auto, 3F8/COM1, 2F8/COM2, 3E8/COM3, Onboard Serial Port A 2E8/COM4, Disabled Defines serial port A base I/O address.
Page 54 Advanced Menu - Peripheral Setup Menu Item Settings (default is bold) Parallel Port Mode DMA 0, 1, 3, Auto Channel Allows you to choose DMA channel for the onboard parallel port in ECP mode. Displays only when parallel port is enabled and in ECP mode. OnBoard MIDI Port Disabled, 300, 330 Allows you to configure or disable onboard MIDI port.
Page 55: Security Menu
Advanced Menu - Hardware Monitor Setup Menu Item Settings (default is bold) Case Status Opened, Closed CPU Temperature The BIOS detects the value for each of these CPU Fan Speed categories automatically and monitors them Chassis Fan Speed accordingly. Power Fan Speed CPU VID Vcore Vcc3...
Page 56 If the master password is forgotten and the hard drive is installed in another system, data cannot be accessed on the hard drive. Once these passwords are set, NEC Computers Inc. has no capability to remove them. 3-20 Configuring the System...
Page 57: Exit Menu
Hard disk drive (HDD) password protection restricts access to the drive only if the drive is removed from the PowerMate CT 815 system and installed in another system. The system does not prompt you to enter your HDD passwords while the drive remains in the current system.
Page 58: Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords
If you forget the master password and install the drive in another system, you cannot access the data on the hard drive. Once you set these passwords, NEC Computers Inc. has no capability of removing them. If you install the hard drive in another PowerMate system with hard disk drive security enabled, you must enter the password to allow access to the hard drive.
Page 59: Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection
If you install the hard drive in another NEC PowerMate system with security enabled, you must enter the master password to access the hard drive. If the hard drive is installed in another NEC PowerMate CT 815 system with security disabled, the system prompts you to enter the master password and then a new user password.
Page 60: Moving The Hard Drive
Moving the Hard Drive When a password protected hard drive is moved from its original system and installed in another system, error messages appear indicating that the drive is locked. Next, the Security Setup screen appears requiring the user to enter the master password to unlock the drive. Enter the master password, when prompted.
Page 61: Nec Info Center
Check this module for a quick reference to the many NECC support services available to you. To install the NEC INFO Center, double click the NEC OnLine Docs icon on the Windows desktop. Once the NEC INFO Center is installed, an NEC INFO Center icon appears on the Windows desktop.
Page 62: Nec Application And Driver Cd
Double click and follow the prompts. NEC INFO Center To reinstall the NEC INFO Center, use the NEC Application and Driver CD (see the following section, “NEC Application and Driver CD”). NEC Application and Driver CD Use the NEC Application and Driver CD to reinstall NECC-provided...
Page 63 You can also use the NEC Application and Driver CD at any time to restore an application, driver, or utility. Note If you perform a full system restore using the NEC OS Restore CD, the full restore process loads all the factory-installed software that came with your system.
Page 64: Nec Os Restore Cd
NEC OS Restore CD Use the NEC OS Restore CD to restore your system to its original factory state if a problem occurs that causes data loss or corruption. The NEC OS Restore CD provides options for a full system restore with factory- installed software or for a restore with only the operating system and drivers.
Page 65: System Board Jumper Settings
Remove the Master Restore bootable diskette and restore CD from their drives. Insert the NEC Application and Driver CD or other CD into the drive. If you are using the NEC Application and Driver CD, go to “NEC Application and Driver CD”...
Page 66 Use the following figure to locate the jumpers on the system board. Locating the system board jumpers A – CMOS Clear (JP18) D – PS/2 Keyboard Power On (JP3) B – BIOS Recovery (JP15) E – Front USB Keyboard Wake Up (JP31) C –...
Page 67 Set the jumpers as follows. Power off and unplug the system and any external options. Remove the system cover (see “Removing the Cover” in Chapter 4). Locate the appropriate jumper on the system board (see the previous figure “Locating the System Board Jumpers”). Move the appropriate jumpers for your application as shown in the following table, “Setting system board jumpers.”...
