Ibm THINKPAD R51 User Manual

ThinkPad

R51e Series

Service

and Troubleshooting Guid e

ThinkPad

R51e Series

Service

and Troubleshooting Guid e

Note

Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under “Important safety information” on page v, Appendix A, “Wireless related information,” on page 39, Appendix B, “Warranty information,” on page 43, and Appendix D, “Notices,” on page 71.

Second Edition (September 2005)

U.S. GOVERNMENT USERS – RESTRICTED RIGHTS: Our products and/or services are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to the GSA ADP Schedule contract with Lenovo Group Limited, if any, or the standard terms of this commercial license, or if the agency is unable to accept this Program under these terms, then we provide this Program under the provisions set forth in Commercial Computer Software–Restricted Rights at FAR 52.227-19, when applicable, or under Rights in Data-General, FA R 52.227.14 (Alternate III).

Important safety information . . . . . .v

Conditions that require immediate action . .v

General safety guidelines . . . . . . . .vi

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . .vi

Power cords and power adapters . . . . vii

Extension cords and related devices . . . viii

Plugs and outlets . . . . . . . . . viii

Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Heat and product ventilation . . . . .ix

CD and DVD drive safety . . . . . . .x

Additional safety information . . . . . .x

Laser compliance statement . . . . . xiv

Important notice for users . . . . . . xvii

Important regulatory notice for users . . . xvii Information about hard disk capacity . . . xvii

Finding information with the Access IBM

button . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad

computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Your ThinkPad at a glance . . . . . . .2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Caring for your ThinkPad computer . . . .5

Upgrading the hard disk drive . . . . . .30

Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . .33

Chapter 3. Getting help and service . . .35

Getting help and service . . . . . . . .36

Getting help on the We b . . . . . . . .36

Calling the Customer Support Center . . .36

Getting help around the world . . . . . .38

Appendix A. Wireless related information 39

Wireless interoperability . . . . . . . .39

Usage environment and your health . . . .39

Authorized Operation Within the United

States and Canada . . . . . . . . . .40

Enabling Extended Channel Mode . . . .40

Appendix B. Warranty information . . . .43

Lenovo Statement of Limited Warranty . . .43

Part 1 - General Terms . . . . . . .43

Part 2 - Country-unique Terms . . . . .47

Part 3 - Warranty Information . . . . .61

Guarantee supplement for Mexico . . .67

Appendix C. Customer Replacement Units

(CRUs) . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Customer replaceable units (CRUs) . . . .69

Chapter 2. Solving computer problems . .9

Diagnosing problems . . . . . . . . .10

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . .10

Error messages . . . . . . . . . .10

Errors without messages . . . . . . .15

A password problem . . . . . . . .16

A power switch problem . . . . . . .17

Keyboard problems . . . . . . . .17

TrackPoint problems . . . . . . . .18

Standby or hibernation problems . . . .18

Computer screen problems . . . . . .21

Battery problems . . . . . . . . .22

Hard disk drive problems . . . . . .23

Appendix D. Notices . . . . . . . . .71

Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Television output notice . . . . . . .72

Electronic emissions notices . . . . . . .72

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC) Declaration of Conformity . . . .72

Industry Canada Class B emission

compliance statement . . . . . . . .73

European Union EMC Directive

conformance statement . . . . . . .73

Environmental notices for Japan . . . . .74

IBM Lotus Software Offer . . . . . . .75

Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . .77

A startup problem . . . . . . . . .24

Important safety information

Note

Please read important safety information first.

This information can help you safely use your ThinkPad

and retain all information included with your ThinkPad computer. The information in this document does not alter the terms of your purchase agreement or the Lenovo

Customer safety is important to Lenovo. Our products are developed to be safe and effective. However, personal computers are electronic devices. Power cords, power adapters, and other features can create potential safety risks that can result in physical injury or property damage, especially if misused. To reduce these risks, follow the instructions included with your product, observe all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions, and review the information included in this document carefully. By carefully following the information contained in this document and provided with your product, you can help protect yourself from hazards and create a safer computer work environment.

Statement of Limited Warranty.

computer. Follow

Note: This information includes references to power adapters and batteries. In addition to mobile personal computers, Lenovo ships some products (such as speakers or monitors) with external power adapters. If you have such a product, this information applies to your product. In addition, your computer product may contain a coin-sized internal battery that provides power to your system clock even when the machine is unplugged, so the battery safety information applies to all computers.

