The voluntary recall affects up to about 970,000 Lavie and VersaPro computers made between 2003 and 2006, said NEC spokeswoman Mari Takahashi.

"We have received 261 reports that users complained of a smell like plastic melting or smoke coming out of the computers," she said.

"But we have confirmed such a defect would not start a fire because the computer is made of flame-resistant material."

NEC estimates that about 120 more computers could develop similar defects, she said.

The problem is due to wiring having been installed too close to the main part of the computer, which may also affect the display, the company said.

The voluntary recall affects Lavie L and Lavie F computers made from May 2003 to April 2004, Lavie G Type L and Type F computers made from May 2003 to August 2004, and VersaPro computers manufactured between May 2003 and March 2006.

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