Page 68 Setting System Board Jumpers Function Jumper Setting Description CMOS Clear JP18 Factory setting. Maintains system board configuration in CMOS RAM with onboard battery. To clear CMOS, turn off the system, remove the jumper from pins 1-2, and place the jumper on pins 2-3. Wait 10 seconds.
Page 69 Setting System Board Jumpers Function Jumper Setting Description Front USB JP31 Factory setting. Disables system Keyboard wakeup from the USB keyboard Wakeup connected to the front USB port. Enables system wakeup from the USB keyboard connected to the front USB port.
Page 70: Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility
Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility The Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility is a Windows program that enables or disables the reading of the Pentium III processor serial number by software. This function lets you control which software programs or websites have permission to read the processor serial number.
Page 71: Processor Serial Number
Processor Serial Number The Intel processor serial number, a feature of the Pentium III processor, is an identifier for the processor. The processor serial number is unique, and when used in conjunction with other identification methods, can be used to identify the system or user. This number can be used in a wide variety of applications that benefit from stronger forms of system and user identification.
Page 72: Technical Support
Can a website read my serial number without my knowledge? No, generally not. Websites cannot read serial numbers unless you allow them to download a program that can read the processor serial number. Almost all browsers are configured to warn users whenever they download executable software.
Page 73: Installing Options
Installing Options General Rules Safety Precautions System Unit Covers Expansion Boards System Board Options Data Storage Devices Minitower and Desktop Setup Options...
Page 74 This chapter provides installation instructions for a variety of industry- standard and NECC expansion options that you can add to your system. Included in the chapter are procedures for expansion board installation memory module upgrade processor upgrade data storage device upgrades. Most procedures require removal of the system’s cover.
Page 75 Safety Precautions Observe safety rules when working inside the system and when handling computer components. Avoid electric shock or personal injury by observing the following warning. Before removing system covers, turn off the power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when the power cable is unplugged.
Page 76: Removing The Cover
System Unit Covers The following sections describe how to remove and replace the system cover and the front panel. Remove the system cover to access the interior of the system (see “Removing the Cover,” next). Remove the front panel to install or replace a 3 1/2-inch accessible device, a 5 1/4-inch accessible device, or a 3 1/2-inch internal device (see “Removing the Front Panel”...
Page 77 Remove the two thumbscrews holding the cover to the rear of the chassis. Locating the cover screws A – Cover C – Locking Tab B – Cover Screws Grasp the indent on the cover and slide the cover towards the rear of the chassis about an inch.
Page 78: Replacing The Cover
Replacing the Cover Replace the cover as follows. Ensure that all cables inside the chassis are positioned to prevent crimping, abrasion, or cutting while installing the cover. Check that the ribbon cables are folded along their fold lines and out of the direct path of the cover. Position the cover over the side of the chassis so that the back edge of the cover is about an inch beyond the back edge of the chassis (see the following figure).
Page 79: Removing The Front Panel
Firmly press the cover against the chassis and slide the cover towards the front of the chassis until it locks in place. Note If the cover does not slide all the way to the front of the chassis, check that the cover tabs at the front of the cover are properly inserted into their slots in the chassis.
Page 80 Removing the front panel A – Chassis Slots B – Locking Tabs On the right side of the front panel, at the top corner, press in on the panel to release the top. Pull out the top of the front panel while pulling up on the panel to release it from the chassis.
Page 81: Replacing The Front Panel
Replacing the Front Panel Replace the front panel as follows. Align the three tabs on the inside edge of the front panel with their corresponding slots on the lower edge of the chassis (see the following figure). Insert the tabs into their slots and press the front panel up against the chassis until the front panel locks in place.
Page 82: Expansion Boards
