Page 1

ThinkCentre
UserGuide
MachineTypes:1996,1997,2002,2010,2208,2209,2221,2224,
2226,and2227
Page 2

Note:Beforeusingthisinformationandtheproductitsupports,besuretoreadandunderstandthe
“Importantsafetyinformation”onpagevandAppendixA“Notices”onpage109.
ThirdEdition(June2012)
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012.
LIMITEDANDRESTRICTEDRIGHTSNOTICE:IfdataorsoftwareisdeliveredpursuantaGeneralServicesAdministration
“GSA”contract,use,reproduction,ordisclosureissubjecttorestrictionssetforthinContractNo.GS-35F-05925.
Page 3

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
Specications................4
Softwareoverview..............4
SoftwareprovidedbyLenovo........4
AdobeReader..............7
Antivirussoftware.............7
Locations..................7
Locatingconnectors,controls,andindicators
onthefrontofyourcomputer........8
Locatingconnectorsontherearofyour
computer................9
Locatingcomponents..........11
Locatingpartsonthesystemboard....12
Locatinginternaldrives.........13
Machinetypeandmodellabel.......14
Chapter2.Usingyourcomputer...15
Frequentlyaskedquestions.........15
Usingthekeyboard.............15
UsingWindowsshortcutkeys.......15
Usingangerprintreader........16
Usingthewheelmouse...........16
Adjustingaudio..............16
Aboutyourcomputeraudio........16
Settingthevolumefromthedesktop....17
SettingthevolumefromControlPanel...17
UsingCDsandDVDs............17
HandlingandstoringCDandDVDmedia..17
PlayingaCDorDVD..........18
RecordingaCDorDVD.........18
Chapter3.Y ouandyourcomputer..19
Accessibilityandcomfort..........19
Arrangingyourworkspace........19
Comfort...............19
Glareandlighting............20
Aircirculation.............20
Electricaloutletsandcablelengths.....20
RegisteryourcomputerwithLenovo......21
Movingyourcomputertoanothercountryor
region..................21
Voltage-selectionswitch.........21
Replacementpowercords........21
Chapter4.Security..........23
Securityfeatures..............23
Attachinganintegratedcablelock.......24
Usingpasswords..............24
BIOSpasswords............24
Windowspasswords..........25
Conguringthengerprintreader.......25
Usingandunderstandingrewalls.......25
Protectingdataagainstviruses........25
Chapter5.Installingorreplacing
hardware...............27
Handlingstatic-sensitivedevices.......27
Installingorreplacinghardware........27
Installingexternaloptions........27
Openingthecomputercover.......28
Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel..28
Accessingthesystemboardcomponentsand
drives................30
Installingorreplacingamemorymodule...31
InstallingorreplacingaPCIcard......32
Installingorreplacingthecardreader....34
Replacingthebattery..........39
Replacingtheharddiskdrive.......40
Replacingtheopticaldrive........43
Replacingtheheatsinkandfanassembly..45
Replacingthepowersupplyassembly...48
Replacingthemicroprocessor.......53
ReplacingthefrontaudioandUSB
assembly...............56
Replacingthesystemfan.........57
Replacingtheinternalspeaker.......59
Replacingthekeyboardormouse.....63
Completingthepartsreplacement.....64
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
i
Page 4

Chapter6.Recoveryinformation...65
Creatingandusingrecoverymedia......65
Creatingrecoverymedia.........65
Usingrecoverymedia..........66
Performingbackupandrecoveryoperations...66
Performingabackupoperation......66
Performingarecoveryoperation......67
UsingtheRescueandRecoveryworkspace...67
Creatingandusingarescuemedium......68
Creatingarescuemedium........68
Usingarescuemedium.........68
Reinstallingpreinstalledapplicationsanddevice
drivers..................69
Reinstallingsoftwareprograms........70
Reinstallingdevicedrivers..........70
Solvingrecoveryproblems..........70
Chapter7.UsingtheSetupUtility
program................73
StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram.......73
Viewingandchangingsettings........73
Usingpasswords..............73
Passwordconsiderations.........74
Power-OnPassword..........74
AdministratorPassword.........74
HardDiskPassword...........74
Setting,changing,anddeletingapassword.74
Erasinglostorforgottenpasswords(clearing
CMOS)................75
Enablingordisablingadevice........75
Selectingastartupdevice..........76
Selectingatemporarystartupdevice....76
Selectingorchangingthestartupdevice
sequence...............76
EnablingErPcompliancemode........76
ExitingtheSetupUtilityprogram.......77
Chapter8.Updatingsystem
programs...............79
Usingsystemprograms...........79
Updating(ashing)theBIOSfromadisc....79
Updating(ashing)theBIOSfromyouroperating
system..................80
RecoveringfromaPOST/BIOSupdatefailure..80
Chapter9.Preventingproblems...81
Keepingyourcomputercurrent........81
Gettingthelatestdevicedriversforyour
computer...............81
Updatingyouroperatingsystem......81
UsingSystemUpdate..........81
Cleaningandmaintenance..........82
Basics................82
Cleaningyourcomputer.........83
Goodmaintenancepractices.......84
Movingyourcomputer...........84
Chapter10.Troubleshootingand
diagnostics..............85
Basictroubleshooting............85
Troubleshootingprocedure..........86
Troubleshooting..............86
Audioproblems............87
CDproblems.............88
DVDproblems.............89
Intermittentproblems..........91
Keyboard,mouse,orpointingdevice
problems...............91
Monitorproblems............92
Networkingproblems..........94
Optionproblems............97
Performanceandlockupproblems.....98
Printerproblems............99
Serialportproblems...........100
Softwareproblems...........100
USBproblems.............101
Diagnosticprograms............101
LenovoSolutionCenter.........102
LenovoThinkVantageT oolbox.......102
PC-DoctorforDOS...........102
Chapter11.Gettinginformation,help,
andservice.............105
Informationresources............105
LenovoThinkVantageT ools........105
LenovoWelcome............105
HelpandSupport............105
SafetyandWarranty...........105
LenovoWebsite(http://www.lenovo.com)..105
LenovoSupportWebsite.........
Helpandservice..............106
Usingthedocumentationanddiagnostic
programs...............106
Callingforservice............106
Usingotherservices..........107
Purchasingadditionalservices......107
AppendixA.Notices.........109
Trademarks................110
AppendixB.Regulatory
information.............111
Exportclassicationnotice..........111
106
iiThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 5

Televisionoutputnotice...........111
Electronicemissionsnotices.........111
FederalCommunicationsCommission
DeclarationofConformity........111
Additionalregulatoryinformation.......113
AppendixC.WEEEandrecycling
information.............115
ImportantWEEEInformation.........115
Recyclinginformation............115
RecyclinginformationforBrazil........116
BatteryrecyclinginformationforT aiwan.....116
BatteryrecyclinginformationfortheEuropean
Union..................117
AppendixD.RestrictionofHazardous
SubstancesDirective(RoHS)....119
ChinaRoHS................119
TurkishRoHS...............119
UkraineRoHS...............119
IndiaRoHS................120
Index.................121
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
iii
Page 6

ivThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 7

Importantsafetyinformation
CAUTION:
Beforeusingthismanual,besuretoreadandunderstandalltherelatedsafetyinformationforthis
product.RefertotheinformationinthissectionandthesafetyinformationintheThinkCentreSafety
andWarrantyGuidethatyoureceivedwiththisproduct.Readingandunderstandingthissafety
informationreducestheriskofpersonalinjuryanddamagetoyourproduct.
IfyounolongerhaveacopyoftheThinkCentreSafetyandWarrantyGuide,youcanobtainaPortable
DocumentFormat(PDF)versionfromtheLenovo
LenovoSupportWebsitealsoprovidestheThinkCentreSafetyandWarrantyGuideandthisThinkCentre
UserGuideinadditionallanguages.
®
SupportWebsiteathttp://www.lenovo.com/support.The
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”onpage27
questionsorconcerns,contacttheCustomerSupportCenter.
Althoughtherearenomovingpartsinyourcomputerafterthepowercordhasbeendisconnected,the
followingwarningsarerequiredforyoursafety.
CAUTION:
.Ifyouhaveany
Hazardousmovingparts.Keepngersandotherbodypartsaway.
CAUTION:
BeforereplacinganyCRUs,turnoffthecomputerandwaitthreetoveminutestoletthecomputer
coolbeforeopeningthecover.
Staticelectricityprevention
Staticelectricity,althoughharmlesstoyou,canseriouslydamagecomputercomponentsandoptions.
Improperhandlingofstatic-sensitivepartscancausedamagetothepart.Whenyouunpackanoption
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
v
Page 8