Conditions that require immediate action

Products can become damaged due to misuse or neglect. Some product damage is serious enough that the product should not be used again until it has been inspected and, if necessary, repaired by an authorized servicer.

As with any electronic device, pay close attention to the product when it is turned on. On very rare occasions, you might notice an odor or see a puff of smoke or sparks vent from your machine. Or you might hear sounds like popping, cracking or hissing. These conditions might merely mean that an internal electronic component has failed in a safe and controlled manner.

Or, they might indicate a potential safety issue. However, do not take risks or attempt to diagnose the situation yourself.

Frequently inspect your computer and its components for damage or wear or signs of danger. If you have any question about the condition of a component, do not use the product. Contact the Customer Support Center or the product manufacturer for instructions on how to inspect the product and have it repaired, if necessary. For a list of Service and Support phone numbers, see “Worldwide telephone list” on page 63.

In the unlikely event that you notice any of the conditions listed below, or if you have any safety concerns with your product, stop using the product and unplug it from the power source and telecommunication lines until you can speak to the Customer Support Center for further guidance.

v Power cords, plugs, power adapters, extension cords, surge protectors, or

power supplies that are cracked, broken or damaged.

v Signs of overheating, smoke, sparks or fire.

v Damage to a battery (such as cracks, dents, creases), discharge from a

battery, or a buildup of foreign substances on the battery.

v A cracking, hissing or popping sound, or strong odor that comes from the

product.

v Signs that liquid has been spilled or an object has fallen onto the computer

product, the power cord or power adapter.

v The computer product, the power cord or power adapter has been exposed

to water.

v The product has been dropped or damaged in any way.

v The product does not operate normally when you follow the operating

instructions.

If you notice these conditions with a product (such as an extension

Note:

cord) that is not manufactured for or by Lenovo, stop using that product until you can contact the product manufacturer for further instructions, or until you get a suitable replacement.

General safety guidelines

Always observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury and property damage.

Service

Do not attempt to service a product yourself unless instructed to do so by the Customer Support Center. Use only a service provider who is approved to repair your particular product.

vi ThinkPad

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Note: Some parts can be upgraded or replaced by the customer. These parts

are referred to as Customer Replaceable Units, or CRUs. Lenovo expressly identifies CRUs as such, and provides documentation with instructions when it is appropriate for customers to replace those parts. You must closely follow all instructions when performing such replacements. Always make sure that the power is turned off and that the product is unplugged from any power source before you attempt the replacement. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Customer Support Center.

Although there are no moving parts in your computer after the power cord has been disconnected, the following warnings are required for proper UL certification.

Danger

Hazardous moving parts. Keep fingers and other body parts away.

Attention: Before replacing any CRUs, turn off the computer and wait three

to five minutes to let the computer cool before opening the cover.

Power cords and power adapters

Use only the power cords and power adapters supplied by the product manufacturer. The power cord and power adapter are intended for use with this product only. They should never be used with any other product.

Never wrap a power cord around the power adapter or other object. Doing so can stress the cord in ways that can cause the cord to fray, crack or crimp. This can present a safety hazard.

Always route power cords so that they will not be walked on, tripped over, or pinched by objects.

Protect the cord and power adapters from liquids. For instance, do not leave your cord or power adapter near sinks, tubs, toilets, or on floors that are cleaned with liquid cleansers. Liquids can cause a short circuit, particularly if the cord or power adapter has been stressed by misuse. Liquids can also cause gradual corrosion of the power cord terminals and/or the connector terminals on the adapter which can eventually result in overheating.

Important safety information vii

Always connect power cords and signal cables in the correct order and ensure that all power cord connectors are securely and completely plugged into receptacles.

Do not use any power adapter that shows corrosion at the ac input pins and/or shows signs of overheating (such as deformed plastic) at the ac input or anywhere on the power adapter.

Do not use any power cords where the electrical contacts on either end show signs of corrosion or overheating or where the power cord appears to have been damaged in any way.

Extension cords and related devices

Ensure that extension cords, surge protectors, uninterruptible power supplies, and power strips that you use are rated to handle the electrical requirements of the product. Never overload these devices. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed the power strip input rating. Consult an electrician for more information if you have questions about power loads, power requirements, and input ratings.