Expansion Boards Your system supports 32-bit PCI Plug and Play expansion boards, an AGP expansion board, a DVI-capable expansion board, and a CNR expansion board. With Plug and Play expansion boards, you can install a board without changing the hardware settings. There are no system resource conflicts to resolve.
Page 83: Removing The Expansion Board Retainer Bar
Removing the Expansion Board Retainer Bar Expansion boards and slot covers are held in place by an expansion board retainer bar. Remove the retainer bar as follows. Remove the cover (see “Removing the Cover” earlier in this chapter). Press down on the two tabs on the retainer bar to release the tabs from their slots.
Page 84: Installing An Expansion Board
Installing an Expansion Board You can install up to three optional PCI expansion boards or up to two optional PCI boards and one optional CNR board. Install an expansion board in the system as follows. Remove the cover (see “Removing the Cover”). Follow any preinstallation instructions that come with the board.
Page 85 Hold the new expansion board by its edges or its bracket and insert it into the expansion slot. Installing an expansion board A – Expansion Board Firmly press the board into the expansion slot connector on the system board. If you installed a network board with Wake-On LAN (WOL): Connect the WOL cable to the WOL connector on the system board and to the network board.
Page 86: Removing An Expansion Board
Removing an Expansion Board Use the following steps to remove an expansion board. Remove the cover (see “Removing the Cover”). Label and unplug any cables connected to the board. Remove the retainer bar (see “Removing the Expansion Board Retainer Bar”). Pull the board out of the connector and expansion slot.
Page 87: Installing The Expansion Board Retainer Bar
Installing the Expansion Board Retainer Bar Install the expansion board retainer bar as follows. Hold the retainer bar at an angle and insert the ends into the slots in the chassis (see the following figure). Push the bar into the slots and under the edge of the chassis. Press down on the lock tabs and firmly push the bar in until the tabs slide into their slots.
Page 88: System Board Options
System Board Options This section describes how to install upgrade options on the system board. Procedures described in this section include: adding memory modules upgrading the processor. The following figure shows the locations of the DIMM and processor sockets on the system board. Locating the DIMM and processor sockets A –...
Page 89: Memory Upgrade
Memory Upgrade Memory upgrades are installed into three DIMM sockets on the system board. The sockets support up to 512 MB of high-speed SDRAM memory. The system supports SDRAM DIMM modules in 32-, 64-, 128-, 256-, and 512-MB (when available) memory configurations. Use the following guidelines in selecting DIMM modules: DIMM modules can be installed in one, two, or three sockets single- and double-sided DIMMs are supported...
Page 90: Checking System Memory
Sample DIMM Upgrade Paths Total Memory* DIMM 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 3 512 MB 256 MB 128 MB 128 MB 512 MB 256 MB 256 MB Empty 512 MB 512 MB Empty Empty *The information in this table shows sample DIMM upgrade paths. It does not represent every combination of DIMMs supported in the system.
Page 91 Grasp the new module in the middle and align the notches on the new module with the keys in an empty DIMM socket. Installing a DIMM module A – Plastic Clip (2) B – Notches Press the module firmly into the socket. Make sure the plastic clips at both ends of the module click closed.
Page 92: Removing A Dimm Module
Removing a DIMM Module If your memory configuration requires the removal of a DIMM module, use the following steps. Before opening the system and before handling boards or DIMM modules, reduce static discharge by touching the chassis. Remove the cover (see “Removing the Cover”). Locate the DIMM sockets on the system board (see the figure “Locating the DIMM and processor sockets”...
Page 93: Processor Upgrade
Processor Upgrade The system board has a Socket 370 for mounting the Pentium III processor. NECC recommends that you contact your NECC service center for assistance in upgrading your processor. Incorrect installation of the processor, fan, and heat sink can damage the processor, system board, or both.
Page 94 Remove the fan, heat sink, and retention clip from the processor. Simultaneously press down on the flange on the end of the retention clip while carefully pulling out the end to unhook it from the tab on the processor socket. Unhook the retention clip from the tab on the opposite side of the processor socket.
Page 95: Installing An Upgrade Processor
