Lenovo 10AX, 10AY, ThinkCentre M73 10AX, ThinkCentre M73 10AY User Manual

ThinkCentreM73
UserGuide

MachineTypes:10AXand10AY

Note:Beforeusingthisinformationandtheproductitsupports,besuretoreadandunderstandthe
“Importantsafetyinformation”onpagev

andAppendixA“Notices”onpage121.

FirstEdition(August2013)

©CopyrightLenovo2013.

LIMITEDANDRESTRICTEDRIGHTSNOTICE:IfdataorsoftwareisdeliveredpursuantaGeneralServicesAdministration
“GSA”contract,use,reproduction,ordisclosureissubjecttorestrictionssetforthinContractNo.GS-35F-05925.

Contents

Importantsafetyinformation......v

Serviceandupgrades.............v

Staticelectricityprevention...........v

Powercordsandpoweradapters........vi

Extensioncordsandrelateddevices.......vi

Plugsandoutlets..............vii

Externaldevices..............vii

Heatandproductventilation.........vii

Operatingenvironment...........viii

Modemsafetyinformation..........viii

Lasercompliancestatement..........ix

Powersupplystatement............ix

Cleaningandmaintenance...........ix

Chapter1.Productoverview......1

Features..................1

Specications................4

Lenovoprograms..............4

AccessingLenovoprogramsontheWindows

7operatingsystem............4

AccessingLenovoprogramsontheWindows

8operatingsystem............6

AnintroductiontoLenovoprograms.....6

Locations..................8

Locatingconnectors,controls,andindicators

onthefrontofyourcomputer........9

Locatingconnectorsontherearofyour

computer...............10

Locatingcomponents..........12

Locatingpartsonthesystemboard....13

Machinetypeandmodellabel.......14

Chapter2.Usingyourcomputer...15

Frequentlyaskedquestions.........15

AccessingControlPanelontheWindows8

operatingsystem..............15

Usingthekeyboard.............16

UsingWindowsshortcutkeys.......16

Usingangerprintreader........16

Usingthewheelmouse...........17

Adjustingaudio..............17

Aboutyourcomputeraudio........17

Settingthevolumefromthedesktop....17

SettingthevolumefromControlPanel...18

UsingCDsandDVDs............18

HandlingandstoringCDandDVDmedia..18

PlayingaCDorDVD..........19

RecordingaCDorDVD.........19

Chapter3.Y ouandyourcomputer..21

Accessibilityandcomfort..........21

Arrangingyourworkspace........21

Comfort...............21

Glareandlighting............22

Aircirculation.............22

Electricaloutletsandcablelengths.....22

Registeringyourcomputer..........23

Movingyourcomputertoanothercountryor

region..................23

Voltage-selectionswitch.........23

Replacementpowercords........24

Chapter4.Security..........25

Securityfeatures..............25

AttachingaKensington-stylecablelock.....26

Usingpasswords..............26

BIOSpasswords............26

Windowspasswords..........27

Conguringthengerprintreader.......27

Usingandunderstandingrewalls.......27

Protectingdataagainstviruses........27

Chapter5.Installingorreplacing

hardware...............29

Handlingstatic-sensitivedevices.......29

Installingorreplacinghardware........29

Installingexternaloptions........29

Installingorremovingtheacpoweradapter.30

Installingorremovingtheverticalstand...31

InstallingorremovingtheVESAmount

bracket................33

Installingorremovingtheacpoweradapter

bracket................35

Replacingtheopticaldrive........37

Replacingthesecondaryharddiskdrive...42

InstallingorremovingtheI/Obox.....48

Removingthecomputercover.......51

Installingorremovingtheharddiskdrive

assembly...............53

Installingorreplacingamemorymodule...55

Replacingthebattery..........56

Replacingthepowerswitchboard.....58

ReplacingtheWi-Ficardmodule......59

InstallingorremovingthefrontWi-Fi

antenna...............61

InstallingorremovingtherearWi-Fiantenna.63

Replacingtheinternalspeaker.......65

©CopyrightLenovo2013

i

Replacingthecoverpresenceswitch....67

Replacingthesystemfan.........69

Replacingthethermalmodule.......71

Replacingthemicroprocessor.......73

Replacingthekeyboardormouse.....75

Completingthepartsreplacement.....76

Chapter6.Recoveryinformation...79

RecoveryinformationfortheWindows7operating

system..................79

Creatingandusingrecoverymedia.....79

Performingbackupandrecoveryoperations.80
UsingtheRescueandRecoveryworkspace.81

Creatingandusingarescuemedium....82

Reinstallingpreinstalledapplicationsand

devicedrivers.............83

Reinstallingsoftwareprograms......84

Reinstallingdevicedrivers........84

Solvingrecoveryproblems........84

RecoveryinformationfortheWindows8operating

system..................85

Chapter7.UsingtheSetupUtility

program................87

StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram.......87

Viewingandchangingsettings........87

Usingpasswords..............87

Passwordconsiderations.........88

Power-OnPassword..........88

AdministratorPassword.........88

HardDiskPassword...........88

Setting,changing,anddeletingapassword.88
Erasinglostorforgottenpasswords(clearing

