IBM TransNote Service and Troubleshooting Guide

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IBM

ThinkPad

TransNote

™

Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Note

Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under “Important safety instructions” on page v and “Appendix. A. Product warranty and notices” on page 49.

First Edition (October 2000) The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any country where such provisions are

inconsistent with local law:

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION ″AS IS″ WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to you.

This information could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any time without notice.

IBM may use or distribute any of the information you supply in any way it believes appropriate without incurring any obligation to you.

US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

Contents

Important safety instructions ......v

Modem safety information .......viii

Chapter 1. System overview ......1

Features..............2

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

Using your on-board help ........5

Chapter 2. Handling the ThinkPad computer 7

TransNote handling tips ........8

ThinkPad don’ts ...........9

ThinkPad do’s ...........10

Cleaning your computer ........11

Carrying your computer ........11

Extending the life of your computer battery 11

Chapter 3. Protecting your computer . . . 13

Using passwords ..........14

Resuming from hibernation ......14

Power-on password ........14

Hard disk passwords ........15

Supervisor password ........18

Windows passwords ........19

Passwords and the on–screen keyboard . . 19

Attaching the mechanical lock ......21

Chapter 4. Solving computer problems . . 23

Troubleshooting...........24

Error messages ..........24

Errors without messages .......26

Power switch problem .......27

TrackPoint problems ........27

Keyboard problems ........28

Standby, hibernation, and shutdown

problems ............29

Computer screen problems ......31

Battery problems .........32

Hard disk drive problems ......33

Software problems .........33

Important safety instructions vii

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 it 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.

CAUTION:

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (thicker) telephone cable.

Modem safety information

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

Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.

Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.

viii ThinkPad

Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.

Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

Save these instructions.

TransNote™Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Chapter 1. System overview

Features..............2

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

Using your on-board help ........5

Features

Processor

v Intel®Mobile Pentium™III processor

Memory

v Built-in: 64 MB v Maximum: 320 MB

Storage device

v 2.5–inch hard disk drive: 10GB

Display

The color display uses TFT technology

v Size: 10.4 inch v Resolution:

– LCD: 800 by 600 – External monitor: Up to 1600 by 1200

v Brightness control v Touch screen feature

2 ThinkPad

IBM ThinkScribe digital notepad

v Size: Letter or A4 v Input: IBM Digital Pen (Ink cartridges included)

Keyboard

v 84-key, 85-key, or 89-key v TrackPoint v Fn key function

TransNote™Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Features

External interface

v Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors v External-monitor connector v ThinkPad TransNote Port Replicator connector v Headphone jack v Line-in jack v Microphone jack v Infrared port v RJ11 telephone connector (available if the modem Mini-PCI Card or the

Combo Mini-PCI Card is installed)

v RJ45 Ethernet connector (available if the Ethernet Mini-PCI Card or the

Combo Mini-PCI Card is installed)

v PC Card slot (Type I or Type II) v CompactFlash Card slot (Type I or Type II)

Chapter 1. System overview 3

Specifications

Size (excluding cover)

v Width: 255.6 mm (10.1 in.) v Depth: 313 mm (12.3 in.) v Height: 28 mm (1.1 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)

- Not operating: 5° to 43°C (41° to 109°F)

– At altitudes above 2438 m (8000 ft)

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

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

10°C (50°F).

v Relative humidity:

– Operating with no diskette: 8% to 95%

4 ThinkPad

Heat output

v 72 W (246 Btu/hr) maximum

Electrical (ac adapter)

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

Lithium-ion battery pack

v Nominal voltage: 14.4 V dc v Capacity: 1650 mAH

TransNote™Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Using your on-board help

Your computer contains comprehensive on-board help and information. You no longer need to carry heavy manuals or other reference books.

On-board help is provided by Access ThinkPad and ThinkPad Assistant. Press the computer’s unique ThinkPad button to open Access ThinkPad. There, you can do a Quick Search or click on topics that take you to ThinkPad Assistant. You can also go directly to ThinkPad Assistant by clicking Start → Programs → ThinkPad → ThinkPad Information.