Installing an Upgrade Processor Install the upgrade processor as follows. Remove the processor from your system (see “Removing the Processor” in the previous section). Before picking up the processor, reduce static discharge by touching the metal chassis. Align the notch on the corner of the processor with the notch on the socket.
Page 96 Install a replacement heat sink and fan as follows and in accordance with any procedures contained in the heat sink kit. If the kit includes a thermal pad, center it on top of the processor. Align the heat sink and fan assembly with the processor and set it down on the processor (see the previous figure for alignment).
Page 97: Data Storage Devices
Data Storage Devices The system board supports the following storage devices: one diskette drive up to four IDE drives, such as an IDE hard drive, IDE CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, CD-RW drive, and IDE Zip drive. In addition, the system can support other storage devices (SCSI or PCMCIA-based, for example) with the installation of a compatible controller board.
Page 98: Device Preparation
Depending on your system configuration, the accessible device bays might contain a CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, CD-RW drive, Zip drive, or other storage device. The accessible bays are not limited to devices with removable media. For example, you can install a hard drive with a 5 1/4-inch frame in one of these bays.
Page 99 Use the following figure and table to determine IDE device cabling configurations for the primary and secondary IDE connectors on the system board. Locating system board cable connectors A – CD Audio In C – Secondary IDE Connector (IDE2) B – Primary IDE Connector (IDE1) D –...
Page 100 IDE Connector Configurations Configuration Primary connector Secondary connector 1 device (hard drive) Master - hard drive Master - none Slave - none Slave - none 2 devices (hard drive, Master - hard drive Master - CD-ROM CD-ROM) Slave - none Slave - none 2 devices (hard drive, DVD- Master - hard drive...
Page 101: 1/4-Inch Accessible Device Upgrade
5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device Upgrade The following sections describe how to install or remove a 5 1/4-inch accessible device (such as a DVD-ROM drive) in the 5 1/4-inch accessible device bay. If you are installing a 5 1/4-inch device in an empty bay, use the following procedure.
Page 102 Save the rails and bay cover for later use. They are used to cover an empty bay. Note Always keep unused NEC rails and bay covers. The bay cover cannot be replaced if there are no rails. Removing a 5 1/4-inch device bay cover Install the rails on the 5 1/4-inch device if there are none or if the rails on the device are the wrong type.
Page 103 Locating the device rails and screws A – Screw or Locking Pin B – Device Rail Determine if the device being installed is a master device or a slave device on the primary or secondary channel (see “Preparing the Device”). Set the device jumpers accordingly. Position the device so it is right side up for the minitower or desktop orientation you are using (see the following figure).
Page 104: Removing A 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device
Slide the device into the empty bay until it clicks in place. Connect the signal and power cables to the back of the device. Locate an unused signal connector on the primary or secondary interface cable and plug the connector into the connector on the back of the device.
Page 105 Save the rails. Note Always keep unused NEC rails for installation on devices without rails or that have the wrong rails. Also, you need the rails to install the bay cover.
Page 106: Replacing A Bay Cover
Installing the device rail A – Front of Chassis C – Tab B – Device Rail Position the bay cover in front of the empty bay so the arrow on each side points up for the minitower position or to the right for the desktop configuration.
Page 107: 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Upgrade
3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Upgrade The following sections describe how to install or remove a 3 1/2-inch accessible device (such as a Zip drive) in a 3 1/2-inch accessible device bay. If you are installing a 3 1/2-inch device in an empty bay, use the following procedure.
Page 108 Remove the two-device bracket from the chassis. Tag and unplug the power and signal cables from the device in the bracket. Press in on the tab on each side of the bracket to unlatch it from the chassis (see the following figure). Pull the bracket out the front of the chassis.