CMOS)................89

Enablingordisablingadevice........89

Selectingastartupdevice..........90

Selectingatemporarystartupdevice....90

Selectingorchangingthestartupdevice

sequence...............90

EnablingErPcompliancemode........90

ICEperformancemode...........91

ICEthermalalert..............91

ExitingtheSetupUtilityprogram.......92

Chapter8.Updatingsystem

programs...............93

Usingsystemprograms...........93

Updating(ashing)theBIOSfromadisc....93

Updating(ashing)theBIOSfromyouroperating

system..................94

RecoveringfromaPOST/BIOSupdatefailure..94

Chapter9.Preventingproblems...95

Keepingyourcomputercurrent........95

Gettingthelatestdevicedriversforyour

computer...............95

Updatingyouroperatingsystem......95

UsingSystemUpdate..........96

Cleaningandmaintenance..........96

Basics................96

Cleaningyourcomputer.........97

Goodmaintenancepractices.......98

Movingyourcomputer...........98

Chapter10.Troubleshootingand

diagnostics..............99

Basictroubleshooting............99

Troubleshootingprocedure..........100

Troubleshooting..............100

Audioproblems............101

CDproblems.............102

DVDproblems.............103

Intermittentproblems..........105

Keyboard,mouse,orpointingdevice

problems...............105

Monitorproblems............107

Networkingproblems..........108

Optionproblems............111

Performanceandlockupproblems.....112

Printerproblems............113

Serialportproblems...........114

Softwareproblems...........114

USBproblems.............115

LenovoSolutionCenter...........116

Chapter11.Gettinginformation,help,

andservice.............117

Informationresources............117

LenovoThinkVantageT ools........117

LenovoWelcome............117

HelpandSupport............117

SafetyandWarranty...........117

LenovoWebsite............117

LenovoSupportWebsite.........118

Helpandservice..............118

Usingthedocumentationanddiagnostic

program...............118

Callingforservice............118

Usingotherservices..........119

Purchasingadditionalservices......119

AppendixA.Notices.........121

Trademarks................122

iiThinkCentreM73UserGuide

AppendixB.Regulatory

information.............123

Exportclassicationnotice..........123

Electronicemissionsnotices.........123

FederalCommunicationsCommission

DeclarationofConformity........123

Eurasiancompliancemark..........125

Additionalregulatoryinformation.......125

AppendixC.WEEEandrecycling

information.............127

ImportantWEEEinformation.........127

RecyclinginformationforJapan........127

RecyclinginformationforBrazil........128

BatteryrecyclinginformationforT aiwan.....128

BatteryrecyclinginformationfortheEuropean

Union..................128

AppendixD.RestrictionofHazardous

SubstancesDirective(RoHS)....131

EuropeanUnionRoHS...........131

ChinaRoHS................131

TurkishRoHS...............131

UkraineRoHS...............132

IndiaRoHS................132

AppendixE.ChinaEnergyLabel..133

AppendixF .ENERGYSTARmodel

information.............135

Index.................137

©CopyrightLenovo2013

iii

ivThinkCentreM73UserGuide

Importantsafetyinformation

CAUTION:
Beforeusingthismanual,besuretoreadandunderstandalltherelatedsafetyinformationforthis
product.RefertotheinformationinthissectionandthesafetyinformationintheSafety,Warranty,and
SetupGuidethatyoureceivedwiththisproduct.Readingandunderstandingthissafetyinformation
reducestheriskofpersonalinjuryanddamagetoyourproduct.

IfyounolongerhaveacopyoftheSafety,Warranty,andSetupGuide,youcanobtainaPortableDocument
Format(PDF)versionfromtheLenovo

®

SupportWebsiteathttp://www.lenovo.com/support.TheLenovo
SupportWebsitealsoprovidestheSafety,Warranty,andSetupGuideandthisUserGuideinadditional
languages.

Serviceandupgrades

DonotattempttoserviceaproductyourselfunlessinstructedtodosobytheCustomerSupportCenteror
yourdocumentation.OnlyuseaServiceProviderwhoisapprovedtorepairyourparticularproduct.

Note:Somecomputerpartscanbeupgradedorreplacedbythecustomer.Upgradestypicallyare
referredtoasoptions.ReplacementpartsapprovedforcustomerinstallationarereferredtoasCustomer
ReplaceableUnits,orCRUs.Lenovoprovidesdocumentationwithinstructionswhenitisappropriatefor
customerstoinstalloptionsorreplaceCRUs.Y oumustcloselyfollowallinstructionswheninstallingor
replacingparts.TheOffstateofapowerindicatordoesnotnecessarilymeanthatvoltagelevelsinsidea
productarezero.Beforeyouremovethecoversfromaproductequippedwithapowercord,alwaysmake
surethatthepoweristurnedoffandthattheproductisunpluggedfromanypowersource.Formore
informationonCRUs,refertoChapter5“Installingorreplacinghardware”onpage29

.Ifyouhaveany

questionsorconcerns,contacttheCustomerSupportCenter.

Althoughtherearenomovingpartsinyourcomputerafterthepowercordhasbeendisconnected,the
followingwarningsarerequiredforyoursafety.

CAUTION:

Hazardousmovingparts.Keepngersandotherbodypartsaway.

CAUTION:

BeforereplacinganyCRUs,turnoffthecomputerandwaitthreetoveminutestoletthecomputer
coolbeforeopeningthecover.

Staticelectricityprevention

Staticelectricity,althoughharmlesstoyou,canseriouslydamagecomputercomponentsandoptions.
Improperhandlingofstatic-sensitivepartscancausedamagetothepart.Whenyouunpackanoption

©CopyrightLenovo2013

v

orCRU,donotopenthestatic-protectivepackagecontainingthepartuntiltheinstructionsdirectyou
toinstallit.

WhenyouhandleoptionsorCRUs,orperformanyworkinsidethecomputer,takethefollowingprecautions
toavoidstatic-electricitydamage:

•Limityourmovement.Movementcancausestaticelectricitytobuilduparoundyou.

•Alwayshandlecomponentscarefully.Handleadapters,memorymodules,andothercircuitboardsbythe
edges.Nevertouchexposedcircuitry.

•Preventothersfromtouchingcomponents.

•Whenyouinstallastatic-sensitiveoptionorCRU,touchthestatic-protectivepackagecontainingthe
parttoametalexpansion-slotcoverorotherunpaintedmetalsurfaceonthecomputerforatleasttwo
seconds.Thisreducesstaticelectricityinthepackageandyourbody.

•Whenpossible,removethestatic-sensitivepartfromthestatic-protectivepackagingandinstallthepart
withoutsettingitdown.Whenthisisnotpossible,placethestatic-protectivepackagingonasmooth,
levelsurfaceandplacethepartonit.

•Donotplacethepartonthecomputercoverorothermetalsurface.

Powercordsandpoweradapters

Useonlythepowercordsandpoweradapterssuppliedbytheproductmanufacturer.

Thepowercordsshallbesafetyapproved.ForGermany,itshallbeH05VV-F ,3G,0.75mm

2

,orbetter.For

othercountries,thesuitabletypesshallbeusedaccordingly.

Neverwrapapowercordaroundapoweradapterorotherobject.Doingsocanstressthecordinwaysthat
cancausethecordtofray,crack,orcrimp.Thiscanpresentasafetyhazard.

Alwaysroutepowercordssothattheywillnotbewalkedon,trippedover,orpinchedbyobjects.

Protectpowercordandpoweradaptersfromliquids.Forinstance,donotleaveyourpowercordorpower
adapternearsinks,tubs,toilets,oronoorsthatarecleanedwithliquidcleansers.Liquidscancausea
shortcircuit,particularlyifthepowercordorpoweradapterhasbeenstressedbymisuse.Liquidsalsocan
causegradualcorrosionofpowercordterminalsand/ortheconnectorterminalsonapoweradapter,
whichcaneventuallyresultinoverheating.

Ensurethatallpowercordconnectorsaresecurelyandcompletelypluggedintoreceptacles.

Donotuseanypoweradapterthatshowscorrosionattheacinputpinsorshowssignsofoverheating(such
asdeformedplastic)attheacinputoranywhereonthepoweradapter.

Donotuseanypowercordswheretheelectricalcontactsoneitherendshowsignsofcorrosionor
overheatingorwherethepowercordappearstohavebeendamagedinanyway.

Extensioncordsandrelateddevices

Ensurethatextensioncords,surgeprotectors,uninterruptiblepowersupplies,andpowerstripsthatyouuse
areratedtohandletheelectricalrequirementsoftheproduct.Neveroverloadthesedevices.Ifpowerstrips
areused,theloadshouldnotexceedthepowerstripinputrating.Consultanelectricianformoreinformation
ifyouhavequestionsaboutpowerloads,powerrequirements,andinputratings.

viThinkCentreM73UserGuide

Plugsandoutlets

Ifareceptacle(poweroutlet)thatyouintendtousewithyourcomputerequipmentappearstobedamaged
orcorroded,donotusetheoutletuntilitisreplacedbyaqualiedelectrician.