If you are logged on to the Internet, click one of the Internet portal buttons in Access ThinkPad to:

v Get help and user support rapidly. v Download software updates. v Find business solutions. v Learn about accessories for your computer.

ThinkPad Assistant contains information within the following categories:

v About your computer v Everyday use v IBM Ink Manager v Communicate v Home and travel v Enhancements v Maintenance and updates v Security v Problem solving v How to reach IBM

Using your on-board help

Pro

Chapter 1. System overview 5

Using your on-board help

6 ThinkPad

TransNote™Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Chapter 2. Handling the ThinkPad computer

TransNote handling tips ........8

ThinkPad don’ts ...........9

ThinkPad do’s ...........10

Cleaning your computer ........11

Carrying your computer ........11

Extending the life of your computer battery 11

This chapter provides tips for handling your notebook computers. Some of them may not apply to your situation. Check your shipping checklist to confirm the items provided with your computer.

Notebook computers are precision machines that require careful handling. Though your computer is designed and tested to be a durable notebook computer that functions reliably in normal work environments, you need to use common sense in handling it.

TransNote handling tips

Your TransNote computer has unique features.

Be sure to do the following: v To open your TransNote computer, place the spine of your computer flat

and the cutout section towards you. Press the center latch and open the computer. Continue to gently open the computer until the upper side latch releases.

v Close the computer in the same way as you open it, or leave the keyboard

side flat and close the notepad side onto the keyboard side. Make sure the center and upper latches click when you close the computer. Do not close the computer by lifting the keyboard side onto the notepad, as this might damage the hard disk drive.

v When picking up your open computer, hold both right and left sides.

Picking up or holding your computer by one side or by the display may damage your computer.

v When you use the touch screen feature of your TransNote computer, use

either your finger or the pen stylus (colored red) provided. Do not touch the screen with the ink tip of the pen, or any tool other than the pen stylus. This might damage the computer display.

v If you put your computer on a soiled or sticky object, such as an oily table,

or if you touch it with a soiled hand, the cover of your computer might be scratched or peeled, or the color of the cover might be changed.

v To wipe the cover of your computer, use a soft cloth dampened with water.

Do not use any cleaner. If you have the leather cover model, use a soft dry cloth to wipe the cover.

8 ThinkPad

TransNote™Service and Troubleshooting Guide

v Avoiding placing objects, such as a CD or diskette, on the optical sensors

ThinkPad don’ts

v Do not subject your computer to physical punishment, such as dropping or

v Do not put heavy objects on your computer. v Do not spill or allow liquids into your computer. v Do not use your computer in or near water (to avoid the danger of

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

v Do not disassemble your computer. Only an authorized IBM ThinkPad

v Do not scratch, twist, hit, or push the surface of your computer display.

v Do not place any objects between the display and the keyboard or under

v Do not close or move the computer until it is fully suspended or turned off. v Do not modify or tape the latches to keep the system open or closed. v Do not turn your computer over while the ac adapter is plugged in. This

v Do not move the computer when the hard disk drive is accessing data

v Do not use or store your computer where the temperature is below 5°C or

v Do not place your computer within less than 13 cm (5 in.) of any electrical

shown below. These objects can affect the sensors that indicate when the TransNote system is closing, which could cause your screen to go blank.

bumping.

electrical shock).

computer display might be damaged.

repair technician should disassemble and repair your computer.

Touch or tap gently when using the touch screen feature.

the keyboard.

could break the adapter plug.

(when the indicator is blinking).

above 35°C (41°F and 95°F).

appliance that generates a strong magnetic field, such as a motor, a magnet, a TV, a refrigerator, or large audio speakers.