Page 109 Removing the bracket cover A – Bracket Cover Side Tabs C – Access for Unlatching Bracket Cover B – Metal Panel D – Blank Panel Slide the new device into the front of the bracket, under the diskette drive, connector end first. Be sure to orient the device so that any labels on the device are right side up for your configuration.
Page 110: Removing A 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device
Securing the Zip drive A – Zip Drive B – Screws Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device If you are removing a 3 1/2-inch accessible device, either to replace it with another device or to leave the bay empty, use the following procedure.
Page 111: Internal Hard Drive Upgrade
If you are installing a new device in the bay, see “Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device.” If the bay is to remain empty, install the bay cover and bracket front cover as follows. Press the bay cover into the empty slot in the bracket front cover. Position the bracket front cover in front of the bracket, align the posts and tabs with their respective openings, and press in the cover until it locks in place.
Page 112 Install a 3 1/2-inch hard drive as follows. Remove the system cover and front panel (see “System Unit Covers”). Before removing the cover, turn off system power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when the power cable is unplugged. Locate the internal drive bracket in the system chassis (see the following figure).
Page 113 Locating the internal drive bracket screws A – Screws Slide the new drive into the bracket, with the connector end facing towards the inside of the chassis (same direction as existing devices). Align the four mounting holes in the drive with four mounting holes in the bracket and fasten the drive in place with four screws.
Page 114: Removing A 3 1/2-Inch Internal Hard Drive
Secure the bracket to the chassis with the previously removed screws. Connect the signal and power cables to all the drives in the bracket. Replace the front panel and the cover (see “System Unit Covers”). Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Hard Drive If you are removing a 3 1/2-inch hard drive, either to replace it with another drive or to leave the slot empty, use the following procedure.
Page 115: Minitower And Desktop Setup Options
Minitower and Desktop Setup Options You can use your system as a minitower system by placing it in a vertical position, or you can convert it to a horizontal position for use as a desktop system. You can also convert the system back to a vertical position. The accessible devices in the system can be positioned so they are upright for the minitower configuration or for the desktop configuration.
Page 116 Reinstall the 5 1/4-inch two-device bracket in the bottom bay by sliding the bracket into the bay until it latches in place. (See the following figure for bracket and device placement.) Reinstall all other 5 1/4-inch devices by sliding each into its bay until it latches in place.
Page 117: Converting From Desktop To Minitower
Converting from Desktop to Minitower If the system has been used as a desktop, you can convert it to a minitower system with the following steps. Before converting the system, turn off system power and unplug the system power cable. Power is removed only when the power cable is unplugged.
Page 118 Reinstall the 5 1/4-inch two-device bracket in the bottom bay by sliding the bracket into the bay until it latches in place. (See the following figure for bracket placement.) Reinstall all other 5 1/4-inch devices by sliding each into its bay until it latches in place.
Page 119 Install the front panel and system cover (see “System Unit Covers”). Set the system in a vertical position. Connect any external options (such as a keyboard and monitor) to the front or rear of the system unit. Connect the system unit and peripheral power cords. Installing Options 4-47...
Page 120: Solving System Problems
Solving System Problems How to Get Help Solutions to Common Problems How to Clean the Mouse How to Replace the CMOS Battery...
Page 121: System Problems
You may occasionally encounter a problem with the system. In most cases, the problem is one that you can solve yourself. 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.
Page 122 Operating system not found error message displays when the system is started. If you left a CD in the CD-ROM drive, your system might not be able to boot. Try removing the CD and rebooting. System does not boot and error message displayed on screen. Run the BIOS Setup Utility (see Chapter 3).
Page 123: Diskette Drive Problems
System shuts off instead of going into sleep mode. You pressed and held in the power/sleep button for more than four seconds. For sleep mode, press in the button and immediately release. System does not shut off after pressing the power/sleep button. You might not have pressed and held in the power/sleep button long enough.