Donotbendormodifytheplug.Iftheplugisdamaged,contactthemanufacturertoobtainareplacement.

Donotshareanelectricaloutletwithotherhomeorcommercialappliancesthatdrawlargeamountsof
electricity;otherwise,unstablevoltagemightdamageyourcomputer,data,orattacheddevices.

Someproductsareequippedwithathree-prongedplug.Thisplugtsonlyintoagroundedelectricaloutlet.
Thisisasafetyfeature.Donotdefeatthissafetyfeaturebytryingtoinsertitintoanon-groundedoutlet.If
youcannotinserttheplugintotheoutlet,contactanelectricianforanapprovedoutletadapterortoreplace
theoutletwithonethatenablesthissafetyfeature.Neveroverloadanelectricaloutlet.Theoverallsystem
loadshouldnotexceed80percentofthebranchcircuitrating.Consultanelectricianformoreinformation
ifyouhavequestionsaboutpowerloadsandbranchcircuitratings.

Besurethatthepoweroutletyouareusingisproperlywired,easilyaccessible,andlocatedclosetothe
equipment.Donotfullyextendpowercordsinawaythatwillstressthecords.

Besurethatthepoweroutletprovidesthecorrectvoltageandcurrentfortheproductyouareinstalling.

Carefullyconnectanddisconnecttheequipmentfromtheelectricaloutlet.

Externaldevices

DonotconnectordisconnectanyexternaldevicecablesotherthanUniversalSerialBus(USB)and1394
cableswhilethecomputerpowerison;otherwise,youmightdamageyourcomputer.Toavoidpossible
damagetoattacheddevices,waitatleastvesecondsafterthecomputerisshutdowntodisconnect
externaldevices.

Heatandproductventilation

Computers,poweradapters,andmanyaccessoriescangenerateheatwhenturnedonandwhenbatteries
arecharging.Alwaysfollowthesebasicprecautions:

•Donotleaveyourcomputer,poweradapter,oraccessoriesincontactwithyourlaporanypartofyour
bodyforanextendedperiodwhentheproductsarefunctioningorwhenthebatteryischarging.Your
computer,poweradapter,andmanyaccessoriesproducesomeheatduringnormaloperation.Extended
contactwiththebodycouldcausediscomfortor,potentially,askinburn.

•Donotchargethebatteryoroperateyourcomputer,poweradapter,oraccessoriesnearammable
materialsorinexplosiveenvironments.

•Ventilationslots,fans,andheatsinksareprovidedwiththeproductforsafety,comfort,andreliable
operation.Thesefeaturesmightinadvertentlybecomeblockedbyplacingtheproductonabed,sofa,
carpet,orotherexiblesurface.Neverblock,cover,ordisablethesefeatures.

Inspectyourdesktopcomputerfordustaccumulationatleastonceeverythreemonths.Beforeinspecting
yourcomputer,turnoffthepowerandunplugthecomputer'spowercordfromtheelectricaloutlet;then
removeanydustfromventsandperforationsinthebezel.Ifyounoticeexternaldustaccumulation,then
examineandremovedustfromtheinsideofthecomputerincludingheatsinkinletns,powersupplyvents,
andfans.Alwaysturnoffandunplugthecomputerbeforeopeningthecover.Ifpossible,avoidoperating
yourcomputerwithintwofeetofhigh-trafcareas.Ifyoumustoperateyourcomputerinornearahigh-trafc
area,inspectand,ifnecessary,cleanyourcomputermorefrequently.

©CopyrightLenovo2013

vii

Foryoursafetyandtomaintainoptimumcomputerperformance,alwaysfollowthesebasicprecautions
withyourdesktopcomputer:

•Keepthecoverclosedwheneverthecomputerispluggedin.

•Regularlyinspecttheoutsideofthecomputerfordustaccumulation.

•Removedustfromventsandanyperforationsinthebezel.Morefrequentcleaningsmightberequiredfor
computersindustyorhigh-trafcareas.

•Donotrestrictorblockanyventilationopenings.

•Donotstoreoroperateyourcomputerinsidefurniture,asthismightincreasetheriskofoverheating.

•Airowtemperaturesintothecomputershouldnotexceed35°C(95°F).

•Donotinstallairltrationdevices.Theymayinterferewithpropercooling.

Operatingenvironment

Theoptimalenvironmentinwhichtouseyourcomputeris10°C-35°C(50°F-95°F)withhumidityranging
between35%and80%.Ifyourcomputerisstoredortransportedintemperatureslessthan10°C(50°F),
allowthecoldcomputertoriseslowlytoanoptimaloperatingtemperatureof10°C-35°C(50°F-95°F)before
use.Thisprocesscouldtaketwohoursinextremeconditions.Failuretoallowyourcomputertorisetoan
optimaloperatingtemperaturebeforeusecouldresultinirreparabledamagetoyourcomputer.

Ifpossible,placeyourcomputerinawell-ventilatedanddryareawithoutdirectexposuretosunshine.

Keepelectricalappliancessuchasanelectricfan,radio,high-poweredspeakers,airconditioner,and
microwaveovenawayfromyourcomputerbecausethestrongmagneticeldsgeneratedbythese
appliancescandamagethemonitoranddataontheharddiskdrive.

Donotplaceanybeveragesontopoforbesidethecomputerorotherattacheddevices.Ifliquidisspilledon
orinthecomputeroranattacheddevice,ashortcircuitorotherdamagemightoccur.

Donoteatorsmokeoveryourkeyboard.Particlesthatfallintoyourkeyboardcancausedamage.

Modemsafetyinformation

CAUTION:
Toreducetheriskofre,useonlyNo.26AWGorlarger(forexample,No.24AWG)telecommunication
linecordlistedbyUnderwritersLaboratories(UL)orcertiedbytheCanadianStandardsAssociation
(CSA).

Toreducetheriskofre,electricalshock,orinjurywhenusingtelephoneequipment,alwaysfollowbasic
safetyprecautions,suchas:

•Neverinstalltelephonewiringduringalightningstorm.

•Neverinstalltelephonejacksinwetlocationsunlessthejackisspecicallydesignedforwetlocations.

•Nevertouchuninsulatedtelephonewiresorterminalsunlessthetelephonelinehasbeendisconnectedat
thenetworkinterface.

•Usecautionwheninstallingormodifyingtelephonelines.

•Avoidusingatelephone(otherthanacordlesstype)duringanelectricalstorm.Theremaybearemote
riskofelectricshockfromlightning.