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
othercountries,thesuitabletypesshallbeusedaccordingly.
Neverwrapapowercordaroundapoweradapterorotherobject.Doingsocanstressthecordinwaysthat
cancausethecordtofray,crack,orcrimp.Thiscanpresentasafetyhazard.
Alwaysroutepowercordssothattheywillnotbewalkedon,trippedover,orpinchedbyobjects.
Protectpowercordandpoweradaptersfromliquids.Forinstance,donotleaveyourpowercordorpower
adapternearsinks,tubs,toilets,oronoorsthatarecleanedwithliquidcleansers.Liquidscancausea
shortcircuit,particularlyifthepowercordorpoweradapterhasbeenstressedbymisuse.Liquidsalsocan
causegradualcorrosionofpowercordterminalsand/ortheconnectorterminalsonapoweradapter,
whichcaneventuallyresultinoverheating.
Alwaysconnectpowercordsandsignalcablesinthecorrectorderandensurethatallpowercord
connectorsaresecurelyandcompletelypluggedintoreceptacles.
Donotuseanypoweradapterthatshowscorrosionattheacinputpinsorshowssignsofoverheating(such
asdeformedplastic)attheacinputoranywhereonthepoweradapter.
Donotuseanypowercordswheretheelectricalcontactsoneitherendshowsignsofcorrosionor
overheatingorwherethepowercordappearstohavebeendamagedinanyway.
2
,orbetter.For
Extensioncordsandrelateddevices
Ensurethatextensioncords,surgeprotectors,uninterruptiblepowersupplies,andpowerstripsthatyouuse
areratedtohandletheelectricalrequirementsoftheproduct.Neveroverloadthesedevices.Ifpowerstrips
areused,theloadshouldnotexceedthepowerstripinputrating.Consultanelectricianformoreinformation
ifyouhavequestionsaboutpowerloads,powerrequirements,andinputratings.
viThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 9

Plugsandoutlets
Ifareceptacle(poweroutlet)thatyouintendtousewithyourcomputerequipmentappearstobedamaged
orcorroded,donotusetheoutletuntilitisreplacedbyaqualiedelectrician.
Donotbendormodifytheplug.Iftheplugisdamaged,contactthemanufacturertoobtainareplacement.
Donotshareanelectricaloutletwithotherhomeorcommercialappliancesthatdrawlargeamountsof
electricity;otherwise,unstablevoltagemightdamageyourcomputer,data,orattacheddevices.
Someproductsareequippedwithathree-prongedplug.Thisplugtsonlyintoagroundedelectricaloutlet.
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,waitatleastvesecondsafterthecomputerisshutdowntodisconnect
externaldevices.
Heatandproductventilation
Computers,poweradapters,andmanyaccessoriescangenerateheatwhenturnedonandwhenbatteries
arecharging.Alwaysfollowthesebasicprecautions:
•Donotleaveyourcomputer,poweradapter,oraccessoriesincontactwithyourlaporanypartofyour
bodyforanextendedperiodwhentheproductsarefunctioningorwhenthebatteryischarging.Your
computer,poweradapter,andmanyaccessoriesproducesomeheatduringnormaloperation.Extended
contactwiththebodycouldcausediscomfortor,potentially,askinburn.
•Donotchargethebatteryoroperateyourcomputer,poweradapter,oraccessoriesnearammable
materialsorinexplosiveenvironments.
•Ventilationslots,fans,andheatsinksareprovidedwiththeproductforsafety,comfort,andreliable
operation.Thesefeaturesmightinadvertentlybecomeblockedbyplacingtheproductonabed,sofa,
carpet,orotherexiblesurface.Neverblock,cover,ordisablethesefeatures.
Inspectyourdesktopcomputerfordustaccumulationatleastonceeverythreemonths.Beforeinspecting
yourcomputer,turnoffthepowerandunplugthecomputer'spowercordfromtheelectricaloutlet;then
removeanydustfromventsandperforationsinthebezel.Ifyounoticeexternaldustaccumulation,then
examineandremovedustfromtheinsideofthecomputerincludingheatsinkinletns,powersupplyvents,
andfans.Alwaysturnoffandunplugthecomputerbeforeopeningthecover.Ifpossible,avoidoperating
yourcomputerwithintwofeetofhigh-trafcareas.Ifyoumustoperateyourcomputerinornearahigh-trafc
area,inspectand,ifnecessary,cleanyourcomputermorefrequently.
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
vii
Page 10

Foryoursafetyandtomaintainoptimumcomputerperformance,alwaysfollowthesebasicprecautions
withyourdesktopcomputer:
•Keepthecoverclosedwheneverthecomputerispluggedin.
•Regularlyinspecttheoutsideofthecomputerfordustaccumulation.
•Removedustfromventsandanyperforationsinthebezel.Morefrequentcleaningsmightberequiredfor
computersindustyorhigh-trafcareas.
•Donotrestrictorblockanyventilationopenings.
•Donotstoreoroperateyourcomputerinsidefurniture,asthismightincreasetheriskofoverheating.
•Airowtemperaturesintothecomputershouldnotexceed35°C(95°F).
•Donotinstallairltrationdevices.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
microwaveovenawayfromyourcomputerbecausethestrongmagneticeldsgeneratedbythese
appliancescandamagethemonitoranddataontheharddiskdrive.
Donotplaceanybeveragesontopoforbesidethecomputerorotherattacheddevices.Ifliquidisspilledon
orinthecomputeroranattacheddevice,ashortcircuitorotherdamagemightoccur.
Donoteatorsmokeoveryourkeyboard.Particlesthatfallintoyourkeyboardcancausedamage.
Modemsafetyinformation
CAUTION:
Toreducetheriskofre,useonlyNo.26AWGorlarger(forexample,No.24AWG)telecommunication
linecordlistedbyUnderwritersLaboratories(UL)orcertiedbytheCanadianStandardsAssociation
(CSA).
Toreducetheriskofre,electricalshock,orinjurywhenusingtelephoneequipment,alwaysfollowbasic
safetyprecautions,suchas:
•Neverinstalltelephonewiringduringalightningstorm.
•Neverinstalltelephonejacksinwetlocationsunlessthejackisspecicallydesignedforwetlocations.
•Nevertouchuninsulatedtelephonewiresorterminalsunlessthetelephonelinehasbeendisconnectedat
thenetworkinterface.
•Usecautionwheninstallingormodifyingtelephonelines.
•Avoidusingatelephone(otherthanacordlesstype)duringanelectricalstorm.Theremaybearemote
riskofelectricshockfromlightning.
•Donotusethetelephonetoreportagasleakinthevicinityoftheleak.
viiiThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 11