Page 124: Monitor Problems
Monitor Problems Check the following problems to see the possible cause and solution. Monitor screen is dark or the display is hard to read. Check that the monitor is on. Check that the monitor power cable is connected to the monitor and a power outlet, the monitor signal cable is connected to the system, and the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted.
Page 125: Keyboard/Mouse Problems
Keyboard/Mouse Problems Check the following problem to see the possible cause and solution. Mouse or keyboard does not respond. You might have connected the mouse and keyboard after turning on your system. Turn the system off, make sure the mouse and keyboard are connected, and turn the system back on.
Page 126: Speaker Problems
The drive is not reading a disc. Check that the disc is inserted in the disc tray with the printed label side up. Check that the disc is a data disc, not a music disc. Clean the non-label side of the disc with a soft lint-free cloth. Gently brush from the center of the disc to the outer edge of the disc.
Page 127: How To Clean The Mouse
No sound from the speakers. If the speaker set has a volume control, check that the volume control is turned up. If using a headphone, check that it is plugged in. Check that the speaker power is on. Check that all speaker cable connections are correct and secure. Check that the speaker’s AC adapter is plugged into a live, properly grounded AC power outlet.
Page 128 Typical mouse ball cover A – Mouse Ball Cover Rotate the ball cover counterclockwise and remove the cover. Turn the mouse over so that the cover and ball fall into your palm. Clean the mouse as follows. Use tap water, or tap water and a mild detergent, to clean the mouse ball.
Page 129: How To Replace The Cmos Battery
How to Replace the 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 the battery fails to maintain system configuration information, replace it with an identically rated battery from the same manufacturer.
Page 130 Locating the battery on the system board A – Battery Press down on the battery clip to release the battery from its socket on the system board. Removing the battery A – Battery B – Clip Remove the battery and discard in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Page 131 With the positive (+) side of the new battery facing up, press the battery into the socket. Replace any expansion boards that might have been removed (see “Installing an Expansion Board” in Chapter 4). Replace the system cover (see “Replacing the Cover”). Connect external peripherals and power cables, and power up the system.
Page 132: Getting Services And Support
Getting Services and Support NECC Website NECC FTP Site Email/Fax Technical Support Service NECC Technical Support Services...
Page 133 If you tried correcting problems yourself or within your company and were not successful, you may want to try one or more of the following NECC 24-hour services for answers to your questions. (Some services require a connection to the Internet or a fax machine.) NECC website and FTP site Email to NECC Technical Support Services through a commercial online service or the Internet...
Page 134 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 an optional fax/modem).
Page 135 NECC Technical Support Services 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 (U.S.
Page 136: Setting Up A Healthy Work Environment
Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment Making Your Computer Work for You Arrange Your Equipment Adjust Your Chair Adjust Your Input Devices Adjust Your Monitor Vary Your Workday Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors Checking Your Comfort: How Do You Measure Up?
Page 137: Making Your Computer Work For You
Prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use your computer in the manner described in this appendix. Contact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning, cramping, stiffness, throbbing, weakness, soreness, tingling and/or numbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and/or legs.
Page 138: Arrange Your Equipment
Arrange Your Equipment Arrange your equipment so that you can work in a natural and relaxed position. Place items that you use frequently within easy reach. Adjust your workstation setup to the proper height (as described in this appendix) by lowering the table or stand that holds your computer equipment or raising the seat height of your chair.
Page 139: Adjust Your Chair