•Donotusethetelephonetoreportagasleakinthevicinityoftheleak.

viiiThinkCentreM73UserGuide

Lasercompliancestatement

CAUTION:
Whenlaserproducts(suchasCD-ROMs,DVDdrives,beropticdevices,ortransmitters)are
installed,notethefollowing:

•Donotremovethecovers.Removingthecoversofthelaserproductcouldresultinexposureto
hazardouslaserradiation.Therearenoserviceablepartsinsidethedevice.

•Useofcontrolsoradjustmentsorperformanceofproceduresotherthanthosespeciedherein
mightresultinhazardousradiationexposure.

DANGER

SomelaserproductscontainanembeddedClass3AorClass3Blaserdiode.Notethefollowing:

Laserradiationwhenopen.Donotstareintothebeam,donotviewdirectlywithoptical
instruments,andavoiddirectexposuretothebeam.

Powersupplystatement

Neverremovethecoveronapowersupplyoranypartthathasthefollowinglabelattached.

Hazardousvoltage,current,andenergylevelsarepresentinsideanycomponentthathasthislabelattached.
Therearenoserviceablepartsinsidethesecomponents.Ifyoususpectaproblemwithoneoftheseparts,
contactaservicetechnician.

Cleaningandmaintenance

Keepyourcomputerandworkspaceclean.Shutdownthecomputerandthendisconnectthepower
cordbeforecleaningthecomputer.Donotsprayanyliquiddetergentdirectlyonthecomputeroruse
anydetergentcontainingammablematerialtocleanthecomputer.Spraythedetergentonasoftcloth
andthenwipethecomputersurfaces.

©CopyrightLenovo2013

ix

xThinkCentreM73UserGuide

Chapter1.Productoverview

Thischapterprovidesinformationaboutthecomputerfeatures,specications,softwareprogramsprovided
byLenovo,andlocationsofconnectors,components,partsonthesystemboard,andinternaldrives.

Features

Thissectionintroducesthecomputerfeatures.Theinformationcoversavarietyofmodels.

Toviewtheinformationaboutyourspecicmodel,dooneofthefollowing:

•GointotheSetupUtilityprogrambyfollowingtheinstructionsinChapter7“UsingtheSetupUtility
program”onpage87.Then,selectMain➙SystemSummarytoviewtheinformation.

•OntheMicrosoft

®

Windows

®

7operationsystem,clickStart,right-clickComputer,andselectProperties

toviewtheinformation.

•OntheMicrosoftWindows8operatingsystem,moveyourcursortothetop-rightorbottom-rightcorner
ofthescreentodisplaythecharms.ThenclickSettings➙PCinfotoviewtheinformation.

Microprocessor

Yourcomputercomeswithoneofthefollowingmicroprocessors(internalcachesizevariesbymodeltype):

•Intel

®

Core™i3microprocessor

•IntelCorei5microprocessor

•IntelCorei7microprocessor

•IntelCeleron

®

microprocessor

•IntelPentium

®

microprocessor

Memory

Yourcomputersupportsuptotwodoubledatarate3smalloutlinedualinlinememorymodules(DDR3
SODIMMs).

Internaldrives

•ExternalOpticaldrive:DVD-ROMorDVD-R(optional)

•Hybridharddiskdrive(optional)

•SerialAdvancedT echnologyAttachment(SATA)harddiskdrive

•Solid-statedrive(optional)

Videosubsystem

•IntegratedgraphicsforaVideoGraphicsArray(VGA)connectorandaDisplayPortconnector

Audiosubsystem

•Integratedhigh-denition(HD)audio

•Microphoneconnectorandheadsetconnector(alsoknownasaudiojack)onthefrontpanel

•Internalspeaker

Connectivity

©CopyrightLenovo2013

1

•100/1000MbpsintegratedEthernetcontroller

•Wi-Ficardmodule(optional)

•Wi-FiwithBluetoothmodule(optional)

Systemmanagementfeatures

•Abilitytostorepower-onself-test(POST)hardwaretestresults

•DesktopManagementInterface(DMI)
DesktopManagementInterfaceprovidesacommonpathforuserstoaccessinformationaboutall

aspectsofacomputer,includingprocessortype,installationdate,attachedprintersandotherperipherals,
powersources,andmaintenancehistory.

•ErPcompliancemode
Theenergy-relatedproductsdirective(ErP)compliancemodereducestheconsumptionofelectricity

whenyourcomputerisinstandbyoroffmode.Formoreinformation,see“EnablingErPcompliance
mode”onpage90

.

•IntelStandardManageability
IntelStandardManageabilityishardwareandrmwaretechnologythatbuildscertainfunctionality

intocomputersinordertomakethemeasierandlessexpensiveforbusinessestomonitor,maintain,
update,upgrade,andrepair.

•PrebootExecutionEnvironment(PXE)
ThePrebootExecutionEnvironmentisanenvironmenttostartcomputersusinganetworkinterface

independentofdatastoragedevices(suchastheharddiskdrive)orinstalledoperatingsystems.

•IntelligentCoolingEngine(ICE)
TheIntelligentCoolingEngineisasystemthermalmanagementsolutionthatenablesyourcomputer

torunwithbetterthermalandacousticperformance.TheICEfunctionalsomonitorsthethermal
performanceofyourcomputertoidentifythermalproblems.Formoreinformation,see“ICEperformance
mode”onpage91

and“ICEthermalalert”onpage91.

•SystemManagement(SM)BasicInput/OutputSystem(BIOS)andSMsoftware
TheSMBIOSspecicationdenesdatastructuresandaccessmethodsinaBIOSthatallowsauseror

applicationtostoreandretrieveinformationspecicaboutthecomputerinquestion.

•WakeonLAN
WakeonLANisanEthernetcomputernetworkingstandardthatallowsacomputertobeturnedon

orwokenupbyanetworkmessage.Themessageisusuallysentbyaprogramrunningonanother
computeronthesamelocalareanetwork.

•WindowsManagementInstrumentation(WMI)
WindowsManagementInstrumentationisasetofextensionstotheWindowsDriverModel.Itprovidesan

operatingsysteminterfacethroughwhichinstrumentedcomponentsprovideinformationandnotication.

2ThinkCentreM73UserGuide

Input/Output(I/O)features

•OneDisplayPortconnector

•OneEthernetconnector

•Oneoptionalport(forinstallingaserialportoraUSB2.0connector)

•OneVGAmonitorconnector

•ThreeUniversalSerialBus(USB)2.0connectors(ontherearpanel)

•TwoUSB3.0connectors(onthefrontpanel)

•Twoaudioconnectorsonthefrontpanel(microphoneconnectorandheadsetconnector)

Formoreinformation,see“Locatingconnectors,controls,andindicatorsonthefrontofyourcomputer”on
page9and“Locatingconnectorsontherearofyourcomputer”onpage10.

Expansion

•Oneexternalopticaldrivebox(optional,supportinganopticaldriveorasecondaryharddiskdrive)

•Oneharddiskdrivebay

•OneminiPCIExpresscardslot

Powersupply

Yourcomputercomeswitha65-wattacpoweradapter.

