ThinkCentre User Guide
Note Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read and understand the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide and “Notices,” on page 65. Second Edition (May 2009) © Copyright Lenovo 2009. All rights reserved. LENOVO products, data, computer software, and services have been developed exclusively at private expense and are sold to governmental entities as commercial items as defined by 48 C.F.R. 2.101 with limited and restricted rights to use, reproduction and disclosure.
Contents Important safety information . . . . . . v Chapter 1. Product overview . . . . . . 1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Software overview . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Software provided with your Windows operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Locating connectors on the front of your computer 6 Locating connectors on the rear of your computer 7 Locating components . . . . . . . . . .
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Important safety information CAUTION: Before using this manual, be sure to read and understand all the related safety information for this product. Refer to the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that you received with this product for the latest safety information. Reading and understanding this safety information reduces the risk of personal injury and or damage to your product.
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Chapter 1. Product overview This chapter provides an introduction to the features and options that are available for your computer. You can expand the capabilities of your computer by adding memory modules, drives, or adapter cards. When installing or replacing an option, use these instructions along with the instructions that come with the option. Important: Before you install or replace any option, be sure to read and understand the “Important safety information” first.
Audio subsystem v Audio line-in connector, audio line-out connector, and microphone connector on the rear panel v High Definition (HD) with ADI 1882 Audio Codec v Microphone connector and headphone connector on the front panel v Mono internal speaker (some models) Connectivity v 10/100/1000 Mbps integrated Ethernet controller v PCI V.90 Data/Fax modem (some models) System management features v Ability to store power-on self-test (POST) hardware test results v Automatic power-on startup v ASF 2.
Power v 280-watt auto-sensing power supply v Automatic 50/60 Hz input frequency switching v Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support Security features v Computrace v Cover presence switch (also called intrusion switch, some models) v Diskette drive and hard disk drive I/O control v Hard Disk User Password v Keyboard with fingerprint reader (some models, see the ThinkVantage® Productivity Center program for more information) v Power-On Password (POP) and Privileged Access Password (PAP) for
Specifications This section lists the physical specifications for your computer. Dimensions Width: 317 mm (12.48 inches) Height: 99 mm (3.90 inches) Depth: 355 mm (13.98 inches) Weight Maximum configuration as shipped: 7.5 kg (16.
Software overview This section describes the software preinstalled on the computers that have an internal hard disk drive and an operating system from Lenovo. Software provided with your Windows operating system This section describes the Windows applications included with your computer. Software provided by Lenovo The following software applications are provided by Lenovo to help you improve productivity and reduce the cost associated with maintaining your computer.
PC-Doctor for Windows PE The PC-Doctor for Windows PE diagnostic program is preinstalled on your hard disk drive. It is part of the Rescue and Recovery workspace on each Lenovo computer to diagnose hardware problems and report operating-system-controlled settings that can cause hardware failures. Use the PC-Doctor for Windows PE if you are unable to start the Windows operating system or if the Lenovo System Toolbox has not been successful in isolating a possible problem.
Locating connectors on the rear of your computer Figure 2 shows the location of the connectors on the rear of your computer. Some connectors on the rear of your computer are color-coded to help you determine where to connect the cables on your computer. Figure 2.
8 User Guide Connector Description Audio line-in connector Used to receive audio signals from an external audio device, such as a stereo system. When you attach an external audio device, a cable is connected between the audio line-out connector of the device and the audio line-in connector of the computer.
Locating components To open the computer cover, see “Opening the computer cover” on page 12. Figure 3 shows the location of the various components in your computer. Figure 3. Component locations 1 Hard disk drive (some models) 2 Microprocessor, heat sink and fan assembly 3 Internal speaker (some models) 4 Optical drive 5 Memory slots (4) 6 Power supply assembly Chapter 1.
Locating parts on the system board Figure 4 shows the location of the parts on the system board. Figure 4.
Chapter 2. Installing options and replacing hardware This chapter provides instructions for installing options and replacing hardware for your computer. You can expand the capabilities of your computer by adding memory modules, adapter cards, or drives. When installing or replacing an option, use these instructions along with the instructions that come with the option.
Installing external options External speakers, a printer, or a scanner can be connected to your computer. For some external options, you must install additional software in addition to making the physical connection.