Adjust Your Chair Your chair should be adjustable and stable. Vary your posture throughout the day. Check the following: Keep your body in a relaxed yet upright position. The backrest of your chair should support the inward curve of your back. Use the entire seat and backrest to support your body.
Page 140 Extend your lower legs slightly so that the angle between your thighs and lower legs is 90° or more. Place your feet flat on the floor. Only use a footrest when attempts to adjust your chair and workstation fail to keep your feet flat. Be sure that you have adequate clearance between the top of your thighs and the underside of your workstation.
Page 141: Adjust Your Input Devices
Adjust Your Input Devices Follow these points in positioning your keyboard and mouse. Position your keyboard directly in front of you. Avoid reaching when using your keyboard or mouse. If you use a mouse, position it at the same height as the keyboard and next to the keyboard.
Page 142 Type with your hands and wrists floating above the keyboard. Use a wrist pad only to rest your wrists between typing. Avoid resting your wrists on sharp edges. Type with your wrists straight. Instead of twisting your wrists sideways to press hard-to-reach keys, move your whole arm. Keep from bending your wrists, hands, or fingers sideways.
Page 143: Adjust Your Monitor
Adjust Your Monitor Correct placement and adjustment of the monitor can reduce eye, shoulder, and neck fatigue. Check the following when you position the monitor. Adjust the monitor height so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level.
Page 144 Position the monitor at a 90° angle to windows and other light sources to minimize glare and reflections. Adjust the monitor tilt so that ceiling lights do not reflect on your screen. If reflected light makes it hard for you to see your screen, use an anti- glare filter.
Page 145: Vary Your Workday
Vary Your Workday If you use your computer for prolonged periods, follow these instructions. Vary your tasks throughout the day. Take frequent short breaks that involve walking, standing, and stretching. During these breaks, stretch muscles and joints that were in one position for an extended period of time.
Page 146: Pre-Existing Conditions And Psychosocial Factors
Note For more information on workstation setup, see the American National Standard for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Workstations. ANSI/HFS Standard No. 100-1988. The Human Factors Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1369, Santa Monica, California 90406. Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors Pre-existing conditions that may cause or make some people more susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders include the following: hereditary...
Page 147: Checking Your Keyboard
Checking Your Keyboard Is your keyboard angled so your wrists are straight when you type? Is your keyboard directly in front of you? Do you avoid resting your wrists on sharp edges? Do you press the keys gently and not bang on them? Checking Your Mouse Is your mouse at the same height as the keyboard and next to the keyboard?
Page 148 For more information on workstation setup, see the American National Standard for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Workstations. ANSI/HFS Standard No. 100-1988. The Human Factors Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1369, Santa Monica, California 90406 This appendix was prepared in consultation with Dr. David Rempel of the University of California/San Francisco Ergonomics Program and Mr.
Page 149: System Specifications
System Specifications Models System Board Storage Devices Input/Output Devices Expansion Power Management System Management Operating System Software Operating Environment Compliance...
Page 150: Models
Models ® PowerMate CT Intel Pentium III processor, 64-MB SDRAM, 10-GB Ultra 815 Minimum DMA/66/100 EIDE hard drive, diskette drive, CD-ROM drive, ® ® Configuration keyboard, mouse, Microsoft Windows 98 , Windows 2000, or Windows NT 4.0. System Board Processor Intel Pentium III 600 MHz or higher, 133 MHz or higher FSB Processor Slot Socket 370...
Page 151: Storage Devices
System Board Intel 815E chipset: Chipset Graphics and Memory Controller Hub Processor Host/Bus Support AGP4X, TV/FPD, VGA Interface PC100 and PC133 SDRAM support Power Management I/O Controller Hub PCI Support AC97 audio integrated 10/100 networking Integrated IDE Controller USB Controller Power Management Logic ACPI Defined Power States (S1, S3, S4, S5) DMA Controller...
Page 152: Input/Output Devices
3Com PCI Ethernet 10/100 3C905C board Intel PCI Ethernet 10/100+ with Wake-On LAN board CNR network board Optional Modem 3Com or Equivalent V90 PCI Modem Board Optional Speakers NEC, 10 Watt Expansion ATX Design Easy-to-service ATX chassis design Power Supply 235W, 115V/230V switch selectable Bays Two 5 1/4”...