Securityfeatures

•Abilitytoenableordisableadevice

•AbilitytoenableanddisableUSBconnectorsindividually

•ComputraceAgentsoftwareembeddedinrmware

•Coverpresenceswitch(alsocalledintrusionswitch)

•Keyboardwithngerprintreader(shippedwithsomemodels)

•Power-onpassword(POP),administratorpassword,andharddiskdrivepasswordtodeterunauthorized
useofyourcomputer

•Startupsequencecontrol

•Startupwithoutkeyboardormouse

•SupportforaKensington-stylecablelock

Formoreinformation,seeChapter4“Security”onpage25

.

Preinstalledsoftwareprograms

Yourcomputerispreinstalledwithsoftwareprogramstohelpyouworkmoreeasilyandsecurely.Formore
information,see“Lenovoprograms”onpage4

.

Preinstalledoperatingsystem

Yourcomputerispreinstalledwithoneofthefollowingoperatingsystems:

•MicrosoftWindows7operatingsystem

•MicrosoftWindows8operatingsystem

Chapter1.Productoverview3

Operatingsystem(s),certiedortestedforcompatibility

1

(variesbymodeltype)

•Linux

®

Specications

Thissectionliststhephysicalspecicationsforyourcomputer.

Dimensions

Width:179mm(7.05inches)
Height:34.5mm(1.36inches)
Depth:182mm(7.17inches)

Weight

Maximumcongurationasshipped:4.86kg(10.71lb)(withpackage)
Maximumcongurationasshipped:4.14kg(9.13lb)(withoutpackage)

Environment

•Airtemperature:

Operating:10°Cto35°C(50°Fto95°F)
Storageinoriginalshippingpackage:-40°Cto60°C(-40°Fto140°F)
Storagewithoutpackage:-10°Cto60°C(14°Fto140°F)

•Humidity:

Operating:20%to80%(non-condensing)
Storage:20%to90%(non-condensing)

•Altitude:

Operating:-15.2to3048m(-50to10000ft)
Storage:-15.2to10668m(-50to35000ft)

Electricalinput

Theacpoweradapterinputvoltage:100to240Vac
Inputfrequencyrange:50or60Hz

Lenovoprograms

YourcomputercomeswithLenovoprogramstohelpyouworkmoreeasilyandsecurely.Dependingon
theWindowsoperatingsystempreinstalled,theprogramsmightvary.

AccessingLenovoprogramsontheWindows7operatingsystem

OntheWindows7operatingsystem,youcanaccessLenovoprogramsfromeithertheLenovo
ThinkVantage

®

ToolsprogramorfromControlPanel.

AccessingLenovoprogramsfromtheLenovoThinkVantageT oolsprogram
ToaccessLenovoprogramsfromtheLenovoThinkVantageToolsprogram,clickStart➙AllPrograms➙

LenovoThinkVantageTools.Thendouble-clickaprogramicontoaccesstheprogram.

1.Theoperatingsystem(s)listedherearebeingcertiedortestedforcompatibilityatthetimethispublicationgoesto
press.AdditionaloperatingsystemsmightbeidentiedbyLenovoascompatiblewithyourcomputerfollowingthe
publicationofthismanual.Thislistissubjecttochange.Todetermineifanoperatingsystemhasbeencertiedor
testedforcompatibility,checktheWebsiteoftheoperatingsystemvendor.

4ThinkCentreM73UserGuide

Note:IfaprogramiconintheLenovoThinkVantageToolsprogramnavigationwindowisdimmed,it
indicatesthatyouneedtoinstalltheprogrammanually.Toinstalltheprogrammanually,double-clickthe
programicon.Then,followtheinstructionsonthescreen.Whentheinstallationprocesscompletes,the
programiconwillbeactivated.

Table1.ProgramsintheLenovoThinkVantageToolsprogram

ProgramIconname

CommunicationsUtilityWebConferencing

FingerprintSoftware

FingerprintReader

LenovoSolutionCenterSystemHealthandDiagnostics

PasswordManagerPasswordVault

PowerManager

PowerControls

RecoveryMediaFactoryRecoveryDisks

RescueandRecovery

®

EnhancedBackupandRestore

SystemUpdate

UpdateandDrivers

ViewManagementUtility

ScreenLayout

Note:Dependingonyourcomputermodel,someoftheprogramsmightnotbeavailable.

AccessingLenovoprogramsfromControlPanel

ToaccessLenovoprogramsfromControlPanel,clickStart➙ControlPanel.Thendependingonthe
programyouwanttoaccess,clickthecorrespondingsectionandthenclickthecorrespondinggreentext.

Note:IfyoudonotndtheprogramyouneedinControlPanel,opentheLenovoThinkVantageTools
programnavigationwindowanddouble-clickthedimmedicontoinstalltheprogramyouneed.Then,
followtheinstructionsonthescreen.Whentheinstallationprocesscompletes,theprogramiconwillbe
activated,andyoucanndtheprograminControlPanel.

TheprogramsandthecorrespondingsectionsandgreentextsinControlPanelarelistedinthefollowing
table.

Table2.ProgramsinControlPanel

Program

ControlPanelsectionGreentextinControlPanel

CommunicationsUtilityHardwareandSoundLenovo-WebConferencing

FingerprintSoftwareSystemandSecurity

HardwareandSound

Lenovo-FingerprintReader

LenovoSolutionCenterSystemandSecurityLenovo-SystemHealthand

Diagnostics

PasswordManager

SystemandSecurity
UserAccountsandFamilySafety

Lenovo-PasswordVault

PowerManager

HardwareandSound
SystemandSecurity

Lenovo-PowerControls

RecoveryMedia

SystemandSecurity

Lenovo-FactoryRecoveryDisks

RescueandRecovery

SystemandSecurity

Lenovo-EnhancedBackupand
Restore

SystemUpdateSystemandSecurity

Lenovo-UpdateandDrivers

ViewManagementUtility

SystemandSecurity

LenovoViewManagementUtility

Chapter1.Productoverview5

Note:Dependingonyourcomputermodel,someoftheprogramsmightnotbeavailable.

AccessingLenovoprogramsontheWindows8operatingsystem

IfyourcomputerispreinstalledwiththeWindows8operatingsystem,youcanaccessLenovoprogramsby
doingeitherofthefollowing:

•ClicktheLenovoQuickLaunchiconfromthetaskbar.Alistofprogramsisdisplayed.Double-clicka

Lenovoprogramtolaunchit.Ifadesiredprogramisnotinthelist,clicktheplusicon+.

•PresstheWindowskeytogototheStartscreen.ClickaLenovoprogramtolaunchit.Ifyoucannotnd

theprogramyouneed,movethepointertothebottom-rightcornerofthescreentodisplaythecharms.
ThenclicktheSearchcharmtosearchforthedesiredprogram.

YourcomputersupportsthefollowingLenovoprograms:

•FingerprintSoftware

•LenovoCompanion

•LenovoQuickLaunch

•LenovoQuickSnip

•LenovoSettings

•LenovoSolutionCenter

•LenovoSupport

•PasswordManager

•SystemUpdate

AnintroductiontoLenovoprograms

ThistopicprovidesabriefintroductiontosomeLenovoprograms.