Lasercompliancestatement
CAUTION:
Whenlaserproducts(suchasCD-ROMs,DVDdrives,beropticdevices,ortransmitters)are
installed,notethefollowing:
•Donotremovethecovers.Removingthecoversofthelaserproductcouldresultinexposureto
hazardouslaserradiation.Therearenoserviceablepartsinsidethedevice.
•Useofcontrolsoradjustmentsorperformanceofproceduresotherthanthosespeciedherein
mightresultinhazardousradiationexposure.
DANGER
SomelaserproductscontainanembeddedClass3AorClass3Blaserdiode.Notethefollowing.
Laserradiationwhenopen.Donotstareintothebeam,donotviewdirectlywithoptical
instruments,andavoiddirectexposuretothebeam.
Powersupplystatement
Neverremovethecoveronapowersupplyoranypartthathasthefollowinglabelattached.
Hazardousvoltage,current,andenergylevelsarepresentinsideanycomponentthathasthislabelattached.
Therearenoserviceablepartsinsidethesecomponents.Ifyoususpectaproblemwithoneoftheseparts,
contactaservicetechnician.
Cleaningandmaintenance
Keepyourcomputerandworkspaceclean.Shutdownthecomputerandthendisconnectthepower
cordbeforecleaningthecomputer.Donotsprayanyliquiddetergentdirectlyonthecomputeroruse
anydetergentcontainingammablematerialtocleanthecomputer.Spraythedetergentonasoftcloth
andthenwipethecomputersurfaces.
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
ix
Page 12

xThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 13

Chapter1.Productoverview
Thischapterprovidesinformationaboutthecomputerfeatures,specications,softwareprogramsprovided
byLenovo,andlocationsofconnectors,components,partsonthesystemboard,andinternaldrives.
Features
Thissectionintroducesthecomputerfeatures.Theinformationcoversavarietyofmodels.
Toviewtheinformationaboutyourspecicmodel,dooneofthefollowing:
•GointotheSetupUtilityprogrambyfollowingtheinstructionsinChapter7“UsingtheSetupUtility
program”onpage73.Then,selectMain➙SystemSummarytoviewtheinformation.
•IntheWindowsenvironment,clickStart,right-clickComputer,andselectPropertiestoviewthe
information.
Microprocessor
Yourcomputercomeswithoneofthefollowingmicroprocessors(internalcachesizevariesbymodeltype):
•AMD
•AMDAthlon™IImicroprocessor
•AMDPhenom™IImicroprocessor
•AMDFXseriesmicroprocessor
®
Sempron™microprocessor
Memory
Yourcomputersupportsuptofourdoubledatarate3unbuffereddualinlinememorymodules(DDR3
UDIMMs).
Internaldrives
•Opticaldrive:DVD-ROMorDVD-Recordable(optional)
•SerialAdvancedT echnologyAttachment(SATA)harddiskdrive
Note:Y ourcomputersupportsSATA3.0devices.Formoreinformation,see“Locatingpartsonthe
systemboard”onpage12.
Videosubsystem
•IntegratedgraphicsforaVideoGraphicsArray(VGA)connectorandaDisplayPortconnector
•PeripheralComponentInterconnect(PCI)Expressx16graphicscardslotonthesystemboardfora
discretegraphicscard
Audiosubsystem
•Integratedhigh-denition(HD)audio
•Audioline-inconnector,audioline-outconnector,andmicrophoneconnectorontherearpanel
•Microphoneconnectorandheadphoneconnectoronthefrontpanel
•Internalspeaker(installedinsomemodels)
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
1
Page 14

Connectivity
•100/1000MbpsintegratedEthernetcontroller
•PCIExpressFaxmodem(somemodels)
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”onpage76
.
•PrebootExecutionEnvironment(PXE)
ThePrebootExecutionEnvironmentisanenvironmenttostartcomputersusinganetworkinterface
independentofdatastoragedevices(suchastheharddiskdrive)orinstalledoperatingsystems.
•SystemManagement(SM)BasicInput/OutputSystem(BIOS)andSMsoftware
TheSMBIOSspecicationdenesdatastructuresandaccessmethodsinaBIOSthatallowsauseror
applicationtostoreandretrieveinformationspecicaboutthecomputerinquestion.
•WakeonLAN
WakeonLANisanEthernetcomputernetworkingstandardthatallowsacomputertobeturnedon
orwokenupbyanetworkmessage.Themessageisusuallysentbyaprogramrunningonanother
computeronthesamelocalareanetwork.
•WakeonRing
WakeonRing,sometimesreferredtoasWakeonModem,isaspecicationthatallowssupported
computersanddevicestoresumefromsleeporhibernationmode.
•WindowsManagementInstrumentation(WMI)
WindowsManagementInstrumentationisasetofextensionstotheWindowsDriverModel.Itprovidesan
operatingsysteminterfacethroughwhichinstrumentedcomponentsprovideinformationandnotication.
Input/Output(I/O)features
•9-pinserialport(onestandardandoneoptional)
•EightUniversalSerialBus(USB)connectors(twoonthefrontpanelandsixontherearpanel)
•OneEthernetconnector
•OneDisplayPortconnector
•OneVGAmonitorconnector
•OnePersonalSystem/2(PS/2)keyboardconnector(optional)
•OnePS/2mouseconnector(optional)
•Threeaudioconnectorsontherearpanel(audioline-inconnector,audioline-outconnector,and
microphoneconnector)
•Twoaudioconnectorsonthefrontpanel(microphoneconnectorandheadphoneconnector)
Formoreinformation,see“Locatingconnectors,controls,andindicatorsonthefrontofyourcomputer”on
page8
and“Locatingconnectorsontherearofyourcomputer”onpage9.
2ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 15

Expansion
•Oneharddiskdrivebay
•Oneopticaldrivebay
•OnePCIcardslot
•TwoPCIExpressx1cardslots
•OnePCIExpressx16graphicscardslot
Powersupply
Yourcomputercomeswitha240-wattautomaticvoltage-sensingpowersupply.
Securityfeatures
•ComputraceAgentsoftwareembeddedinrmware
•Coverpresenceswitch(alsocalledintrusionswitch)
•AbilitytoenableordisableSATAdevices
•AbilitytoenableanddisableUSBconnectorsindividually
•Keyboardwithngerprintreader(shippedwithsomemodels)
•Power-onpassword(POP),administratorpassword,andharddiskdrivepasswordtodeterunauthorized
useofyourcomputer
•Startupsequencecontrol
•Startupwithoutkeyboardormouse
•Supportforanintegratedcablelock(Kensingtonlock)
•TrustedPlatformModule(TPM)
Formoreinformation,seeChapter4“Security”onpage23
.
Preinstalledsoftwareprograms
Yourcomputerispreinstalledwithsoftwareprogramstohelpyouworkmoreeasilyandsecurely.Formore
information,see“Softwareoverview”onpage4
.
Preinstalledoperatingsystem
YourcomputerispreinstalledwiththeMicrosoft
Operatingsystem(s),certiedortestedforcompatibility
•Linux
®
®
Windows
®
7operatingsystem.
1
(variesbymodeltype)
•MicrosoftWindowsXPProfessionalSP3
1.Theoperatingsystem(s)listedherearebeingcertiedortestedforcompatibilityatthetimethispublicationgoesto
press.AdditionaloperatingsystemsmightbeidentiedbyLenovoascompatiblewithyourcomputerfollowingthe
publicationofthismanual.Thislistissubjecttochange.Todetermineifanoperatingsystemhasbeencertiedor
testedforcompatibility,checktheWebsiteoftheoperatingsystemvendor.
Chapter1.Productoverview3
Page 16

