neo 50s Gen 3 User Guide
Read this first Before using this documentation and the product it supports, ensure that you read and understand the following: • Safety and Warranty Guide • Generic Safety and Compliance Notices • Setup Guide First Edition (November 2021) © Copyright Lenovo 2021. LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software is delivered pursuant to a General Services Administration “GSA” contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS35F-05925.
Contents Discover your Lenovo computer . . . . iii Chapter 1. Meet your computer . . . . . 1 Front . . . . . . . . . Rear . . . . . . . . . Features and specifications USB specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3 5 6 Chapter 2. Get started with your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Access networks . . . . . . . . . . . Connect to the wired Ethernet . . . . Connect to Wi-Fi networks (for selected models) . . . .
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Discover your Lenovo computer Thank you for choosing a Lenovo® computer! We are dedicated to delivering the best solution to you. Before starting your tour, please read the following information: • Illustrations in this documentation might look different from your product. • Depending on the model, some optional accessories, features, software programs, and user interface instructions might not be applicable to your computer. • Documentation content is subject to change without notice.
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Chapter 1. Meet your computer Front 1. ThinkCentre® LED 2. Optical drive eject button* 3. Optical drive activity indicator* 4. Power button with power indicator 5. Storage drive activity indicator 6. Microphone connector 7. Headset connector 8. SD-card slot* 9. USB-C® (3.2 Gen 1) connector 10. USB 3.2 connectors Gen 1 11. Internal speaker* * for selected models Power indicator Show the system status of your computer. • On: The computer is starting up or working.
• 2 “Use a media card (for selected models)” on page 11.
Rear 1. Audio line-out connector 2. HDMI™ out connector 3. DisplayPort™ out connector 4. VGA-out connector 5. USB 2.0 connectors 6. USB 3.2 connector Gen 1 (with smart power-on feature) 7. USB 3.2 connector Gen 1 8. PCI-Express card area 9. Power cord connector 10. Padlock loop 11. Security-lock slot 12. Serial connector* 13. Ethernet connector 14. Smart cable clip slots 15.
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Features and specifications For detailed specifications of your computer, go to https://psref.lenovo.com. • Width: 100.0 mm (3.9 inches) Dimensions • Height: 274.8 mm (10.8 inches) • Depth: 308.0 mm (12.1 inches) Weight (without packaging) Maximum configuration as shipped: 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) Hardware configuration Type Device Manager in the Windows search box and then press Enter. Type the administrator password or provide confirmation, if prompted.
USB specifications Note: Depending on the model, some USB connectors might not be available on your computer. Connector name Description Connect USB-compatible devices, such as a USB keyboard, USB mouse, USB storage device, or USB printer. • USB 2.0 connector • USB 3.2 connector Gen 1 • Charge USB-C compatible devices with the output voltage and current of 5 V and 3 A. • Connect to USB-C accessories to help expand your computer functionality. To purchase USB-C accessories, go to https://www.lenovo.
Chapter 2. Get started with your computer Access networks This section helps you access networks through connecting to a wired or wireless network. Connect to the wired Ethernet Connect your computer to a local network through the Ethernet connector on your computer with an Ethernet cable. Connect to Wi-Fi networks (for selected models) Click the network icon in the Windows® notification area, and then select a network for connection. Provide required information, if needed.
To manage cables of devices (such as the keyboard and the mouse) with a smart cable clip: 1. Pull the cables through the dents in the clip. 2. Install the clip as shown.
Chapter 3. Explore your computer The Vantage app The preinstalled Vantage app is a customized one-stop solution to help you maintain your computer with automated updates and fixes, configure hardware settings, and get personalized support. To access the Vantage app, type Vantage in the Windows search box. Key features The Vantage app enables you to: • Know the device status easily and customize device settings. • Download and install UEFI BIOS, firmware and driver updates to keep your computer up-to-date.
1. Type Bluetooth in the Windows search box and then press Enter. 2. Turn on Bluetooth, if it is off. 3. Select a Bluetooth device, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Use the optical drive (for selected models) If your computer has an optical drive, read the following information. Know the type of your optical drive 1. Type Device Manager in the Windows search box and then press Enter. Type the administrator password or provide confirmation, if prompted. 2.