Chapter 2. Handling the ThinkPad computer 9

ThinkPad do’s

v Do not place a turned-on cellular telephone on or near the computer. The

phone might cause a malfunction in the computer system.

v Do not hard-mount your computer in a vehicle or in any other place where

it is subject to strong vibration.

v Do not crush, drop, or physically punish the removable hard disk when it

is outside your computer.

v Do not connect the modem to a PBX (private branch exchange) or any other

digital telephone extension line. Your computer can use only a public-switched telephone network (PSTN). The use of a phone line other than PSTN can damage your modem. If you are not sure which kind of phone line you are using, contact your telephone company. Many hotels or office buildings use digital telephone extension lines, so check before connecting the telephone cable in such places.

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.

Treat your computer like precision electronic machinery. v When installing your hard disk, follow the instructions in the on-board help

or manuals shipped with your computer, and apply pressure only where needed on the device.

v If your computer has a device bay and you are replacing the device in it,

make sure that the device is warm- or hot-swappable, or else turn off the computer. For details, refer to the on-board help.

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-ROM, and

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

v Choose a quality carrying case that will protect your computer. v Store packing materials safely out of the reach of children to prevent the

risk of suffocation from plastic bags.

v Register your ThinkPad products with IBM (refer to the Web page:

www.pc.ibm.com/register). This can help authorities return your computer to you if it is lost or stolen. Registering your computer also enables IBM to notify you about possible upgrades.

v Check the IBM Web pages (www.ibm.com/thinkpad) periodically to get

current information about your computer.

10 ThinkPad

TransNote™Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Cleaning your computer

Occasionally clean your computer as follows:

v Do not spray cleaner directly on the display or the keyboard. v Gently wipe the computer display with a dry, soft cloth.

Carrying your computer

When carrying your computer, follow these instructions to prevent possible damage to your computer and data:

1. Turn off all attached devices.

2. Do not close the computer until the standby indicator is on (if the

computer is in standby mode), or the power indicator is off (if it is turned off or in hibernation mode).

3. Close the computer in the same way as you open it, or leave the keyboard

side flat and close the notepad side onto the keyboard side. Be sure not to close by lifting the keyboard side onto the notepad, as this might damage the hard disk drive.

4. Unplug all external cables and cords from your computer.

5. Make sure all computer doors and covers are closed.

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

Attention: Do not move the computer when the hard disk drive is accessing data—that is, when the indicator is blinking. Make sure the indicator is off before you carry the computer.

Extending the life of your computer battery

The amount of battery power consumed by your computer depends on such conditions as the frequency of use, the operating temperature, and the period in storage (if unused). The following tips can help you to extend the life of your battery:

v For longest battery life, you should occasionally wait until the battery pack

is completely discharged before you recharge it.

v Once you start charging, do not disconnect the ac adapter or remove the

battery pack until the battery is fully charged.

v Whenever possible, use the ThinkPad battery power-saving modes:

– Screen blank – Standby – Hibernation

For more information, refer to the on-board help.

v Decrease the brightness of the computer display.

Chapter 2. Handling the ThinkPad computer 11

v Use power management. Each operating system comes with its own power

management system.

v If the internal serial devices—the modem, the serial port, and the infrared

port—are not in use, disable them, using the ThinkPad Configuration Program.

v If you will not be using the computer for a long period, remove the battery

pack and keep it in a cool place.

12 ThinkPad

TransNote™Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Chapter 3. Protecting your computer

Using passwords ..........14

Resuming from hibernation ......14

Power-on password ........14

Hard disk passwords ........15

Supervisor password ........18

Windows passwords ........19

Passwords and the on–screen keyboard . . 19

Attaching the mechanical lock ......21

Using passwords

To make sure that only authorized persons can use your computer, you can set different kinds of passwords. Then prospective users will have to know the proper passwords in order to access your computer or data.

Resuming from hibernation

If you have set passwords and you put your computer into hibernation mode—for example, by pressing Fn+F9—you can resume operation as follows:

Press the power switch, then you will be prompted to type your password. You must enter a power-on password or a supervisor password (if one is set).

If any hard disk has a hard disk password, it is unlocked automatically when you resume operation.

Power-on password

You can set a power-on password to help protect your ThinkPad computer against access by unauthorized users.

If you set a power-on password, the password prompt appears on the screen whenever you turn on the computer. You must enter the correct password to start using the computer.