5. Press the buttons on the sides of the computer and pivot the computer cover upward to open. Figure 5. Opening the computer cover Chapter 2.
Accessing the system board components and drives This section provides instructions on how to access the system board components and drives. To access the system board components and drives: 1. Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 12. 2. On some models, you might need to pivot the optical drive bay assembly upward and remove the hard disk drive to access the internal components. See “Replacing the hard disk drive” on page 22.
When installing or replacing a memory module, use the following guidelines: v Use 1.8 V, 240-pin, DDR3 DIMMs (double data rate 3 dual inline memory modules). v Use 1 GB or 2 GB memory modules in any combination up to a maximum of 8 GB. To install or replace a memory module: 1. Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 12. 2. Pivot the optical drive bay assembly upward to access the memory slots. See “Accessing the system board components and drives” on page 14. 3.
6. Position the new memory module over the memory slot. Make sure that the notch 1 on the memory module aligns correctly with the slot key 2 on the system board. Push the memory module straight down into the slot until the retaining clips close. Figure 9. Installing the memory module What to do next: v To work with another option, go to the appropriate section. v To complete the installation, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 35.
To install or replace an adapter card: 1. Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 12. 2. Rotate the adapter card retainer to the open position. If you are installing an adapter card, remove the appropriate slot cover. If you are replacing an adapter card, remove the adapter card that is currently installed. Figure 10. Removing an adapter card Notes: a. The adapter card fits tightly into the card slot.
4. Install the adapter card into the appropriate adapter card slot on the system board and rotate the adapter card retainer to the closed position. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 10. Figure 11. Installing the adapter card What to do next: v To work with another option, go to the appropriate section. v To complete the installation, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 35. Installing internal drives This section provides instructions on how to install the internal drives.
When you install an internal drive, it is important to note the type and size of the drive that you can install in each bay. Also, it is important to correctly connect the internal drive cables to the installed drive. Drive specifications Your computer comes with the following factory-installed drives: v A 3.5-inch hard disk drive in bay 1 v An optical drive in bay 2 (some models) Any bay that does not have a drive installed has a static shield and bay panel installed.
Installing a drive in bay 2 Attention Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to install a drive in bay 2. To install an optical drive or an additional hard disk drive in bay 2: 1. Open the computer cover.
5. Slide the drive into the bay until it locks into position. Figure 14. Installing a drive in bay 2 6. Pivot the optical drive bay assembly upward to gain access to the cable connections and connect the signal cable and the power cable for the drive. 7. Continue at “Connecting a SATA drive.” Connecting a SATA drive A SATA optical drive or a SATA hard disk drive can be connected to any available SATA connector. 1. Locate the signal cable that comes with the new drive. 2.
What to do next: v To work with another option, go to the appropriate section. v To complete the installation, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 35. Replacing the hard disk drive Attention Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.
4. Push the blue handle of the hard disk drive bracket inwards to release the two clips 1 that secure the hard disk drive to the chassis and then pivot the hard disk drive upwards. Figure 16. Removing the hard disk drive 5. Disconnect the signal cable and the power cable from the hard disk drive and then lift the hard disk drive up to completely remove it from the chassis. 6. Remove the failing hard disk drive from the bracket by flexing the sides of the bracket enough. Chapter 2.
7. To install a new hard disk drive into the bracket, flex the bracket and align pin 1 , pin 2 , pin 3 , and pin 4 on the bracket with the holes in the hard disk drive. Figure 17. Installing the hard disk drive bracket Important: Do not touch the circuit board on the bottom of the hard disk drive. 8. Connect the signal cable and the power cable to the new hard disk drive. 9.
Replacing the optical drive Attention Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the optical drive. To replace the optical drive: 1. Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 12. 2.
4. Press the optical drive lock 1 and slide the optical drive out of the rear of the drive bay assembly. Figure 19. Removing the old optical drive 5. Remove the optical drive retainer from the drive being replaced and then install the retainer on the left side of the new drive to be installed. Figure 20.
6. Install the new optical drive into the drive bay until it snaps into position. Figure 21. Installing a new optical drive 7. Connect the signal cable and the power cable to the rear of the optical drive. 8. Go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 35. Replacing the battery Attention Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer.