Note:Dependingonyourcomputermodel,someoftheprogramsmightnotbeavailable.

•CommunicationsUtility

TheCommunicationsUtilityprogramprovidesacentrallocationforintegratedcameraandmicrophone
settings.ItcontrolsadvancedsettingsfortheintegratedmicrophoneandcameratooptimizeWeb
conferencingandVoiceoverIP(VOIP)experience.

•FingerprintSoftware

Theintegratedngerprintreaderprovidedonsomekeyboardsenablesyoutoenrollyourngerprint
andassociateitwithyourpower-onpassword,harddiskpassword,andWindowspassword.Asa
result,ngerprintauthenticationcanreplacepasswordsandenablesimpleandsecureuseraccess.A
ngerprintreaderkeyboardisavailablewithselectcomputersorcanbepurchasedforcomputersthat
supportthisoption.

•LenovoCloudStorage

TheLenovoCloudStorageprogramisacloudstoragesolutionthatenablesyoutostoreyourles,such
asdocumentsandpictures,onaserver.Y oucanaccessthestoredlesthroughtheInternetfrom
differentdevicessuchaspersonalcomputers,smartphones,ortablets.Formoreinformationaboutthe
LenovoCloudStorageprogram,gotohttp://www.lenovo.com/cloud.

•LenovoCompanion

ThroughtheLenovoCompanionprogram,youcangettheinformationabouttheaccessoriesforyour
computer,viewblogsandarticlesaboutyourcomputer,andcheckforotherrecommendedprograms.

•LenovoQuickLaunch

6ThinkCentreM73UserGuide

TheLenovoQuickLaunchprogramprovidesyouwithquickaccesstoprogramsinstalledonyour
computer,includingLenovoprograms,Microsoftprograms,andotherthirdpartyprograms.

•LenovoQuickSnip
TheLenovoQuickSnipprogramprovidesyouwithaquickandeasywaytocaptureandshareyour

experience.Itenablesyoutograbascreenshot,snipandsavethescreenshot,anduseitinother
applications.

•LenovoSettings
UsetheLenovoSettingsprogramtoenhanceyourcomputingexperiencebyturningyourcomputerintoa

portablehotspot,conguringcameraandaudiosettings,optimizingyourpowerplansettings,and
creatingandmanagingmultiplenetworkproles.

•LenovoSolutionCenter
TheLenovoSolutionCenterprogramenablesyoutotroubleshootandresolvecomputerproblems.It

combinesdiagnostictests,systeminformationcollection,securitystatus,andsupportinformation,along
withhintsandtipsformaximumsystemperformance.

•LenovoSupport
TheLenovoSupportprogramenablesyoutoregisteryourcomputerwithLenovo,checkthecomputer

healthconditionandbatterystatus,downloadandviewusermanualsforyourcomputer,getthewarranty
informationofyourcomputer,andexplorehelpandsupportinformation.

•LenovoThinkVantageTools
TheLenovoThinkVantageToolsprogramguidesyoutoahostofinformationsourcesandprovideseasy

accesstovarioustoolstohelpyouworkmoreeasilyandsecurely.

•LenovoWelcome
TheLenovoWelcomeprogramintroducesyoutosomeinnovativebuilt-infeaturesofLenovoandguides

youthroughafewimportantsetuptaskstohelpyoumakethemostofyourcomputer.

•PasswordManager
ThePasswordManagerprogramautomaticallycapturesandllsinauthenticationinformationfor

WindowsprogramsandWebsites.

•PowerManager
ThePowerManagerprogramprovidesconvenient,exible,andcompletepowermanagementforyour

computer.Itenablesyoutoadjustyourcomputerpowersettingstoachievethebestbalancebetween
performanceandpowersaving.

•RecoveryMedia
TheRecoveryMediaprogramenablesyoutorestorethecontentsoftheharddiskdrivetothefactory

defaultsettings.

•RescueandRecovery
TheRescueandRecoveryprogramisaone-buttonrecoveryandrestoresolutionthatincludesasetof

self-recoverytoolstohelpyoudiagnosecomputerproblems,gethelp,andrecoverfromsystemcrashes,
evenifyoucannotstarttheWindowsoperatingsystem.

•SystemUpdate
TheSystemUpdateprogramhelpsyoukeepthesoftwareonyourcomputerup-to-datebydownloading

andinstallingsoftwareupdatepackages(Lenovoprograms,devicedrivers,UEFIBIOSupdates,and
otherthirdpartyprograms).

•ViewManagementUtility
TheViewManagementUtilityprogramenablesyoutoeasilyorganizeyouropenwindows.Itdividesyour

screenintomultiplepartsandthenresizesandpositionsopenwindowsintodifferentpartstomakethe

Chapter1.Productoverview7

bestuseofyourdesktop.Theprogramalsoisabletoworkacrossmultiplemonitorstoimproveyour
productivity.

Locations

Thissectionprovidesinformationtohelpyoulocatetheconnectorsonthefrontandrearofyourcomputer,
partsonthesystemboard,andcomponentsandinternaldrivesinyourcomputer.

Note:Thecomponentsinyourcomputermightlookslightlydifferentfromtheillustrations.

8ThinkCentreM73UserGuide

Locatingconnectors,controls,andindicatorsonthefrontofyour
computer

Figure1“Frontconnector,control,andindicatorlocations”onpage9showsthelocationsoftheconnectors,
controls,andindicatorsonthefrontofyourcomputer.

Figure1.Frontconnector,control,andindicatorlocations

1Powerswitch

6USB3.0connector(USBport1)

2Bluetoothactivityindicator7Microphoneconnector

3Wirelessactivityindicator8Headsetconnector

4Harddiskdriveactivityindicator

9AlwaysOnUSB3.0connector(USBport2)

5Powerindicator

Notes:

•Indicators

2,3,4,and5arevisibleonlywhentheyarelit.

•Theheadsetconnector8supportsamicrophone-integratedheadsetanddoesnotsupportaconventional
microphone.

•Bydefault,theAlwaysOnUSB3.0connector

9enablesyoutochargesomemobiledigitaldevicesand

smartphoneswhenyourcomputerisinsleeporhibernationmodeorispoweredoff.

Chapter1.Productoverview9

Locatingconnectorsontherearofyourcomputer

Figure2“Rearconnectorlocations”onpage10showsthelocationsoftheconnectorsontherearofyour
computer.Someconnectorsontherearofyourcomputerarecolor-codedtohelpyoudeterminewhereto
connectthecablesonyourcomputer.