Plugs and outlets

If a receptacle (power outlet) that you intend to use with your computer equipment appears to be damaged or corroded, do not use the outlet until it is replaced by a qualified electrician.

Batteries

viii ThinkPad

Do not bend or modify the plug. If the plug is damaged, contact the manufacturer to obtain a replacement.

Some products are equipped with a three-pronged plug. This plug fits only into a grounded electrical outlet. This is a safety feature. Do not defeat this safety feature by trying to insert it into a non-grounded outlet. If you cannot insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician for an approved outlet adapter or to replace the outlet with one that enables this safety feature. Never overload an electrical outlet. The overall system load should not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating. Consult an electrician for more information if you have questions about power loads and branch circuit ratings.

Be sure that the power outlet you are using is properly wired, easily accessible, and located close to the equipment. Do not fully extend power cords in a way that will stress the cords.

Carefully connect and disconnect the equipment from the electrical outlet.

All personal computers manufactured by Lenovo contain a non-rechargeable coin cell battery to provide power to the system clock. In addition many

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

mobile products such as ThinkPad notebook PCs utilize a rechargeable battery pack to provide system power when in portable mode. Batteries supplied by Lenovo for use with your product have been tested for compatibility and should only be replaced with approved parts.

Never attempt to open or service any battery. Do not crush, puncture, or incinerate batteries or short circuit the metal contacts. Do not expose the battery to water or other liquids. Only recharge the battery pack strictly according to instructions included in the product documentation.

Battery abuse or mishandling can cause the battery to overheat, which can cause gasses or flame to “vent” from the battery pack or coin cell. If your battery is damaged, or if you notice any discharge from your battery or the buildup of foreign materials on the battery leads, stop using the battery and obtain a replacement from the battery manufacturer.

Batteries can degrade when they are left unused for long periods of time. For some rechargeable batteries (particularly Lithium Ion batteries), leaving a battery unused in a discharged state could increase the risk of a battery short circuit, which could shorten the life of the battery and can also pose a safety hazard. Do not let rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries completely discharge or store these batteries in a discharged state.

Heat and product ventilation

Computers generate heat when turned on and when batteries are charging. Notebook PCs can generate a significant amount of heat due to their compact size. Always follow these basic precautions:

v Do not leave the base of your computer in contact with your lap or any

part of your body for an extended period when the computer is functioning or when the battery is charging. Your computer produces some heat during normal operation. Extended contact with the body could cause discomfort or, potentially, a skin burn.

v Do not operate your computer or charge the battery near flammable

materials or in explosive environments.

v Ventilation slots, fans and/or heat sinks are provided with the product for

safety, comfort, and reliable operation. These features might inadvertently become blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, carpet, or other flexible surface. Never block, cover or disable these features.

should inspect your desktop computer for dust accumulation at least

You once every three months. Before inspecting your computer, turn off the power and unplug the computer’s power cord from the electrical outlet; then remove any dust from vents and perforations in the bezel. If you notice external dust accumulation, you should also examine and remove dust from the inside of the computer including heat sink inlet fins, power supply vents, and fans.

Important safety information ix

Always turn off and unplug the computer before opening the cover. If possible, avoid operating your computer within 2 feet of high-traffic areas. If you must operate your computer in or near a high-traffic area, you should inspect and, if necessary, clean your computer more frequently.

For your safety and to maintain optimum computer performance, always follow these basic precautions with your desktop computer:

v Keep the cover closed whenever the computer is plugged in.

v Regularly inspect the outside of the computer for dust accumulation.

v Remove dust from vents and any perforations in the bezel. More frequent

cleanings might be required for computers in dusty or high-traffic areas.

v Do not block or restrict airflow into the front of the computer.

v Do not block the airflow vents on the back of the computer.

v Do not store or operate your computer inside furniture, as this might

increase the risk of overheating.

v Airflow temperatures into the computer should not exceed 35° C (95° F).

v Do not use non-ThinkCentre air filtration devices.