4. Remove the old battery. Figure 22. Removing the old battery 5. Install a new battery. Figure 23. Installing a new battery 6. Reinstall the hard disk drive if removed. See “Replacing the hard disk drive” on page 22. 7. Close the computer cover and connect the cables. See “Completing the parts replacement” on page 35. Note: When the computer is turned on for the first time after replacing the battery, an error message might be displayed. This is normal after replacing the battery. 8.
Replacing the power supply assembly Attention Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the power supply assembly. To replace the power supply assembly: 1.
5. Disconnect the power supply assembly cables from all drives and from the power connectors 1 and 2 on the system board. Note: You might need to remove the hard disk drive to gain easy access to the power connector 2 . See “Replacing the hard disk drive” on page 22. Figure 25. Power connectors on the system board 6. Release the power supply assembly cables from the cable clips and ties in the chassis. 7. Slide the power supply assembly away from the chassis and remove it from the computer.
8. Install the new power supply assembly into the chassis so that the screw holes in the new power supply assembly align with those in the chassis. 9. Install and tighten the four screws at the rear of the chassis to secure the power supply assembly. Note: Use only the screws provided by Lenovo. 10. Reconnect all the power supply assembly cables to the drives and the system board. 11. Secure the power supply assembly cables with the cable clips and ties in the chassis. 12.
4. Remove the heat sink and fan assembly from the system board by pivoting the lever 1 that secures the heat sink and fan assembly until it is fully in the up position. Note: It helps to remove the hard disk drive before this step. See “Replacing the hard disk drive” on page 22. Figure 27. Removing the heat sink and fan assembly 5. Carefully lift the heat sink and fan assembly off the system board. Notes: a.
Replacing the card reader Attention Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the card reader. To replace the card reader: 1. Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 12. 2.
Replacing the keyboard Attention Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the keyboard. To replace the keyboard: 1.
2. Unplug all power cords from electrical outlets. 3. Locate the connector for the mouse. Note: Your mouse might be connected to a standard mouse connector 1 or a USB connector 2 . Depending on where your mouse is connected, see “Locating connectors on the rear of your computer” on page 7 or “Locating connectors on the front of your computer” on page 6. Figure 30. Mouse connectors 4. Disconnect the failing mouse cable from the computer. 5.
2. Ensure that the cables are routed correctly before lowering the optical drive bay assembly. Important Correctly route all power supply cables to avoid interference with the drive bay assembly. Keep cables clear of the hinges and sides of the computer chassis. Figure 31. Cable routing Lower the optical drive bay assembly. Close the computer cover. If a computer cover lock is installed, lock the computer cover. Reconnect the external cables and power cords to the computer.
Make sure that any security cables you installed do not interfere with other computer cables. Integrated cable lock An integrated cable lock (sometimes referred to as the Kensington lock) can be used to secure your computer to a desk, table, or other non-permanent fixture. The cable lock attaches to a security slot at the rear of your computer and is operated with a key. The cable lock also locks the buttons used to open the computer cover. This is the same type of lock used with many notebook computers.
Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing CMOS) This section contains instructions on erasing some lost or forgotten passwords, such as a user password. For more information about lost or forgotten passwords, go to the ThinkVantage Productivity Center program. To access the ThinkVantage Productivity Center program, click Start → All Programs → ThinkVantage → Productivity Center. To erase lost or forgotten passwords: 1. Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 12. 2.
Chapter 3. Recovery information This chapter will help you get familiar with recovery solutions provided by Lenovo.
v Windows Vista: use Product Recovery discs to restore your computer to the original factory contents only. When using Product Recovery discs on Windows XP, you are given the option to enter the Rescue and Recovery workspace and choose from a variety of recovery operations. When using Product Recovery discs on Windows Vista, you are prompted to insert your Product Recovery discs and are guided through the process of restoring from original factory contents only.
v On recordable CDs or DVDs (a recordable CD or DVD drive is required for this option) After you have backed up your hard disk drive, you can restore the complete contents of the hard disk drive, restore selected files only, or restore only the Windows operating system and applications. To perform a backup operation using the Rescue and Recovery program, do the following: 1. From the Windows desktop, click Start → All Programs → ThinkVantage → Rescue and Recovery. The Rescue and Recovery program opens. 2.