Specications
Thissectionliststhephysicalspecicationsforyourcomputer.
Dimensions
Width:338mm(13.31inches)
Height:99.7mm(3.93inches)
Depth:385.4mm(15.17inches)
Weight
Maximumcongurationasshipped:7.5kg(16.53lb)
Environment
•Airtemperature:
Operating:10°Cto35°C(50°Fto95°F)
Storage:-40°Cto60°C(-40°Fto140°F)inoriginalshippingpackage
Storage:-10°Cto60°C(14°Fto140°F)withoutpackage
•Humidity:
Operating:20%to80%(non-condensing)
Storage:20%to90%(non-condensing)
•Altitude:
Operating:-50to10000ft(-15.2to3048m)
Storage:-50to35000ft(-15.2to10668m)
Electricalinput
•Inputvoltage:
–Lowrange:
Minimum:100Vac
Maximum:127Vac
Inputfrequencyrange:50to60Hz
–Highrange:
Minimum:200Vac
Maximum:240Vac
Inputfrequencyrange:50to60Hz
Softwareoverview
Thecomputercomeswithapreinstalledoperatingsystemandseveralsoftwareprogramsprovidedby
Lenovo.
SoftwareprovidedbyLenovo
ThefollowingsoftwareprogramsareprovidedbyLenovotohelpyouimproveproductivityandreducethe
costassociatedwithmaintainingyourcomputer.Softwareprogramsprovidedwithyourcomputermight
varydependingonyourcomputermodeltypeandpreinstalledoperatingsystem.
4ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 17

LenovoThinkVantageT ools
TheLenovoThinkVantage
accesstovarioustoolstohelpyouworkmoreeasilyandsecurely.
ToaccesstheLenovoThinkVantageToolsprogram,clickStart➙AllPrograms➙LenovoThinkVantage
Tools.
ThefollowingtableliststheprogramsthatyoucanaccessfromtheLenovoThinkVantageToolsprogram.To
accessaprogram,double-clickthecorrespondingicon.
Table1.ProgramiconnamesinLenovoThinkVantageT ools
CreateRecoveryMedia
FingerprintSoftware
LenovoSolutionCenterorLenovoThinkVantageToolboxSystemHealthandDiagnostics
ThinkVantagePasswordManagerPasswordVault
ThinkVantagePowerManager
ThinkVantageRescueandRecovery
ThinkVantageSystemUpdate
®
Toolsprogramguidesyoutoahostofinformationsourcesandprovideseasy
ProgramnameIconnameinLenovoThinkVantageTools
FactoryRecoveryDisks
FingerprintReader
PowerControls
®
EnhancedBackupandRestore
UpdateandDrives
LenovoWelcome
TheLenovoWelcomeprogramintroducesyoutosomeinnovativebuilt-infeaturesofLenovoandguidesyou
throughafewimportantsetuptaskstohelpyoumakethemostofyourcomputer.
FingerprintSoftware
Theintegratedngerprintreaderprovidedonsomekeyboardsenablesyoutoenrollyourngerprintand
associateitwithyourpower-onpassword,harddiskdrivepassword,andWindowspassword.Asaresult,
ngerprintauthenticationcanreplacepasswordsandenablesimpleandsecureuseraccess.Angerprint
readerkeyboardisavailablewithselectcomputersorcanbepurchasedforcomputersthatsupportthis
option.
LenovoSolutionCenter
Note:Dependingonthedatewhenyourcomputerwasmanufactured,yourcomputerispreinstalledwith
eithertheLenovoSolutionCenterprogramortheLenovoThinkVantageToolboxprogramfordiagnostic
purposes.ForadditionalinformationabouttheLenovoThinkVantageToolboxprogram,see“Lenovo
ThinkVantageToolbox”onpage102
.
TheLenovoSolutionCenterprogramenablesyoutotroubleshootandresolvecomputerproblems.It
combinesdiagnostictests,systeminformationcollection,securitystatus,andsupportinformation,along
withhintsandtipsformaximumsystemperformance.See“LenovoSolutionCenter”onpage102for
detailedinformation.
SimpleTap
TheSimpleTapprogramprovidesyouwithaquickwaytocustomizesomebasiccomputersettingssuchas
mutingthespeakers,adjustingthevolume,lockingthecomputeroperatingsystem,launchingaprogram,
openingaWebpage,openingale,andsoon.YoualsocanusetheSimpleTapprogramtoaccessthe
LenovoAppShop,fromwhichyoucandownloadvariousapplicationsandcomputersoftware.
TostarttheSimpleTapprogram,doanyofthefollowing:
•ClickStart➙AllPrograms➙SimpleTap.
Chapter1.Productoverview5
Page 18

•ClickStart➙AllPrograms➙LenovoThinkVantageTools,anddouble-clickSimpleTap.
•ClicktheredSimpleT aplaunchpointonthedesktop.Theredlaunchpointisavailableonthedesktop
afteryouhavelaunchedtheSimpleTapprogramforthersttime.
•PresstheblueThinkVantagebuttonifyourkeyboardhasone.
Note:TheSimpleTapprogramisonlyavailableoncertainmodelspreinstalledwiththeWindows7operating
system.IfyourWindows7modelisnotpreinstalledwiththeSimpleTapprogram,youcandownloadit
fromhttp://www.lenovo.com/simpletap.
LenovoThinkVantageT oolbox
Note:Dependingonthedatewhenyourcomputerwasmanufactured,yourcomputerispreinstalledwith
eithertheLenovoSolutionCenterprogramortheLenovoThinkVantageToolboxprogramfordiagnostic
purposes.ForadditionalinformationabouttheLenovoSolutionCenterprogram,see“LenovoSolution
Center”onpage102.
TheLenovoThinkVantageToolboxprogramhelpsyoumaintainyourcomputer,improvecomputingsecurity,
diagnosecomputerproblems,getfamiliarwiththeinnovativetechnologiesprovidedbyLenovo,andgetmore
informationaboutyourcomputer.See“LenovoThinkVantageToolbox”onpage102fordetailedinformation.
ProductRecovery
TheProductRecoveryprogramenablesyoutorestorethecontentsoftheharddiskdrivetothefactory
defaultsettings.
ThinkVantagePasswordManager
TheThinkVantagePasswordManagerprogramautomaticallycapturesandllsinauthenticationinformation
forWindowsapplicationsandWebsites.
Notes:IfthePasswordVaulticonintheLenovoThinkVantageToolsprogramisdimmed,itindicatesthat
youneedtoinstalltheThinkVantagePasswordManagerprogrammanuallybeforeenablingitsfeatures.To
installtheThinkVantagePasswordManagerprogram,dothefollowing:
1.ClickStart➙AllPrograms➙LenovoThinkVantageTools,anddouble-clickPasswordVault.
2.Followtheinstructionsonthescreen.
3.Whentheinstallationprocesscompletes,thePasswordVaulticonisactivated.
ThinkVantagePowerManager
TheThinkVantagePowerManagerprogramprovidesconvenient,exible,andcompletepowermanagement
foryourThinkCentre®computer.ByusingtheThinkVantagePowerManagerprogram,youcanadjustyour
powersettingstoachievethebestbalancebetweensystemperformanceandpowersaving.
ThinkVantageRescueandRecovery
TheThinkVantageRescueandRecoveryprogramisaonebuttonrecoveryandrestoresolutionthatincludes
asetofself-recoverytoolstohelpyoudiagnosecomputerproblems,gethelp,andrecoverfromsystem
crashes,evenifyoucannotstarttheWindowsoperatingsystem.
Note:IftheEnhancedBackupandRestoreiconintheLenovoThinkVantageToolsprogramisdimmed,it
indicatesthatyouneedtoinstalltheThinkVantageRescueandRecoveryprogrammanuallybeforeenabling
itsfeatures.T oinstalltheThinkVantageRescueandRecoveryprogram,dothefollowing:
1.ClickStart➙AllPrograms➙LenovoThinkVantageT ools,anddouble-clickEnhancedBackup
andRestore.
2.Followtheinstructionsonthescreen.
3.Whentheinstallationprocesscompletes,theEnhancedBackupandRestoreiconisactivated.
6ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 19