CD and DVD drive safety

CD and DVD drives spin discs at a high speed. If a CD or DVD is cracked or otherwise physically damaged, it is possible for the disc to break apart or even shatter when the CD drive is in use. To protect against possible injury due to this situation, and to reduce the risk of damage to your machine, do the following:

v Always store CD/DVD discs in their original packaging

v Always store CD/DVD discs out of direct sunlight and away from direct

heat sources

v Remove CD/DVD discs from the computer when not in use

v Do not bend or flex CD/DVD discs, or force them into the computer or

their packaging

v Check CD/DVD discs for cracks before each use. Do not use cracked or

damaged discs

Additional safety information

DANGER

x ThinkPad

Electric current from power, telephone, and communication cables is hazardous. To avoid shock hazard, connect and disconnect cables as shown below when installing, moving, or opening the covers of this product or attached devices. If the 3-pin power cord is provided with this product, it must be used with a properly grounded outlet.

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

To Connect

Turn everything OFF.

To Disconnect

Turn everything OFF.

First, attach all cables to devices.

Attach the signal cables to receptacles.

Attach the power cord to an outlet.

Turn the device ON.

First, remove the power cord from the outlet.

Remove signal cables from receptacles.

Remove all cables from devices.

Important safety information xi

DANGER

Reduce the risk of fire and electric shock by always following basic safety precautions, including the following:

v Do not use your computer in or near water. v During electrical storms:

– Do not use your computer with the telephone cable connection. – Do not connect the cable to or disconnect it from the telephone outlet on the

wall.

DANGER

The battery pack should be stored at room temperature, charged to approx. 30 to 50% of capacity. We recommend that the battery pack be charged about once per year to prevent overdischarge.

DANGER

If the rechargeable battery pack is incorrectly replaced, there is danger of an explosion. The battery pack contains a small amount of harmful substances. To avoid possible injury:

v Replace only with a battery of the type recommended by Lenovo. v Keep the battery pack away from fire. v Do not expose it to water or rain. v Do not attempt to disassemble it. v Do not short-circuit it. v Keep it away from children.

xii ThinkPad

not put the battery pack in trash that is disposed of in landfills. When

disposing of the battery, comply with local ordinances or regulations and your company’s safety standards.

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

DANGER

If the backup battery is incorrectly replaced, there is danger of explosion.

The lithium battery contains lithium and can explode if it is not properly handled or disposed of.

Replace only with a battery of the same type.

To avoid possible injury or death, do not: (1) throw or immerse the battery into water, (2) allow it to heat to more than 100 °C (212 °F), or (3) attempt to repair or disassemble it. Dispose of it as required by local ordinances or regulations and your company’s safety standards.

DANGER

Follow the instruction below when installing or reconfiguring the CDC or Mini PCI option.

To avoid shock hazard, disconnect all the cables and the ac adapter when you install the CDC or Mini PCI option or open the covers of the system or attached devices. Electrical current from power, telephone, and communication cables is hazardous.

CAUTION:

When you have added or upgraded a CDC or Mini PCI Card or a memory card, do not use your computer until you have closed the cover. Never use the computer when the cover is open.

CAUTION:

The fluorescent lamp in the liquid crystal display (LCD) contains mercury. Do not put it in trash that is disposed of in landfills. Dispose of it as required by local ordinances or regulations.

The LCD is made of glass, and rough handling or dropping the computer can cause the LCD to break. If the LCD breaks and the internal fluid gets into your eyes or on your hands, immediately wash the affected areas with water for at least 15 minutes; if any symptoms are present after washing, get medical care.

Important safety information xiii

DANGER

To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or injury when using telephone equipment, always follow basic safety precautions, such as:

v Never install telephone wiring during an electrical storm. v Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically

designed for wet locations.

v Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line

has been disconnected at the network interface.

v Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines. v Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical storm.

There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

v Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak. v Use only No. 26 AWG or larger (thicker) telephone cable.

Laser compliance statement

An optical storage drive (device), such as a CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM drive and SuperDisk, which can be installed in the ThinkPad computer is a laser product. The drive’s classification label (shown below) is on the surface of the drive.

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

LASER KLASSE 1 LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 KLASS 1 LASER APPARAT

xiv ThinkPad

The drive is certified by the manufacturer to comply with the requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services 21 Code of Federal Regulations (DHHS 21 CFR) Subchapter J for Class I laser products at the date of manufacture.