Attention: If you restore the hard disk drive from a Rescue and Recovery backup or restore the hard disk drive to the factory contents, all files on the primary hard disk drive partition (usually drive C) will be deleted in the recovery process. If possible, make copies of important files. If you are unable to start the Windows operating system, you can use the Rescue files feature in the Rescue and Recovery workspace to copy files from your hard disk drive to other media.
3. Click OK. 4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The following list explains how Product Recovery discs are used on different operating systems: v Windows XP: use Product Recovery discs to restore the original factory contents, perform a custom factory recovery, or to perform other rescue and recovery operations such as rescuing individual files. v Windows Vista: use rescue media to perform all recovery operations except custom factory recovery and original factory contents recovery.
release the F11 key. You will also be able to access the Windows environment after the repair operation finishes. If an error message appears during the repair operation and the repair operation cannot be completed, you might have a problem with the partition that contains the Rescue and Recovery workspace. Use your rescue media to access the Rescue and Recovery workspace. For information about creating and using rescue media, see “Creating and using rescue media” on page 42.
Setting a rescue device in the startup sequence Before you start the Rescue and Recovery program from a CD, DVD, USB hard disk drive, or any external device, you must first change the startup sequence in the Setup Utility. To view or change the startup sequence, do the following: 1. With the computer turned off, repeatedly press and release the F1 key while you turn on the computer. 2. When the logo screen appears, or you hear a series of beeps, release the F1 key. 3.
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Chapter 4. Using the Setup Utility The Setup Utility program is used to view and change the configuration settings of your computer, regardless of which operating system you are using. However, the operating-system settings might override any similar settings in the Setup Utility program. Starting the Setup Utility program To start the Setup Utility program, do the following: 1. If your computer is already on when you start this procedure, shut down the operating system and turn off the computer. 2.
Password considerations A password can be any combination of up to 12 alphabetic and numeric characters. For security reasons, it is recommended to use a strong password that cannot be easily compromised.
Enabling or disabling a device This section provides information on how to enable or disable user access to the following devices: Serial ATA External SATA Port Legacy Diskette A (some models) When this feature is set to Disabled, all devices connected to the SATA connectors (such as hard disk drives or the optical drive) are disabled and will not be displayed in the system configuration. When this feature is set to Disabled, the device connected to the External SATA connector cannot be accessed.
Selecting or changing the startup device sequence To view or permanently change the configured startup device sequence, do the following: 1. Start the Setup Utility program. See “Starting the Setup Utility program” on page 47. 2. Select Startup → Startup Sequence. See the information displayed on the right side of the screen. 3. Select the devices for the Primary Startup Sequence, the Automatic Startup Sequence, and the Error Startup Sequence. 4.
Chapter 5. Updating system programs This chapter contains information about updating POST/BIOS and how to recover from a POST/BIOS update failure. Using system programs System programs are the basic layer of software built into your computer. They include the power-on self-test (POST), the basic input/output system (BIOS) code, and the Setup Utility program. POST is a set of tests and procedures that are performed each time you turn on your computer.
8. Type in the seven character machine type/model of your computer and then press Enter. 9. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the update. Updating (flashing) BIOS from your operating system Note: Due to the constant improvements made to the Web site, Web page content (including the links referenced in the following procedure) is subject to change. 1. Go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support 2. Locate the downloadable files for your machine type as follows: a.
12. Repeat steps 2 through 5. 13. Move the Clear CMOS/Recovery jumper back to the standard position (pin 1 and pin 2). 14. Reconnect any cables that were disconnected and reinstall the hard disk drive if removed. 15. Close the computer cover and reconnect the power cords for the computer and monitor to electrical outlets. Refer to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 35. 16. Turn on the computer to restart the operating system. Chapter 5.
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Chapter 6. Troubleshooting and diagnostics This chapter describes some basic troubleshooting and diagnostic programs. If your computer problem is not described here, see Chapter 7, “Getting information, help, and service,” on page 61 for additional troubleshooting resources. Basic troubleshooting The following table provides information to help you troubleshoot your computer problem. Symptom Action The computer does not start when you press the power button.
Symptom Action The keyboard does not work. The computer does not respond to the keyboard. Verify that: v The computer is turned on. v The monitor is turned on and the brightness and contrast controls are set correctly. v The keyboard is securely connected to the keyboard connector on the computer. v No keys are stuck. If you cannot correct the problem, have the computer serviced.