ThinkVantageSystemUpdate
TheThinkVantageSystemUpdateprogramhelpsyoukeepthesoftwareonyourcomputerup-to-dateby
downloadingandinstallingsoftwarepackages(ThinkVantageapplications,devicedrivers,BIOSupdates,
andotherthirdpartyapplications).
AdobeReader
TheAdobeReaderprogramisatoolusedtoview,print,andsearchPDFdocuments.
Antivirussoftware
Yourcomputercomeswithantivirussoftwarethatyoucanusetodetectandeliminateviruses.Lenovo
providesafullversionofantivirussoftwareonyourharddiskdrivewithafree30-daysubscription.After30
days,youmustrenewthelicensetocontinuereceivingtheantivirusprogramupdates.
Locations
Thissectionprovidesinformationtohelpyoulocatetheconnectorsonthefrontandrearofyourcomputer,
partsonthesystemboard,andcomponentsandinternaldrivesinyourcomputer.
Chapter1.Productoverview7
Page 20

Locatingconnectors,controls,andindicatorsonthefrontofyour
computer
Figure1“Frontconnector,control,andindicatorlocations”onpage8showsthelocationsoftheconnectors,
controls,andindicatorsonthefrontofyourcomputer.
Figure1.Frontconnector,control,andindicatorlocations
1Opticaldriveeject/closebutton5USBconnector(USBport2)
2Powerswitch6Microphoneconnector
3Harddiskdriveactivityindicator7Headphoneconnector
4Powerindicator
8USBconnector(USBport1)
8ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 21

Locatingconnectorsontherearofyourcomputer
Figure2“Rearconnectorlocations”onpage9showsthelocationsoftheconnectorsontherearofyour
computer.Someconnectorsontherearofyourcomputerarecolor-codedtohelpyoudeterminewhereto
connectthecablesonyourcomputer.
Figure2.Rearconnectorlocations
1Powercordconnector
2Serialport(Serialport1)11PCIcardslot
3VGAmonitorconnector12Optionalserialport(Serialport2)
4DisplayPortconnector
5USBconnectors(USBports3to8)
6Microphoneconnector
7Audioline-outconnector
8Audioline-inconnector
9PCIExpressx16graphicscardslot
10PCIExpressx1cardslots(2)
13Cablelockslots(2)
14Ethernetconnector
15Integratedcablelock(Kingstonlock)slot
16Cover-releasebutton
17PS/2keyboardandmouseconnectors(optional)
ConnectorDescription
Audioline-inconnector
Usedtoreceiveaudiosignalsfromanexternalaudiodevice,suchasastereo
system.Whenyouattachanexternalaudiodevice,acableisconnectedbetween
theaudioline-outconnectorofthedeviceandtheaudioline-inconnectorofthe
computer.
Audioline-outconnector
Usedtosendaudiosignalsfromthecomputertoexternaldevices,suchas
poweredstereospeakers(speakerswithbuilt-inampliers),headphones,
multimediakeyboards,ortheaudioline-inconnectoronastereosystemorother
externalrecordingdevice.
Chapter1.Productoverview9
Page 22

ConnectorDescription
DisplayPortconnector
Ethernetconnector
MicrophoneconnectorUsedtoattachamicrophonetoyourcomputerwhenyouwanttorecordsoundor
Serialport
PS/2keyboardconnector
(optional)
PS/2mouseconnector(optional)Usedtoattachamouse,atrackball,orotherpointingdevicesthatuseaPS/2
USBconnectorUsedtoattachadevicethatrequiresaUSBconnector,suchasaUSBkeyboard,
VGAmonitorconnectorUsedtoattachaVGAmonitororotherdevicesthatuseaVGAmonitorconnector.
Usedtoattachahigh-performancemonitor,adirect-drivemonitor,orother
devicesthatuseaDisplayPortconnector.
UsedtoattachanEthernetcableforalocalareanetwork(LAN).
Note:TooperatethecomputerwithinFCCClassBlimits,useaCategory5
Ethernetcable.
ifyouusespeech-recognitionsoftware.
Usedtoattachanexternalmodem,aserialprinter,orotherdevicesthatusea
9-pinserialport.
UsedtoattachakeyboardthatusesaPS/2keyboardconnector.
mouseconnector.
aUSBmouse,aUSBscanneroraUSBprinter.IfyouhavemorethaneightUSB
devices,youcanpurchaseaUSBhub,whichyoucanusetoconnectadditional
USBdevices.
10ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 23

Locatingcomponents
Figure3“Componentlocations”onpage11showsthelocationsofthevariouscomponentsinyour
computer.Toopenthecomputercover,see“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
Figure3.Componentlocations
1Heatsinkandfanassembly
2Microprocessor
3Powersupplyassembly
4Memorymodule11Harddiskdrive
5Opticaldrive12PCIcard(installedinsomemodels)
6FrontaudioandUSBassembly13Systemboard
7Frontbezel
8Systemfan
9Internalspeaker(installedinsomemodels)
10Coverpresenceswitch(Intrusionswitch)
14Heatsinkfanduct
Chapter1.Productoverview11
Page 24

Locatingpartsonthesystemboard
Figure4“Systemboardpartlocations”onpage12showsthelocationsofthepartsonthesystemboard.
Figure4.Systemboardpartlocations
1Microprocessor
14Frontpanelconnector(forconnectingLEDindicatorsand
powerswitch)
2Microprocessorfanconnector
15FrontUSBconnector1(forconnectingUSBports1and2
onthefrontbezel)
3Memoryslot1(DIMM1)16FrontUSBconnectors2and3(forconnectingadditional
USBdevices)
4Memoryslot2(DIMM3)17Coverpresenceswitchconnector(Intrusionswitch
connector)
5Memoryslot3(DIMM2)18Serial(COM2)connector
6Memoryslot4(DIMM4)
7Thermalsensorconnector20Frontaudioconnector
824-pinpowerconnector
9ClearCMOS(ComplementaryMetalOxide
19Internalspeakerconnector
21PCIcardslot
22PCIExpressx1cardslots(2)
Semiconductor)/Recoveryjumper
10Battery
11Powerfanconnector
12Parallelconnector
13SA TA3.0connectors(4)
23PCIExpressx16graphicscardslot
24Systemfanconnector
25PS/2keyboardandmouseconnector
264-pinpowerconnector
12ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 25

Locatinginternaldrives
Internaldrivesaredevicesthatyourcomputerusestoreadandstoredata.Youcanadddrivestoyour
computertoincreasestoragecapacityandenableyourcomputertoreadothertypesofmedia.Internal
drivesareinstalledinbays.Inthismanual,thebaysarereferredtoasbay1,bay2,andsoon.Your
computercomeswiththefollowingfactory-installeddrives:
•Anopticaldriveinbay1
•A3.5-inchharddiskdriveinbay3
Wheninstallingorreplacinganinternaldrive,itisimportanttonotethetypeandsizeofthedrivethatyou
caninstallorreplaceineachbayandcorrectlyconnectthecablestothedriveinstalled.Refertothe
appropriatesectioninChapter5“Installingorreplacinghardware”onpage27
installorreplaceinternaldrivesforyourcomputer.
forinstructionsonhowto
Figure5“Drivebaylocations”onpage13
Figure5.Drivebaylocations
showsthelocationsofthedrivebays.
1Bay1-Opticaldrivebay(withanopticaldriveinstalled)
2Bay2-Cardreaderdrivebay
3Bay3-SATAharddiskdrivebay(witha3.5-inchharddiskdriveinstalled)
Chapter1.Productoverview13
Page 26