Page 153: Power Management
IDE drive power down, VESA video power down, inactivity timer, and auto start. ACPI Ready. System Management Ease-of-Use Plug-N-Play compliant, PCI version 2.1, NEC OS Restore CD, NEC Application and Driver CD BIOS DMI 2.3 compliant, SM (System Management) BIOS 2.1 Virus Protection Norton AntiVirus™...
Page 154: Compliance
ICVT-003 Issue 2, Revision 1 CD EMC Directive 89/336 EEC European EN55022: 1993 Class B EN50082-1: 1997 CE LVD Directive 73/23 EEC EN60950 Meets all requirements in European Waste Regulation Ordinance for packaging scrap Conforms to NEC Licensed Mark Quality Standard B-6 System Specifications...
Page 155: Index
Index Main Menu, 3-6 Security Menu, 3-19 starting, 3-4 3 1/2-inch accessible device Boards installation, 4-35 AGP video, 1-14 locating, 1-2, 4-25 fax/modem, 1-10, 1-13, 2-2 removal, 4-38 installing, 4-10 3 1/2-inch internal hard drive network, 1-13 installation, 4-40 removing, 4-10 locating, 4-25 system, 1-12, 4-16 removal, 4-42...
Page 156 Configuration, 3-2 cable, 4-26 BIOS Setup Utility, 3-4 locating, 4-25 FLASH Utility, 3-24 specifications, B-3 Connectors Documentation online audio, 1-10 NEC INFO Center, 3-26 external, 1-9 Drives fax/modem, 1-10 CD-ROM, 1-5 keyboard port, 1-9 CD-RW, 1-5 LAN board, 1-10 diskette, 1-4...
Page 157 Exterior, cleaning, 2-7 IDE drive External connectors, 1-9 cables, 4-26 Installing accessible devices, 4-25 cover, 4-6 Fan, 1-10 DIMMs, 4-18 Fax/modem board, 1-10, 1-13, 2-2 expansion boards, 4-10, 4-12 lightning protection, 2-6 front panel, 4-9 port, 1-10 hard drives, 4-25 setup, 2-2 memory, 4-18 Features...
Page 158 1-4 Moving preparations, 2-7 sleep, 1-4 LAN board connector, 1-10 LANDesk Client Manager, 1-16 Line in, 1-10 NEC Application and Driver CD Line out, 1-10 features, 1-17 Locking tab, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7 installing software, 3-27 cover, 1-18 restoring software, 3-26...
Page 159 speed, 1-15, B-2 upgrading, 4-16 Padlock slot, 4-4, 4-6, 4-7 Panel (front) installing, 4-4 Quick reference chart, 2-8 removing, 4-4, 4-7 replacing, 4-4, 4-9 Parallel port, 1-9 Random Access Memory, 4-17, 4-18 Password security Removing hard drive, 1-18 battery, 5-10 PC99 compliance, 1-15 DIMMs, 4-20 PCI Bus Architecture, B-2...
Page 160 keyboard/mouse anti-theft bracket, power, B-5 1-18 processor, B-2 Menu (BIOS Setup), 3-19 speakers, B-4 password, 1-17 Zip drive, B-3 Serial port, 1-9 Speed Service DIMM, 4-17 direct assistance, 6-4 memory, B-2 email/fax, 6-3 processor, 1-15, B-2 Setup Startup desktop conversion, 4-45 POST message, 2-3 fax/modem, 2-2 power on, 2-3...
Page 161 4-25 DIMMs, 4-17 memory, 4-16, 4-17 processor, 4-16 USB port, 1-4, 1-9 Utilities, 3-2 BIOS Setup, 3-4 NEC OS Restore, 1-17 Norton AntiVirus, 1-16 software, 1-16 Virus protection, 1-16 Voltage switch, 1-11 setup, 2-3 Website, NECC, 6-2...
Page 162: Regulatory Statements
Regulatory Statements The following regulatory statements include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement, compliance statements for Canada and Europe, battery disposal and replacement information, and the Declaration of Conformity. FCC Statement for United States Only Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Page 163: Battery Replacement
Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations (pursuant to ICES-003 Issue 2, Revision 1). Avis de conformité aux normes du ministere des communications du Canada Cet equipment numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sur le matérial brouillage du Canada (en conformité...
Page 164: Battery Disposal
Battery Disposal The CMOS battery is made of lithium. Contact your local waste management officials for other information regarding the environmentally sound collection, recycling, and disposal of the batteries. Mini-PCI FCC Registration Numbers If your system has a built-in mini-PCI modem, the FCC registration number of your system is H8NTAI-34309-ME-E REN 0.4.
Page 165: Declaration Of Conformity
NEC Computers Inc. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY We, the Responsible Party NEC Computers Inc. 15 Business Park Way Sacramento, CA 95828 declare that the product NEC PowerMate CT 815 is in compliance with FCC CFR47 part 15 for Class B digital devices.

NEC POWERMATE CT 815 Manual

Using this Guide

1 Reviewing System Features

2 Setting up the System

3 Configuring the System

4 Installing Options

5 Solving System Problems

6 Getting Services and Support

Setting up a Healthy Work Environment

System Specifications

Index

Quick Links

Related Manuals for NEC POWERMATE CT 815

Summary of Contents for NEC POWERMATE CT 815

Table of Contents