Figure2.Rearconnectorlocations

1USB2.0connector(USBport5)

7acpoweradapterconnector

2Ethernetconnector

8Security-lockslot

3VGAmonitorconnector9Optionalport

4USB2.0connector(USBport3)

10acpoweradaptercableloop

5USB2.0connector(USBport4)

11Wi-Fiantennaslot

6DisplayPortconnector

Note:TheUSB2.0connector4supportsthesmartpoweronfeaturethatenablesyoutopoweronthe
computerorwakeitupfromS4hibernationmodebypressingAlt+Ponthekeyboard.Youcanenableor
disablethesmartpoweronfeaturefromtheSetupUtilityprogram.Fordetailedinformation,see“Enablingor
disablingadevice”onpage89.

10ThinkCentreM73UserGuide

ConnectorDescription

DisplayPortconnector

Usedtoattachahigh-performancemonitor,adirect-drivemonitor,orotherdevices
thatuseaDisplayPortconnector.
Note:TheDisplayPortconnectorisnotapplicableonsomemodels.Ifyour
computerhasagraphicscardinstalled,besuretouseamonitorconnectoron
thegraphicscard.

Ethernetconnector

UsedtoattachanEthernetcableforalocalareanetwork(LAN).
Note:T ooperatethecomputerwithinFCCClassBlimits,useaCategory5Ethernet
cable.

OptionalportUsedtoinstallaserialportoraUSB2.0connector.

Note:Ifyouusetheoptionalportforinstallingaserialport,theserialportandthe
adjacentVGAmonitorconnectormightinterferewitheachotherwhenconnecting
cables.Toavoidtheinterference,ensurethatyouusetheserialportconvertcable
thatcomeswiththecomputerwhenyouconnectadevicetotheserialport.

USB2.0connectorUsedtoattachadevicethatrequiresaUSB2.0connection,suchasakeyboard,a

mouse,ascanner,aprinter,orapersonaldigitalassistant(PDA).

USB3.0connectorUsedtoattachadevicethatrequiresaUSB2.0or3.0connection,suchasa

keyboard,amouse,ascanner,aprinter,orapersonaldigitalassistant(PDA).A
USB3.0connectorprovideshightransmissionspeedstoreducethetimethatis
requiredfordatatransmission.

VGAmonitorconnectorUsedtoattachaVGAmonitororotherdevicesthatuseaVGAmonitorconnector.

Note:TheVGAconnectorisnotapplicableonsomemodels.Ifyourcomputerhas
agraphicscardinstalled,besuretouseamonitorconnectoronthegraphicscard.

Chapter1.Productoverview11

Locatingcomponents

Figure3“Componentlocations”onpage12showsthelocationsofthevariouscomponentsinyour
computer.Toremovethecomputercover,see“Removingthecomputercover”onpage51.

Figure3.Componentlocations

12ThinkCentreM73UserGuide

1Computercover

9Powercord

2Systemfan

10acpoweradapter

3Thermalmodule11Memorymodules

4Coverpresenceswitch(intrusionswitch)

12Battery

5Internalspeaker13Wi-Ficardmodule

6Microprocessor14RearWi-Fiantennacable

7FrontWi-Fiantenna15RearWi-Fiantenna

8Powerswitchboard

16Harddiskdriveassembly(withaharddiskdriveorsolid-state

driveinstalled)

Locatingpartsonthesystemboard

Figure4“Systemboardpartlocations”onpage13showsthelocationsofthepartsonthesystemboard.

Figure4.Systemboardpartlocations

1Serial(COM1)connector8Memoryslots(2)

2Systemfanconnector

9Battery

3Microprocessor

10MiniPCIExpresscardslot

4Coverpresenceswitchconnector(intrusion

switchconnector)

11SATA3.0connector

5ClearCMOS(ComplementaryMetalOxide

Semiconductor)/Recoveryjumper

12Harddiskdrivepowerconnector

Chapter1.Productoverview13

6Internalspeakerconnector

13OptionalUSB2.0connector

7Powerswitchboardcableconnector

Machinetypeandmodellabel

Themachinetypeandmodellabelidentiesyourcomputer.WhenyoucontactLenovoforhelp,themachine
typeandmodelinformationhelpssupporttechnicianstoidentifyyourcomputerandprovidefasterservice.

Thefollowingisasampleofthemachinetypeandmodellabel.

Figure5.Machinetypeandmodellabel

14ThinkCentreM73UserGuide

Chapter2.Usingyourcomputer

Thischapterprovidesinformationonusingsomeofthecomputercomponents.

Frequentlyaskedquestions

Thefollowingareafewtipsthatwillhelpyouoptimizetheuseofyourcomputer.

CanIgetmyuserguideinanotherlanguage?

TheuserguideisavailableinvariouslanguagesontheLenovoSupportWebsiteat:
http://www.lenovo.com/ThinkCentreUserGuides

Wherearemyrecoverydiscs?

Lenovoprovidesaprogramthatenablesyoutocreaterecoverydiscs.Fordetailsaboutcreatingrecovery
discs,see“Creatingrecoverymedia”onpage80.

Additionally,incaseofaharddiskfailure,youcanorderProductRecoverydiscsfromtheLenovoCustomer
SupportCenter.ForinformationaboutcontactingtheCustomerSupportCenter,seeChapter11“Getting
information,help,andservice”onpage117.BeforeusingtheProductRecoverydiscs,refertothe
documentationthatcomeswiththediscs.

Attention:AProductRecoverydiscpackagemightcontainmultiplediscs.Makesureyouhaveallofthe
discsreadybeforestartingtherecoveryprocess.Duringtherecoveryprocess,youmightbeprompted
tochangediscs.

WherecanIndhelpabouttheWindowsoperatingsystem?

TheWindowsHelpandSupportinformationsystemprovidesyouwithdetailedinformationaboutusingthe
Windowsoperatingsystemtohelpyougetthemostofyourcomputer.ToaccesstheWindowsHelpand
Supportinformationsystem,dooneofthefollowing:

•OntheWindows7operatingsystem,clickStart➙HelpandSupport.

•OntheWindows8operatingsystem,moveyourcursortothetop-rightorbottom-rightcornerofthe
screentodisplaythecharms.ThenclickSettings➙Help.

AccessingControlPanelontheWindows8operatingsystem

OntheWindowsoperatingsystem,youcanviewandchangecomputersettingsthroughControlPanel.To
accessControlPanelontheWindows8operatingsystem,dooneofthefollowing:

•Fromthedesktop

1.Movethecursortothetop-rightorbottom-rightcornerofthescreentodisplaythecharms.

2.ClickSettings.

3.ClickControlPanel.

•FromtheStartscreen

1.Movethecursortothetop-rightorbottom-rightcornerofthescreentodisplaythecharms.

2.ClickSearch.

3.OntheAppsscreen,scrolltotherightside,andclickControlPanelintheWindowsSystemsection.

©CopyrightLenovo2013

15

Usingthekeyboard

Dependingonyourmodel,yourcomputercomeswitheitherastandardkeyboardorangerprintreader
keyboard.TheMicrosoftWindowsshortcutkeysareprovidedonbothkeyboardtypes.