Machinetypeandmodellabel
Themachinetypeandmodellabelidentiesyourcomputer.WhenyoucontactLenovoforhelp,themachine
typeandmodelinformationhelpssupporttechnicianstoidentifyyourcomputerandprovidefasterservice.
Thefollowingisasampleofthemachinetypeandmodellabel.
Figure6.Machinetypeandmodellabel
14ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 27

Chapter2.Usingyourcomputer
Thischapterprovidesinformationonusingsomeofthecomputercomponents.
Frequentlyaskedquestions
Thefollowingareafewtipsthatwillhelpyouoptimizetheuseofyourcomputer.
CanIgetmyuserguideinanotherlanguage?
TheuserguideisavailableinvariouslanguagesontheLenovoSupportWebsiteat:
http://www.lenovo.com/ThinkCentreUserGuides
Wherearemyrecoverydiscs?
Lenovoprovidesaprogramthatenablesyoutocreaterecoverydiscs.Fordetailsaboutcreatingrecovery
discs,see“Creatingrecoverymedia”onpage65.
Additionally,incaseofaharddiskfailure,youcanorderProductRecoverydiscsfromtheLenovoCustomer
SupportCenter.ForinformationaboutcontactingtheCustomerSupportCenter,seeChapter11“Getting
information,help,andservice”onpage105.BeforeusingtheProductRecoverydiscs,refertothe
documentationthatcomeswiththediscs.
Attention:AProductRecoverydiscpackagemightcontainmultiplediscs.Makesureyouhaveallofthe
discsreadybeforestartingtherecoveryprocess.Duringtherecoveryprocess,youmightbeprompted
tochangediscs.
WherecanIndhelpabouttheWindowsoperatingsystem?
TheWindowsHelpandSupportinformationsystemprovidesyoudetailedinformationaboutusingthe
Windowsoperatingsystemtohelpyougetthemostofyourcomputer.ToaccesstheWindowsHelpand
Supportinformationsystem,clickStart➙HelpandSupport.
Usingthekeyboard
Dependingonyourmodel,yourcomputercomeswitheitherastandardkeyboardorangerprintreader
keyboard.TheMicrosoftWindowsshortcutkeysareprovidedonbothkeyboardtypes.
Thissectionprovidesinformationaboutthefollowingtopics:
•“UsingWindowsshortcutkeys”onpage15
•“Usingangerprintreader”onpage16
UsingWindowsshortcutkeys
Boththestandardkeyboardandthengerprintreaderkeyboardprovidethreekeysyoucanusewithyour
MicrosoftWindowsoperatingsystem.
•ThetwoStartmenukeysarelocatedbesidetheAltkeyoneithersideofthespacebar.Theyfeaturethe
Windowslogo.Whenyoupresseither,theWindowsStartmenuopens.ThestyleoftheWindowslogo
variesdependingonthekeyboardtype.
•Thecontext-menukeyislocatednexttotheCtrlkeyontherightsideoftheSpacebar.Pressingthe
context-menukeyopensthecontextmenufortheactiveprogram,icon,orobject.
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
15
Page 28

Note:YoucanusethemouseortheUpandDownarrowkeystohighlightmenuselections.Youcanclose
theStartmenuorthecontextmenubyclickingthemouseorpressingEsc.
Usingangerprintreader
Somecomputersmightcomewithakeyboardthathasangerprintreader.Formoreinformationaboutthe
ngerprintreader,see“FingerprintSoftware”onpage5.
ToopentheThinkVantageFingerprintSoftwareprogramandusethengerprintreader,clickStart➙All
Programs➙LenovoThinkVantageT ools➙FingerprintReader.
Followtheinstructionsonthescreen.Foradditionalinformation,refertotheThinkVantageFingerprint
Softwarehelpsystem.
Usingthewheelmouse
Thewheelmousehasthefollowingcontrols:
1PrimarymousebuttonUsethisbuttontoselectorstartaprogramormenuitem.
2Wheel
3Secondarymousebutton
Youcanswitchthefunctionoftheprimaryandsecondarymousebuttonsandchangeotherdefaultbehavior
throughthemousepropertiesfunctionintheWindowsControlPanel.
Usethewheeltocontrolthescrollingactionofthemouse.Thedirectioninwhichyou
rotatethewheelcontrolsthedirectionofthescrollingaction.
Usethisbuttontodisplayamenufortheactiveprogram,icon,orobject.
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.
16ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 29

Optionally,youcanconnectasetofpoweredstereospeakerstotheaudioline-outconnectortoenjoy
bettersoundwithmultimediaapplications.
Settingthevolumefromthedesktop
Thedesktopvolumecontrolisaccessiblethroughthevolumeiconinthetaskbar,whichislocatedatthe
bottom-rightcorneroftheWindowsdesktop.Clickthevolumeiconandmovethesliderupordownto
controlthevolume,orclicktheMuteicontoturntheaudiooff.Ifthevolumeiconisnotinthetaskbar,see
“Addingthevolumeicontothetaskbar”onpage17
Addingthevolumeicontothetaskbar
ToaddthevolumeicontothetaskbarontheWindows7operatingsystem,dothefollowing:
1.FromtheWindowsdesktop,clickStart➙ControlPanel➙AppearanceandPersonalization.
2.IntheT askbarandStartMenutopic,clickCustomizeiconsonthetaskbar.
3.ClickT urnsystemiconsonoroffandchangethevolumebehaviorsfromOfftoOn.
4.ClickOKtosavethenewsettings.
.
SettingthevolumefromControlPanel
YoucansetthecomputervolumefromControlPanel.TosetthecomputervolumefromControlPanel,
dothefollowing:
1.FromtheWindowsdesktop,clickStart➙ControlPanel➙HardwareandSound.
2.IntheSoundtopic,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:
Chapter2.Usingyourcomputer17
Page 30

•Holdthediscbyitsedges.Donottouchthesurfaceofthesidethatisnotlabeled.
•Toremovedustorngerprints,wipethediscwithaclean,softclothfromthecentertotheoutside.Wiping
thediscinacirculardirectionmightcauselossofdata.
•Donotwriteorstickpaperonthedisc.
•Donotscratchormarkthedisc.
•Donotplaceorstorethediscindirectsunlight.
•Donotusebenzene,thinners,orothercleanerstocleanthedisc.
•Donotdroporbendthedisc.
•Donotinsertdamageddiscsintothedrive.Warped,scratched,ordirtydiscscandamagethedrive.
PlayingaCDorDVD
IfyourcomputercomeswithaDVDdrive,youcanlistentoaudioCDsorwatchDVDmovies.Toplaya
CDorDVD,dothefollowing:
1.PresstheEject/LoadbuttonontheDVDdrivetoopenthetray.
2.Withthetrayfullyextended,inserttheCDorDVDintothetray.SomeDVDdriveshaveasnaphubinthe
centerofthetray.Ifyourdrivehasasnaphub,supportthetraywithonehandandthenpushonthe
centeroftheCDorDVDuntilitsnapsintoplace.
3.PresstheEject/Loadbuttonagainorgentlypushthetrayforwardtoclosethetray.TheCDorDVD
playerprogramstartsautomatically.Foradditionalinformation,refertotheCDorDVDplayerprogram
helpsystem.
ToremoveaCDorDVDfromtheDVDdrive,dothefollowing:
1.Withthecomputeron,presstheEject/Loadbutton.Whenthetrayslidesoutautomatically,carefully
removethedisc.
2.ClosethetraybypressingtheEject/Loadbuttonorbygentlypushingthetrayforward.
Note:IfthetraydoesnotslideoutofthedrivewhenyoupresstheEject/Loadbutton,insertastraightened
paperclipintotheemergency-ejectholelocatedonthefrontoftheDVDdrive.Besurethedriveispowered
offwhenusingtheemergencyeject.UsetheEject/Loadbuttoninsteadoftheemergencyejectexcept
inanemergency.
RecordingaCDorDVD
IfyourcomputercomeswitharecordableDVDdrive,youcanusethedrivetorecordCDsorDVDs.To
recordaCDorDVD,dothefollowing:
1.ClickStart➙AllPrograms➙CorelDVDMovieFactoryLenovoEdition.
2.Followtheinstructionsonthescreen.
FordetailedinformationaboutusingtheCorelDVDMovieFactoryprogram,seethehelpsystemforthe
program.
YoucanalsouseWindowsMediaPlayertorecordCDsanddataDVDs.Formoreinformation,see“Helpand
Support”onpage105
.
18ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 31