In other countries, the drive is certified to conform to the requirements of IEC825 and EN60825 for Class 1 laser products.

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

DANGER

Do not open the optical storage drive unit; no user adjustments or serviceable parts are inside.

Use of controls, adjustments, or the performance of procedures other than those specified might result in hazardous radiation exposure.

Class 1 laser products are not considered hazardous. The design of the laser system and the optical storage drive ensures that there is no exposure to laser radiation above a Class 1 level during normal operation, user maintenance, or servicing.

Some drives contain an embedded Class 3A laser diode. Note this warning:

DANGER

Emits visible and invisible laser radiation when open. Avoid direct eye exposure. Do not stare into the beam or view it directly with optical instruments.

DANGER

Store packing materials safely out of the reach of children to prevent the risk of suffocation from plastic bags.

Many PC products and accessories contain cords, cables or wires, such as power cords or cords to connect the accessory to a PC. If this product has such a cord, cable or wire, then the following warning applies: WARNING: Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories sold with this product will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Save these instructions.

Important safety information xv

xvi ThinkPad

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Important notice for users

Important regulatory notice for users

The ThinkPad R51e Series computer complies with the radio frequency and safety standards of any country or region in which it has been approved for wireless use. You are requested to install and use your ThinkPad computer in strict accordance with the local RF regulations. Before you use the ThinkPad R51e Series computer, please find and read Regulatory Notice for ThinkPad R50 Series, the notice that supplements this Service and Troubleshooting Guide. The notice is included in the package with this publication.

Information about hard disk capacity

Instead of providing a recovery CD or a Windows methods of accomplishing the tasks typically associated with these CDs. The files and programs for these alternative methods are on your hard disk, which eliminates having to locate misplaced CDs and problems associated with using an incorrect CD version.

The complete backup of all the files and programs that Lenovo preinstalled on your computer resides in a hidden section, or partition, of the hard disk. Although hidden, the backups in the partition consume hard disk space. Therefore, when checking the capacity of your hard disk according to Windows, you might note that the total capacity of the disk appears to be smaller than anticipated. This discrepancy is explained by the contents of the hidden partition.

CD with your computer, Lenovo provides simpler

For more information about recovering your hard disk to the original preinstalled contents, see “Recovering pre-installed software” on page 29, or refer to your on-board help source, Access Help. To open Access Help, press the Access IBM button, then select Access Help from the menu.

xviii ThinkPad

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Finding information with the Access IBM button

The blue Access IBM button can help you in many situations when your computer is working normally, and even when it is not. At your desktop, press the Access IBM button to open ThinkVantage ThinkVantage Productivity Center is your on-board computer help center that brings you informative illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions for getting started and staying productive.

™

Productivity Center.

You can also use the Access IBM button to interrupt the startup sequence of your computer and start the ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery

™

workspace.

Use the Rescue and Recovery workspace to do the following:

v Get essential system information.

v Troubleshoot problems using diagnostics.

v Restore your backups, assuming you have made backups using the Rescue

and Recovery program.

v Start the BIOS Setup Utility where you can view and change BIOS settings.

v Start a utility that enables you to change your startup sequence.

Some of the topics in your help system contain brief video clips that show you how to perform certain tasks, such as replacing your battery, inserting a PC Card, or upgrading your memory. Use the controls shown to play, pause, and rewind the video clip.

Note: If a bootable device is attached to the computer, and the boot priority

of that device is higher than IDE HDD, the computer boots from that device.

xx ThinkPad

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer

Your ThinkPad at a glance . . . . . . .2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Caring for your ThinkPad computer . . . .5

Your ThinkPad at a glance

Front view

System-status indicators

Rear view

Access IBM button

TrackPoint

Computer display

Power-status indicators

External monitor connector

CD or DVD drive

2 ThinkPad

Power jack

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Parallel connector

Ethernet connector

Modem connector

USB connector

Features

Processor

v Intel v Intel

Pentium Celeron

M Processor

Features

Memory

v Double data rate II (DDRII) synchronous dynamic random access memory

(DRAM)

Storage device

v 2.5-inch hard disk drive

Display

color display uses TFT technology:

The

v Size: 14.1 inch or 15.0 inch, depending on the model v Resolution:

– LCD: 1024-by-768 – External monitor: Up to 2048-by-1536

v Brightness control

Keyboard

v 87-key, 88-key, or 92-key v TrackPoint

v Fn key function v Access IBM button v Volume control buttons v ThinkLight

™

External interface

v Parallel connector (IEEE 1284A) v External-monitor connector v ExpressCard/PC Card slots (the upper slot: ExpressCard, the lower slot:

Type I or Type II PC Card)

v Stereo headphone jack v Microphone jack v 2 Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors v RJ11 telephone connector v RJ45 Ethernet connector v CD or DVD drive v Integrated wireless LAN feature (on some models)

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer 3

Specifications

Size 14-inch model

Width: 314 mm (12.4 in.)

v v Depth: 260 mm (10.2 in.) v Height: front 34 mm (1.35 in.), rear 37 mm (1.46 in.)

15-inch model

v Width: 332 mm (13.1 in.) v Depth: 269 mm (10.6 in.) v Height: front 37 mm (1.46 in.), rear 40 mm (1.58 in.)

Environment

v Maximum altitude without pressurization: 3048 m (10,000 ft) v Temperature

– At altitudes up to 2438 m (8000 ft)

- Operating with no diskette: 5° to 35°C (41° to 95°F)

- Operating with a diskette: 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

- Not operating: 5° to 43°C (41° to 110°F)

– At altitudes above 2438 m (8000 ft)

- Maximum operating temperature, 31.3°C (88° F)

When you charge the battery pack, its temperature must be at least

Note:

10°C (50°F).

v Relative humidity:

– Operating with no diskette in the drive: 8% to 90% – Operating with a diskette in the drive: 8% to 80%

Heat output

v 72 W (246 Btu/hr) maximum

Power source (ac adapter)

v Sine-wave input at 50 to 60 Hz v Input rating of the ac adapter: 100-240 V ac, 50 to 60 Hz

Battery pack

v Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery pack

– Nominal voltage: 10.8 V dc – Capacity: 4.4 AH

4 ThinkPad

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

Though your computer is designed to function reliably in normal work environments, you need to use common sense in handling it. By following these important tips, you will get the most use and enjoyment out of your computer.

Important tips:

Be careful about where and how you work

v Do not leave the base of your computer in contact with your lap or any

part of your body for an extended period when the computer is functioning or when the battery is charging. Your computer dissipates some heat during normal operation. This heat is a function of the level of system activity and battery charge level. Extended contact with your body, even through clothing, could cause discomfort or, eventually, a skin burn.

v Place liquids away from your computer to avoid spills, and keep your

computer away from water (to avoid the danger of electrical shock).

v Store packing materials safely out of the reach of children to prevent the

risk of suffocation from plastic bags.

v Keep your computer away from magnets, activated cellular phones,

electrical appliances, or speakers (within 13 cm/5 in).

v Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperatures (below 5°C/41°F

or above 35°C/95°F).

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

gentle with your computer

v Avoid placing any objects (including paper) between the display and the

keyboard or under the keyboard.

v Do not drop, bump, scratch, twist, hit, vibrate, push, or place heavy objects

on your computer, display, or external devices.

v Your computer display is designed to be opened and used at an angle

slightly greater than 90 degrees. Do not open the display beyond 180 degrees, as this might damage the computer hinge.

your computer properly

Carry

v Before moving your computer, be sure to remove any media, turn off

attached devices, and disconnect cords and cables.

v Be sure your computer is in standby or hibernation mode, or turned off,

before moving it. This will prevent damage to the hard disk drive and data loss.

v When picking up your open computer, hold it by the bottom. Do not pick

up or hold your computer by the display.

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer 5

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

v Use a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushion and protection.

Do not pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag.