Thissectionprovidesinformationaboutthefollowingtopics:

•“UsingWindowsshortcutkeys”onpage16

•“Usingangerprintreader”onpage16

UsingWindowsshortcutkeys

Boththestandardkeyboardandthengerprintreaderkeyboardprovidethreekeysyoucanusewithyour
MicrosoftWindowsoperatingsystem.

•ThetwoWindowslogokeysarelocatedbesidetheAltkeyoneithersideofthespacebar.Theyfeature
theWindowslogo.OntheWindows7operatingsystem,presstheWindowskeytoopentheStartmenu.
OntheWindows8operatingsystem,presstheWindowskeytoswitchbetweenthecurrentworkspace
andtheStartscreen.ThestyleoftheWindowslogovariesdependingonthekeyboardtype.

•Thecontext-menukeyislocatednexttotheCtrlkeyontherightsideoftheSpacebar.Pressingthe
context-menukeyopensthecontextmenufortheactiveprogram,icon,orobject.

Note:YoucanusethemouseortheUpandDownarrowkeystohighlightmenuselections.OntheWindows
7operatingsystem,youcanclosetheStartmenuorthecontextmenubyclickingthemouseorpressingEsc.

Usingangerprintreader

Somecomputersmightcomewithakeyboardthathasangerprintreader.Formoreinformationaboutthe
ngerprintreader,see“AnintroductiontoLenovoprograms”onpage6

.

ToopentheThinkVantageFingerprintSoftwareprogramandusethengerprintreader,see“Lenovo
programs”onpage4.

Followtheinstructionsonthescreen.Foradditionalinformation,refertotheThinkVantageFingerprint
Softwarehelpsystem.

16ThinkCentreM73UserGuide

Usingthewheelmouse

Thewheelmousehasthefollowingcontrols:

1PrimarymousebuttonUsethisbuttontoselectorstartaprogramormenuitem.

2Wheel

Usethewheeltocontrolthescrollingactionofthemouse.Thedirectioninwhichyou
rotatethewheelcontrolsthedirectionofthescrollingaction.

3Secondarymousebutton

Usethisbuttontodisplayamenufortheactiveprogram,icon,orobject.

Youcanswitchthefunctionoftheprimaryandsecondarymousebuttonsandchangeotherdefaultbehavior
throughthemousepropertiesfunctionintheWindowsControlPanel.

Adjustingaudio

Soundisanimportantpartofthecomputerexperience.Y ourcomputerhasadigitalaudiocontrollerbuilt
intothesystemboard.Somemodelsalsohaveahigh-performanceaudioadapterinstalledinoneofthePCI
cardslots.

Aboutyourcomputeraudio

Ifafactory-installed,high-performanceaudioadapterisinstalledinyourcomputer,thesystem-board
audioconnectorsontherearofthecomputeraretypicallydisabled;usetheconnectorsprovidedonthe
audioadapter.

Eachaudiosolutionprovidesatleastthreeaudioconnectors:audioline-inconnector,audioline-out
connector,andMicrophoneconnector.Onsomemodels,afourthconnectorisprovidedfortheattachment
ofunpoweredstereospeakers(speakersthatdonotrequireanacpowersource).Theaudioadapter
providesyouwiththeabilitytorecordandplaybacksoundandmusic,aswellastoenjoysoundwith
multimediaapplicationsandworkwithspeech-recognitionsoftware.

Optionally,youcanconnectasetofpoweredstereospeakerstotheaudioline-outconnectortoenjoy
bettersoundwithmultimediaapplications.

Settingthevolumefromthedesktop

Thedesktopvolumecontrolisaccessiblethroughthevolumeiconinthetaskbar,whichislocatedatthe
bottom-rightcorneroftheWindowsdesktop.Clickthevolumeiconandmovethesliderupordownto
controlthevolume,orclicktheMuteicontoturntheaudiooff.Ifthevolumeiconisnotinthetaskbar,see
“Addingthevolumeicontothetaskbar”onpage17

.

Addingthevolumeicontothetaskbar

ToaddthevolumeicontothetaskbarontheWindows7operatingsystem,dothefollowing:

Chapter2.Usingyourcomputer17

1.FromtheWindowsdesktop,clickStart➙ControlPanel➙AppearanceandPersonalization.

2.IntheT askbarandStartMenusection,clickCustomizeiconsonthetaskbar.

3.ClickTurnsystemiconsonoroffandchangethevolumebehaviorsfromOfftoOn.

4.ClickOKtosavethenewsettings.

ToaddthevolumeicontothetaskbarontheWindows8operatingsystem,dothefollowing:

1.OpenControlPanel,andclickAppearanceandPersonalization.

2.IntheT askbarsection,clickCustomizeiconsonthetaskbar.

3.ClickTurnsystemiconsonoroffandchangethevolumebehaviorsfromOfftoOn.

4.ClickOKtosavethenewsettings.

SettingthevolumefromControlPanel

YoucansetthecomputervolumefromControlPanel.T osetthecomputervolumefromControlPanel,
dothefollowing:

1.OntheWindows7operatingsystem,clickStart➙ControlPanel➙HardwareandSound.Onthe
Windows8operatingsystem,openControlPanel,andclickHardwareandSound.

2.IntheSoundsection,clickAdjustsystemvolume.

3.Movetheslidersupordowntoraiseorlowerthevolumeofyourcomputer.

UsingCDsandDVDs

YourcomputermighthaveaDVDROMdriveorrecordableDVDdriveinstalled.DVDdrivesuse
industry-standard,12cm(4.75-inch)CDmediaorDVDmedia.IfyourcomputercomeswithaDVDdrive,
thedrivecanreadDVD-ROMdiscs,DVD-Rdiscs,DVD-RAMdiscs,DVD-RWdiscs,andalltypesofCDs,
suchasCD-ROMdiscs,CD-RWdiscs,CD-Rdiscs,andaudioCDs.IfyouhavearecordableDVDdrive,
itcanalsorecordonDVD-Rdiscs,DVD-RWdiscs,typeIIDVD-RAMdiscs,CD-RWstandardandhigh
speeddiscs,andCD-Rdiscs.

FollowtheseguidelineswhenusingtheDVDdrive:

•Donotplacethecomputerinalocationwherethedriveisexposedtothefollowing:

–Hightemperature
–Highhumidity
–Excessivedust
–Excessivevibrationorsuddenshock
–Aninclinedsurface
–Directsunlight

•DonotinsertanyobjectotherthanaCDorDVDintothedrive.

•Beforemovingthecomputer,removetheCDorDVDfromthedrive.

HandlingandstoringCDandDVDmedia

CDandDVDmediaaredurableandreliable,buttheydorequiresomecareandspecialhandling.When
handlingandstoringaCDorDVD,followtheseguidelines:

•Holdthediscbyitsedges.Donottouchthesurfaceofthesidethatisnotlabeled.

•Toremovedustorngerprints,wipethediscwithaclean,softclothfromthecentertotheoutside.Wiping
thediscinacirculardirectionmightcauselossofdata.

18ThinkCentreM73UserGuide