Use a media card (for selected models) If your computer has a SD-card slot, read the following information. Install a media card 1. Locate the SD-card slot. 2. Ensure that the metal contacts on the card are facing the ones in the SD-card slot. Insert the card firmly into the SD-card slot until it is secured in place. Remove a media card Attention: Before removing the card: 1. Click the triangular icon in the Windows notification area to show hidden icons.
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Chapter 4. Secure your computer and information Lock the computer Note: Lenovo makes no comments, judgments, or warranties about the function, quality, or performance of the locking device and security feature. You can purchase computer locks from Lenovo. Padlock Locking the computer cover through a padlock prevents unauthorized access to the inside of your computer. Kensington-style cable lock Lock your computer to a desk, table, or other fixtures through a Kensington-style cable lock.
UEFI BIOS passwords You can set passwords in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) to strengthen the security of your computer. Password types You can set a power-on password, supervisor password, system management password, or hard disk password in UEFI BIOS to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. However, you are not prompted to enter any UEFI BIOS password when your computer resumes from sleep mode.
You should record your passwords and store them in a safe place. If you forget the passwords, contact a Lenovo-authorized service provider to have the passwords removed. Note: If the hard disk password is forgotten, Lenovo cannot remove the password or recover data from the storage drive. Use software security solutions This section provides software solutions to secure your computer and information.
3. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit. 4. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F12 or Fn+F12. 5. Select App Menu ➙ secure wipe and press Enter. 6. Select the storage drive you will wipe and click NEXT. 7. Select the entire storage drive or partition to wipe as desired. 8. Select the method as desired and click NEXT. 9. Click Yes to confirm your option when the prompting window is displayed. 10.
2. Select Security ➙ Smart USB Protection and press Enter. 3. Select the desired setting and press Enter. 4. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit. Chapter 4.
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Chapter 5. UEFI BIOS This chapter provides information about configuring and updating UEFI BIOS, and clearing CMOS. What is UEFI BIOS Note: The operating system settings might override any similar settings in UEFI BIOS. UEFI BIOS is the first program that the computer runs when the computer is turned on. UEFI BIOS initializes the hardware components and loads the operating system and other programs. Your computer comes with a setup program with which you can change UEFI BIOS settings.
Set the system date and time 1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1. 2. Select Main ➙ System Time & Date and press Enter. 3. Set the system date and time as desired. 4. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit. Change the boot priority order If the computer does not boot from a device as expected, you can change the boot priority order permanently or select a temporary boot device. Change the boot priority order permanently 1.
To enable or disable the configuration change detection feature: 1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1. 2. Select Security ➙ Configuration Change Detection and press Enter. 3. Enable or disable the feature as desired. 4. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit. To bypass the error message and log in to the operating system, press F2 or Fn+F2. To clear the error message, enter the BIOS menu, save and then exit.
• If you select Disabled, press Enter. Then, go to the next step. 4. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit. When the ErP LPS compliance mode is enabled, you can wake up the computer by doing one of the following: • Press the power button. • Enable the Wake Up on Alarm feature to make the computer wake up at a set time. To meet the off mode requirement of ErP compliance, you need to disable the Fast Startup function. 1. Go to Control Panel and view by large icons or small icons. 2.
Update UEFI BIOS When you install a new program, device driver, or hardware component, you might need to update UEFI BIOS. You can update the BIOS from your operating system or a flash update disc (supported only on selected models). Download and install the latest UEFI BIOS update package by one of the following methods: • From the Vantage app: Open the Vantage app to check the available update packages.
8. Move the jumper back to the standard position. 9. Reinstall all the parts that have been removed. Then, reconnect the power cords for the computer and the monitor to electrical outlets. 10. Turn on the computer and the monitor. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1. 11. To prevent data loss, ensure that BIOS settings are restored to an earlier point. For BIOS configurations, see Chapter 5 “UEFI BIOS” on page 19.