To set a power-on password:

1. Save all open files and exit all applications.

2. Click Start → Shut Down → Shutdown. When the computer turns off,

3. As soon as the IBM ThinkPad opening screen appears, press F1. After

4. Using the cursor directional keys to move down the menu, select

5. Select power-on password.

6. Choose your power-on password, which can be from one to seven

7. Press the Enter key once to move to the next line. Retype the password

8. Commit your password to memory.

turn it on again. (If you choose Restart, you cannot enter the BIOS Setup Utility program.)

several seconds, the BIOS Setup Utility screen opens.

Password.

characters in any combination. Type it within the brackets on the Enter New Password field.

you just entered, to verify it.

14 ThinkPad

TransNote™Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Note: You might want to note your power-on password in a safe place.

Otherwise, if you forget it, you have to take your computer to an IBM reseller or a marketing representative to have the password canceled.

9. Press F10 to save the password and exit.

10. Select Yes in the Setup Confirmation window.

Changing or removing the power-on password

To change or remove the power-on password, folow steps 1 through 6. Enter your current password. To change the password, type a new password in the Enter New Password field and then retype it to verify it. To remove the password, follow steps 1 through 6. Type your current password. When the Enter New Password field opens, leave it blank and press Enter twice.

Hard disk passwords

Two types of hard disk password help protect the information stored on the hard disk.

v User hard disk password v Master hard disk password, which requires a user password

When a user hard disk password is set, but no master hard disk password is set, no one can get access to files and applications on the hard disk without first typing that password.

The master password can be set and used only by a system administrator. Like a master key, it enables the administrator to get access to any hard drive in a system. The administrator sets the master password, and no one else knows it. Then the administrator sets a user password for each computer in the network, and tells each user the password for his or her computer. The user can then change the user password as desired; the administrator can still get access by using the master password.

If the user hard disk password is different from the power-on password, a preset timer or an incoming call will not cause the computer to resume operation. To use the unattended resume function with a hard disk password, set the same password for both the power-on password and the user hard disk password.

To set a hard disk password:

1. Save all open files and exit all applications.

2. Click Start →Shut Down →Shutdown. When the computer turns off, turn

it on again. (If you choose Restart, you cannot enter the BIOS Setup Utility program.)

Chapter 3. Protecting your computer 15

3. As soon as the IBM ThinkPad opening screen appears, press F1. After

several seconds, the BIOS Setup Utility screen opens.

4. Select Password, using the cursor directional keys to move down the

menu.

5. Select Hard Disk x Password, where x is the letter of the hard disk drive

for which you want to set a password.

6. A password window opens. You are prompted to select User only or

Master + User. Select User if you want to set only one hard disk

password. If you are an administrator or a supervisor, you can select Master + User to set two passwords. (The user can change the user password later.)

7. If you select Master + User, go to step 10.

8. If you select User only, a new-password window opens. Choose a user

hard disk password, which can be from one to seven characters in any combination. Type it in the Enter New Password field.

9. Press the down arrow key once to move to the next line. Retype the

password you just entered, to verify it. Go to step 16 to complete the procedure.

10. If you select Master + User, a message window opens and prompts you

to set up a user hard disk password first. Select Continue.

11. The user password window opens. Choose the user password you want,

which can be from one to seven characters in any combination. Type it in the Enter New Password field.

12. Press the Enter key once to move to the next line. Retype the password

you just entered, to verify it.

13. A message window opens and prompts you to set the master hard disk

password. Select Continue.

14. A new master hard disk window opens. Choose the master hard disk

password you want, which can be from one to seven characters in any combination. Type it in the Enter New Password field.

15. Press the Enter key once to move to the next line. Retype the password

you just entered, to verify it.

16. Commit any password to memory.

16 ThinkPad

TransNote™Service and Troubleshooting Guide

+ 58 hidden pages

IBM TransNote Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Important safety instructions vii

Chapter 1. System overview 3

Chapter 2. Handling the ThinkPad computer 9

Chapter 3. Protecting your computer 15