Diagnostic programs Diagnostic programs are used to test hardware components of your computer and report operating-system-controlled settings that can cause hardware failures. There are two diagnostic programs preinstalled on your computer: v Lenovo System Toolbox (used when the Windows operating system is running) v PC-Doctor for Windows PE (used when the Windows operating system does not start) Notes: 1.
5. The diagnostic program opens automatically. Select the diagnostic test you want to run. Press the F1 key for additional help. 6. Follow the instructions on the screen. Note: Rescue media includes PC-Doctor for Windows PE. For more information about rescue media, see “Creating and using rescue media” on page 42. PC-Doctor for DOS You can also download the latest version of the PC-Doctor for DOS diagnostic program from: http://www.lenovo.
b. If there is debris in the lens, gently blow the debris away from the area. 4. Check the surface on which you are using the mouse. If you have a very intricate picture or pattern beneath the mouse it may be difficult for the digital signal processor (DSP) to determine changes in the mouse position. 5. Reconnect the mouse cable to the computer. 6. Turn your computer back on. Non-optical mouse The non-optical mouse uses a ball to navigate the pointer.
8. If the rollers are dirty, clean them by using a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Turn the rollers with your finger and continue swabbing them until all the dirt is removed. Be sure the rollers are still centered in their channels after you clean them. 9. Remove any fibers from the swab that might be remaining on the rollers. 10. Replace the ball and the retainer ring. Twist the retainer ring to the locked position. 11. Reconnect the mouse cable to the computer. 12.
Chapter 7. Getting information, help, and service This chapter contains information about help, service, and technical assistance for products manufactured by Lenovo. Information resources This section describes how to access useful resources relating to your computing needs. Note: The Online Books folder, ThinkVantage Productivity Center, Lenovo Welcome, and Access Help are only available on computers that have an internal hard disk drive and preinstalled software from Lenovo.
Note: The ThinkVantage Technologies are only available on select Lenovo computers. To access the ThinkVantage Productivity Center program, click Start → All Programs → ThinkVantage → Productivity Center. Lenovo Welcome The Lenovo Welcome program introduces you to some innovative built-in features of Lenovo and guides you through a few important setup tasks to help you make the most of your computer.
Help and service This section contains information about obtaining help and service. Using the documentation and diagnostic programs If you experience a problem with your computer, see Chapter 6, “Troubleshooting and diagnostics,” on page 55. For information on additional resources to help you troubleshoot your computer problem, see “Information resources” on page 61.
If possible, be at your computer when you call.
Appendix. 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.
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. Users of this document should verify the applicable data for their specific environment. Television output notice The following notice applies to models that have the factory-installed television-output feature.
Index A access help 62 adapter card 16 installing, replacing 16 advanced settings 50 antivirus software, updating audio line-in connector 8 audio line-out connector 8 audio subsystem 2 6 B backup and recovery operations 40 basic troubleshooting 55 battery, replacing 27 bay 2, installing 20 BIOS, updating (flashing) 51, 52 books folder, online 61 boot-block recovery 52 C cable lock, security 37 cables, connecting 35 card reader, replacing 33 changing password 48 startup device sequence 50 cleaning the mou
installing options (continued) memory module 14 security features 36 internal drives 1 power supply assembly, replacing 29 power-on self-test (POST) 51 Power-On, Password 48 Privileged Access, password 48 product recovery disc, creating 39 productivity center, ThinkVantage 61 programs, updating system 51 protection, password 37 purchasing additional services 64 K keyboard connector 8 keyboard, replacing 34 R L Lenovo System Toolbox 57 Lenovo Web site 62 Lenovo Welcome 62 locating components 9 M media,
static-sensitive devices, handling system management 2 programs 51 system board components, accessing 14 connectors 10 locating parts 10 location 10 memory module 14 11 T television output notice 66 temporary startup device 49 ThinkVantage productivity center trademarks 66 troubleshooting, basic 55 troubleshooting, diagnostics 55 61 U updating (flashing) BIOS 51 antivirus software 6 system programs 51 updating (flashing) BIOS 52 USB connector 8 using diagnostic programs 63 documentation 63 other service
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Part Number: 53Y9876 Printed in USA (1P) P/N: 53Y9876