Chapter 6. Diagnostics Use diagnostic solutions to test hardware components and report operating-system-controlled settings that interfere with the correct operation of your computer. Lenovo diagnostic tools For information about Lenovo diagnostic tools, go to: https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/lenovodiagnosticsolutions The Vantage app The Vantage app is preinstalled on your computer. To diagnose problems with the Vantage app: 1. Type Vantage in the Windows search box and press Enter. 2.
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Chapter 7. CRU replacement Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs) are parts that can be upgraded or replaced by the customer. Lenovo computers contain the following types of CRUs: • Self-service CRUs: Refer to parts that can be installed or replaced easily by customer themselves or by trained service technicians at an additional cost. • Optional-service CRUs: Refer to parts that can be installed or replaced by customers with a greater skill level.
* for selected models Remove or replace a CRU This section provides instructions on how to remove or replace a CRU. Vertical stand Prerequisite Before you start, read Generic Safety and Compliance Notices, and print the following instructions. For access, do the following: 1. Remove any media from the drives and turn off all connected devices and the computer. 2. Disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables from the computer.
2. Disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables from the computer. 3. Unlock any locking device that secures the computer cover. 4. Remove the vertical stand if any. See “Vertical Stand” on page 28. Removal steps Front bezel Prerequisite Before you start, read Generic Safety and Compliance Notices, and print the following instructions. For access, remove the computer cover. See “Computer cover” on page 28. Replacement procedure Chapter 7.
Optical drive Prerequisite Before you start, read Generic Safety and Compliance Notices, and print the following instructions. For access, do the following: 1. Remove the computer cover. See “Computer cover” on page 28. 2. Remove the front bezel. See “Front bezel” on page 29. 3. Disconnect the signal cable and power cable from the optical drive.
Hard disk drive Prerequisite Before you start, read Generic Safety and Compliance Notices, and print the following instructions. Attention: The internal storage drive is sensitive. Inappropriate handling might cause damage and permanent loss of data. When handling the internal storage drive, observe the following guidelines: • Replace the internal storage drive only for upgrade or repair. The internal storage drive is not designed for frequent changes or replacement. Chapter 7.
• Before replacing the internal storage drive, make a backup copy of all the data that you want to keep. • Do not touch the contact edge of the internal storage drive. Otherwise, the internal storage drive might get damaged. • Do not apply pressure to the internal storage drive. • Do not make the internal storage drive subject to physical shocks or vibration. Put the internal storage drive on a soft material, such as cloth, to absorb physical shocks. For access, do the following: 1.
Chapter 7.
Replacement procedure of the 3.
Chapter 7.
Memory module Prerequisite Before you start, read Generic Safety and Compliance Notices, and print the following instructions. Ensure that you follow the installation order for memory modules shown in the following illustration. For access, do the following: 1. Remove the computer cover. See “Computer cover” on page 28. 2. Remove the front bezel. See “Front bezel” on page 29.
3. Remove the optical drive, if any. See “Optical drive” on page 30. 4. Remove the hard disk drive, if any. See “Hard disk drive” on page 31. Replacement procedure M.2 solid-state drive Prerequisite Before you start, read Generic Safety and Compliance Notices, and print the following instructions. The heat sink might be very hot. Before you open the computer cover, turn off the computer and wait several minutes until the computer is cool. Attention: The internal storage drive is sensitive.
2. Remove the front bezel. See “Front bezel” on page 29. 3. Remove the optical drive, if any. See “Optical drive” on page 30. 4. Remove the hard disk drive, if any. See “Hard disk drive” on page 31. Removal steps Remove the M.2 solid-state drive depending on the computer model: • Type 1 • Type 2 Note: Remove the film that covers the thermal pad (if any) when installing the M.2 solid-state drive.
Your computer has a special type of memory that maintains the date, time, and settings for built-in features, such as parallel connector assignments (configurations). A coin-cell battery keeps this information active when you turn off the computer. The coin-cell battery normally requires no charging or maintenance throughout its life; however, no coin-cell battery lasts forever. If the coin-cell battery fails, the date and time information is lost.