Chapter3.Youandyourcomputer
Thischapterprovidesinformationaboutaccessibility,comfort,andrelocatingyourcomputertoother
countriesorregions.
Accessibilityandcomfort
Goodergonomicpracticeisimportanttogetthemostfromyourpersonalcomputerandtoavoiddiscomfort.
Arrangeyourworkplaceandtheequipmentyouusetosuityourindividualneedsandthekindofwork
thatyouperform.Inaddition,usehealthyworkhabitstomaximizeyourperformanceandcomfortwhile
usingyourcomputer.
Thefollowingtopicsprovideinformationaboutarrangingyourworkarea,settingupyourcomputer
equipment,andestablishinghealthyworkhabits.
Lenovoiscommittedtoprovidingpeoplewithdisabilitiesgreateraccesstoinformationandtechnology.
Asaresult,thefollowinginformationprovideswaystohelpusersthathavehearing,vision,andmobility
limitationsgetthemostoutoftheircomputerexperience.
Assistivetechnologiesenableuserstoaccessinformationinthemostappropriateway.Someofthese
technologiesarealreadyprovidedinyouroperatingsystem,otherscanbepurchasedthroughvendors,or
accessedthroughtheWorldWideWeb:
http://www.lenovo.com/healthycomputing
Arrangingyourworkspace
Togetthemostfromyourcomputer,arrangeboththeequipmentyouuseandyourworkareatosuityour
needsandthekindofworkyoudo.Yourcomfortisofforemostimportance,butlightsources,aircirculation,
andthelocationofelectricaloutletscanalsoaffectthewayyouarrangeyourworkspace.
Comfort
Althoughnosingleworkingpositionisidealforeveryone,hereareafewguidelinestohelpyounda
positionthatsuitsyoubest.
Sittinginthesamepositionforalongtimecancausefatigue.Thebackrestandseatofyourchairshould
adjustindependentlyandprovidegoodsupport.Theseatshouldhaveacurvedfronttorelievepressureon
thethighs.Adjusttheseatsothatyourthighsareparalleltotheoorandyourfeetareeitheratonthe
oororonafootrest.
Whenusingthekeyboard,keepyourforearmsparalleltotheoorandyourwristsinacomfortableposition.
Usealighttouchonthekeyboardandyourhandsandngersrelaxed.Changetheangleofthekeyboard
formaximumcomfortbyadjustingthepositionofthekeyboardfeet.
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
19
Page 32

Adjustthemonitorsothetopofthescreenisat,orslightlybelow,eyelevel.Placethemonitorata
comfortableviewingdistance,usually51to61cm(20to24inches),andpositionitsoyoucanviewit
withouthavingtotwistyourbody.Also,positionotherequipmentyouuseregularly,suchasthetelephoneor
amouse,withineasyreach.
Glareandlighting
Positionthemonitortominimizeglareandreectionsfromoverheadlights,windows,andotherlightsources.
Reectedlightfromshinysurfacescancauseannoyingreectionsonyourmonitorscreen.Placethe
monitoratrightanglestowindowsandotherlightsources,whenpossible.Reduceoverheadlighting,if
necessary,byturningofflightsorusinglowerwattagebulbs.Ifyouinstallthemonitornearawindow,use
curtainsorblindstoblockthesunlight.Y oucanadjustthebrightnessandcontrastcontrolsonthemonitor
astheroomlightingchangesthroughouttheday.
Whereitisimpossibletoavoidreectionsortoadjustthelighting,anantiglarelterplacedoverthescreen
mightbehelpful.However,theseltersmightaffecttheclarityoftheimageonthescreen;trythemonlyafter
youhaveexhaustedothermethodsofreducingglare.
Dustbuildupcompoundsproblemsassociatedwithglare.Remembertocleanyourmonitorscreen
periodicallyusingasoftclothasdirectedinyourmonitordocumentation.
Aircirculation
Yourcomputerandmonitorproduceheat.Thecomputerhasafanthatpullsinfreshairandforcesouthot
air.Themonitorletshotairescapethroughvents.Blockingtheairventscancauseoverheating,whichmight
resultinamalfunctionordamage.Placethecomputerandmonitorsothatnothingblockstheairvents;
usually,51mm(2inches)ofairspaceissufcient.Also,makesuretheventedairisnotblowingonpeople.
Electricaloutletsandcablelengths
Thelocationofelectricaloutlets,thelengthofpowercordsandcablesthatconnecttothemonitor,printer,
andotherdevicesmightdeterminethenalplacementofyourcomputer.
Whenarrangingyourworkspace:
•Avoidtheuseofextensioncords.Whenpossible,plugthecomputerpowercorddirectlyintoanelectrical
outlet.
•Keeppowercordsandcablesneatlyroutedawayfromwalkwaysandotherareaswheretheymight
getkickedaccidentally.
Formoreinformationaboutpowercords,see“Powercordsandpoweradapters”onpagevi
20ThinkCentreUserGuide
.
Page 33

RegisteryourcomputerwithLenovo
Toregisteryourcomputer,gotohttp://www.lenovo.com/register.Then,followtheinstructionsonthescreen
tocompletetheregistration.Thiscanhelpauthoritiesreturnyourcomputertoyouifitislostorstolen.
RegisteringyourcomputeralsoenablesLenovotonotifyyouaboutpossibletechnicalinformationand
upgrades.
Whenyouregisteryourcomputer,informationisenteredintoadatabase,whichenablesLenovotocontact
youincaseofarecallorothersevereproblem.Inaddition,somelocationsofferextendedprivilegesand
servicestoregisteredusers.
Movingyourcomputertoanothercountryorregion
Whenyoumoveyourcomputertoanothercountryorregion,youmusttakelocalelectricalstandardsinto
consideration.Thissectionprovidesinformationonthefollowing:
•“Voltage-selectionswitch”onpage21
•“Replacementpowercords”onpage21
Voltage-selectionswitch
Somecomputersareequippedwithavoltage-selectionswitchlocatednearthepower-cordconnection
pointonthecomputerandsomecomputersdonothaveavoltage-selectionswitch.Beforeyouinstall
yourcomputerorrelocateyourcomputertoanothercountryorregion,youmustbecertainthatyouhave
matchedyourcomputertothevoltageavailableatyourelectricaloutlet.
CAUTION:
Youmustknowthevoltageoftheelectricalconnection(outlet)whereyourcomputerwillbe
connected.Ifyoudonotknowthevoltage,contactyourlocalelectriccompanyorrefertoofcial
Websitesorotherliteraturefortravelerstothecountryorregionwhereyouarelocated.
Ifyourcomputerhasavoltage-selectionswitch,youmustsettheswitchtomatchthevoltageavailableat
yourelectricaloutlet.Settingthevoltage-selectionswitchincorrectlywillcausethecomputertomalfunction
andmightcausepermanentdamagetothecomputer.Donotconnectthecomputertoanelectrical
outletuntilyouhaveveriedthatthevoltage-selectionswitchsettingmatchesthevoltageavailableatthe
electricaloutlets.
Ifyourcomputerdoesnothaveavoltage-selectionswitch,inspectthevoltage-ratinglabelonthebottomof
thecomputerandnotethefollowing:
•Ifthevoltage-ratinglabelshowsarangeofeither“100-127V”or“200-240V,”youmustensurethatthe
voltageprovidedattheelectricaloutletmatchesthevoltageratingonthecomputerlabel.Ifitdoes
notmatch,donotattempttoconnectthecomputertotheelectricaloutlet,unlessanexternaldevice
suchasavoltage-convertingtransformerisused.
•Ifthevoltage-ratinglabelshowsadualrangeof“100-127V”and“200-240V,”thissigniesthatthe
computerissuitableforworldwideoperationandthecomputerwillautomaticallyadjusttothevoltageat
theelectricaloutletregardlessofthecountryorregionwherethecomputerisbeingconnected.
Replacementpowercords
Ifyourelocateyourcomputertoacountryorregionthatusesanelectricaloutletstyledifferentfromthe
typeyouarecurrentlyusing,youwillhavetopurchaseeitherelectricalplugadaptersornewpowercords.
YoucanorderpowercordsdirectlyfromLenovo.
Chapter3.Youandyourcomputer21
Page 34