Handle

storage media and drives properly

v Avoid inserting diskettes at an angle and attaching multiple or loose

diskette labels, as these can lodge in the drive.

v If your computer comes with an optical drive such as CD, DVD, or

CD-RW/DVD drive, do not touch the surface of a disc or the lens on the tray.

v Wait until you hear the CD or DVD click into the center pivot of an optical

drive such as CD, DVD, or CD-RW/DVD drive before closing the tray.

v When installing your hard disk, diskette, CD, DVD, or CD-RW/DVD drive,

follow the instructions shipped with your hardware, and apply pressure only where needed on the device. See Access Help, your on-board help system, for information on replacing your hard disk drive.

care in setting passwords

Take

v Remember your passwords. If you forget a supervisor or hard disk

password, Lenovo will not reset it, and you might have to replace your system board or hard disk drive.

important tips

Other

v Your computer modem might use only an analog telephone network, or

public-switched telephone network (PSTN). Do not connect the modem to a PBX (private branch exchange) or any other digital telephone extension line because this could damage your modem. Analog phone lines are often used in homes, while digital phone lines are often used in hotels or office buildings. If you are not sure which kind of phone line you are using, contact your telephone company.

v Your computer might have both an Ethernet connector and a modem

connector. If so, be sure to connect your communication cable to the correct one, so your connector is not damaged. See Access Help, your on-board help system, for information on the location of these connectors.

v Register your ThinkPad products with Lenovo (refer to the We b page:

www.lenovo.com/register). This can help authorities return your computer to you if it is lost or stolen. Registering your computer also enables Lenovo to notify you about possible technical information and upgrades.

v Only an authorized ThinkPad repair technician should disassemble and

repair your computer.

v Do not modify or tape the latches to keep the display open or closed.

v Take care not to turn your computer over while the ac adapter is plugged

in. This could break the adapter plug.

6 ThinkPad

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

v Turn off your computer if you are replacing a device in a device bay, or else

verify that the device is warm- or hot-swappable.

v If you exchange drives in your computer, reinstall the plastic bezel faces (if

supplied).

v Store your external and removable hard disk, diskette, CD, DVD, and

CD-RW/DVD drives in the appropriate containers or packaging when they are not being used.

v Before you install any of the following devices, touch a metal table or a

grounded metal object. This action reduces any static electricity from your body. The static electricity could damage the device.

– PC Card

– Smart Card

– Memory Card, such as SD Card, Memory Stick, and MultiMediaCard

– Memory module

– Mini-PCI Card

– Communication Daughter Card

Cleaning

the cover of your computer

Occasionally clean your computer as follows:

1. Prepare a mixture of a gentle kitchen-use detergent (one that does not

contain abrasive powder or strong chemicals such as acid or alkaline). Use 5 parts water to 1 part detergent.

2. Absorb the diluted detergent into a sponge.

3. Squeeze excess liquid from the sponge.

4. Wipe the cover with the sponge, using a circular motion and taking care

not to let any excess liquid drip.

5. Wipe the surface to remove the detergent.

6. Rinse the sponge with clean running water.

7. Wipe the cover with the clean sponge.

8. Wipe the surface again with a dry, soft lint-free cloth.

9. Wait for the surface to dry completely and remove any cloth fibers from

the computer surface.

Cleaning

your computer keyboard

1. Absorb some isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a soft, dust-free cloth.

2. Wipe each keytop surface with the cloth. Wipe the keys one by one; if you

wipe several keys at a time, the cloth may hook onto an adjacent key and possibly damage it. Make sure that no liquid drips onto or between the keys.

3. Allow to dry.

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer 7

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

4. To remove any crumbs and dust from beneath the keys, you can use a

camera blower with a brush or cool air from a hair drier.

Note: Avoid spraying cleaner directly on the display or the keyboard.

Cleaning

your computer display

1. Gently wipe the display with a dry, soft lint-free cloth. If you see a

scratchlike mark on your display, it might be a stain transferred from the keyboard or the TrackPoint pointing stick when the cover was pressed from the outside.

2. Wipe or dust the stain gently with a soft, dry cloth.

3. If the stain remains, moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water or a 50-50

mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water that does not contain impurities.

4. Wring out as much of the liquid as you can.

5. Wipe the display again; do not let any liquid drip into the computer.

6. Be sure to dry the display before closing it.

8 ThinkPad

R51e Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

+ 74 hidden pages

Ibm THINKPAD R51 User Manual

Contents

Important safety information

Conditions that require immediate action

General safety guidelines

Service

Power cords and power adapters

Extension cords and related devices

Plugs and outlets

Batteries

Heat and product ventilation

CD and DVD drive safety

Additional safety information

Laser compliance statement

Important notice for users

Important regulatory notice for users

Information about hard disk capacity

Finding information with the Access IBM button

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer

Your ThinkPad at a glance

Features

Specifications

Caring for your ThinkPad computer