Replacement procedure 1. Follow the following sequence to loosen the four screws that secure the heat-sink-and-fan assembly to the system board. Then, lift the heat-sink-and-fan assembly off the system board. • Partially loosen screw 1a , fully loosen screw 1b , and then fully loosen screw 1a . • Partially loosen screw 1c , fully loosen screw 1d , and then fully loosen screw 1c . Notes: • Carefully loosen the four screws to avoid any possible damage to the system board.
PCI-Express connector cable Prerequisite Before you start, read Generic Safety and Compliance Notices, and print the following instructions. For access, do the following: 1. Remove the computer cover. See “Computer cover” on page 28. 2. Disconnect the PCI-Express connector cable from the system board. Removal steps PCI-Express card Prerequisite Before you start, read Generic Safety and Compliance Notices, and print the following instructions. For access, remove the computer cover.
Replacement procedure Note: Before installing a new PCI-Express card, remove the PCI-Express connector cables (if any) that impede the installation. See “PCI-Express connector cable” on page 41. Power supply assembly Prerequisite Before you start, read Generic Safety and Compliance Notices, and print the following instructions. Although there are no moving parts in the computer after the power cord has been disconnected, the following warnings are required for your safety.
Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present inside any component that has this label attached. There are no serviceable parts inside these components. If you suspect a problem with one of these parts, contact a service technician. For access, do the following: 1. Remove the computer cover. See “Computer cover” on page 28. 2. Remove the front bezel. See “Front bezel” on page 29. 3. Remove the optical drive, if any. See “Optical drive” on page 30. 4. Remove the hard disk drive, if any.
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Chapter 8. Help and support Self-help resources Use the following self-help resources to learn more about the computer and troubleshoot problems. Resources Troubleshooting and frequently asked questions How to access? • https://www.lenovo.com/tips • https://forums.lenovo.com Accessibility information https://www.lenovo.com/accessibility • Use Lenovo recovery options. 1. Go to https://support.lenovo.com/ HowToCreateLenovoRecovery. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Resources How to access? Lenovo Support Web site with the latest support information of the following: • Drivers and software • Diagnostic solutions https://pcsupport.lenovo.com • Product and service warranty • Product and parts details • Knowledge base and frequently asked questions • Open the Start menu and click Get Help or Tips. Windows help information • Use Windows Search or the Cortana® personal assistant. • Microsoft support Web site: https://support.microsoft.
Call Lenovo If you have tried to correct the problem yourself and still need help, you can call Lenovo Customer Support Center. Before you contact Lenovo Prepare the following before you contact Lenovo: 1. Record the problem symptoms and details: • What is the problem? Is it continuous or intermittent? • Any error message or error code? • What operating system are you using? Which version? • Which software applications were running at the time of the problem? • Can the problem be reproduced? If so, how? 2.
Services available during the warranty period • Problem determination - Trained personnel are available to assist you with determining if you have a hardware problem and deciding what action is necessary to fix the problem. • Lenovo hardware repair - If the problem is determined to be caused by Lenovo hardware under warranty, trained service personnel are available to provide the applicable level of service.
Appendix A. Compliance information For more compliance information, refer to Regulatory Notice at https://pcsupport.lenovo.com and Generic Safety and Compliance Notices at https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/docs/generic_notices. Certification-related information Product name: ThinkCentre neo 50s Gen 3 Machine types: 11SW, 11SX, 11SY, and 11T0 Further compliance information related to your product is available at https://www.lenovo.com/compliance.
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Appendix B. Notices and trademarks Notices Lenovo may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in all countries. Consult your local Lenovo representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area. Any reference to a Lenovo product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that Lenovo product, program, or service may be used.
Any performance data contained herein was determined in a controlled environment. Therefore, the result obtained in other operating environments may vary significantly. Some measurements may have been made on development-level systems and there is no guarantee that these measurements will be the same on generally available systems. Furthermore, some measurements may have been estimated through extrapolation. Actual results may vary.