Forpowercordinformationandpartnumbers,goto:
http://www.lenovo.com/powercordnotice
22ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 35

Chapter4.Security
Thischapterprovidesinformationabouthowtoprotectyourcomputerfromtheftandunauthorizeduse.
Securityfeatures
Thefollowingsecurityfeaturesareavailableonyourcomputer:
•ComputraceAgentsoftwareembeddedinrmware
TheComputraceAgentsoftwareisanITassetmanagementandcomputertheftrecoverysolution.
Thesoftwaredetectsifchangeshavebeenmadeonthecomputer,suchashardware,software,or
thecomputercall-inlocation.
Note:YoumighthavetopurchaseasubscriptiontoactivatetheComputraceAgentsoftware.
•Coverpresenceswitch(alsocalledintrusionswitch)
Thecoverpresenceswitchpreventsyourcomputerfromloggingintotheoperatingsystemwhenthe
computercoverisnotproperlyinstalledorclosed.Toenablethecoverpresenceswitchconnector
onthesystemboard,tothefollowing:
1.StarttheSetupUtilityprogram.See“StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.
2.SettheAdministratorPassword.See“Setting,changing,anddeletingapassword”onpage74.
3.FromtheSecuritysubmenu,selectChassisIntrusionDetection➙Enabled.Thecoverpresence
switchconnectoronthesystemboardisenabled.
Whenthecoverpresenceswitchdetectsthatyourcomputercoverisnotproperlyinstalledorclosed
whenyouturnonthecomputer,anerrormessagewillbedisplayed.Tobypasstheerrormessageand
logintotheoperatingsystem,dothefollowing:
1.Properlyinstallorcloseyourcomputercover.See“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
2.PressF1toentertheSetupUtilityprogram.ThenpressF10tosaveandexittheSetupUtility
program.Theerrormessagewillnotbedisplayedagain.
•AbilitytoenableanddisabledevicesandUSBconnectors
Formoreinformation,see“Enablingordisablingadevice”onpage75
•Integratedngerprintreader(availableonsomemodels)
Dependingonthemodelsofyourcomputer,thekeyboardmayhaveanintegratedngerprintreader.
ByenrollingyourngerprintandassociatingitwithaPower-onPassword,aHardDiskPassword,or
bothpasswordsbeforehand,youcanstartthecomputer,logontothesystem,andentertheSetup
Utilityprogrambyswipingyourngeroverthereader,withouttypingapassword.Thusngerprint
authenticationcanreplacepasswordsandenablesimpleandsecureuseraccess.
•Startupsequencecontrol
Formoreinformation,see“Selectingorchangingthestartupdevicesequence”onpage76
•Startupwithoutkeyboardormouse
Yourcomputerisabletologintotheoperatingsystemwithoutkeyboardormouseconnected.
•TrustedPlatformModule(TPM)
TrustedPlatformModuleisasecurecryptoprocessorthatcanstorecryptographickeysthatprotect
informationstoredinyourcomputer.
.
.
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
23
Page 36

Attachinganintegratedcablelock
Anintegratedcablelock,sometimesreferredtoastheKensingtonlock,canbeusedtosecureyour
computertoadesk,table,orothernon-permanentxture.Thecablelockattachestotheintegratedcable
lockslotattherearofyourcomputerandisoperatedwithakey.Thecablelockalsolocksthebuttonsused
toopenthecomputercover.Thisisthesametypeoflockusedwithmanynotebookcomputers.Youcan
orderanintegratedcablelockdirectlyfromLenovobysearchingforKensingtonat:
http://www.lenovo.com/support
Figure7.Integratedcablelock
Usingpasswords
YoucansetavarietyofpasswordsthroughtheMicrosoftWindowsoperatingsystemandthroughtheBIOS
ofyourcomputertohelpdeterunauthorizeduseofyourcomputer.
BIOSpasswords
YoucanusetheBIOSSetupUtilityprogramtosetpasswordstopreventunauthorizedaccesstoyour
computeranddata.Thefollowingtypesofpasswordsareavailable:
•Power-OnPassword:WhenaPower-OnPasswordisset,youarepromptedtotypeavalidpassword
eachtimethecomputeristurnedon.Thecomputercannotbeuseduntilthevalidpasswordistyped
in.Formoreinformation,see“Power-OnPassword”onpage74.
•HardDiskPassword:SettingaHardDiskPasswordpreventsunauthorizedaccesstothedataonthehard
diskdrive.WhenaHardDiskPasswordisset,youarepromptedtotypeavalidpasswordeachtimeyou
trytoaccesstheharddiskdrive.Formoreinformation,see“HardDiskPassword”onpage74
24ThinkCentreUserGuide
.
Page 37

•AdministratorPassword:SettinganAdministratorPassworddetersunauthorizedusersfromchanging
congurationsettings.Ifyouareresponsibleformaintainingthecongurationsettingsofseveral
computers,youmightwanttosetanAdministratorPassword.Formoreinformation,see“Administrator
Password”onpage74
Youdonothavetosetanypasswordstouseyourcomputer.However,usingpasswordsimproves
computingsecurity.
.
Windowspasswords
DependingonyourversionoftheWindowsoperatingsystem,youcanusepasswordsforavarietyof
features,includingcontrollingloginaccess,accesstosharedresources,networkaccess,andindividualuser
settings.Formoreinformation,see“HelpandSupport”onpage105
.
Conguringthengerprintreader
Ifyourkeyboardhasangerprintreader,youcancongurethengerprintreaderintheSetupUtilityprogram.
TheFingerprintSetupsubmenuundertheSecuritymenuoftheSetupUtilityprogramprovidesthe
followingoptions:
•PrebootAuthentication:enablesordisablesthengerprintauthenticationforaccessingtheBIOS.
•EraseFingerprintData:clearsthengerprintdatastoredinangerprintreader.
Tocongurethengerprintreader,dothefollowing:
1.StarttheSetupUtilityprogram.See“StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.
2.FromtheSetupUtilityprogrammainmenu,selectSecurity➙FingerprintSetup,andpressEnter.
TheFingerprintSetupwindowopens.
3.SelectPrebootAuthenticationorEraseFingerprintDateasdesired,andpressEnter.
4.SelectthedesiredsettingsandpressEnter.
5.PressF10tosavechangesandexittheSetupUtilityprogram.PressEnterwhenpromptedtoconrm
theexit.
Usingandunderstandingrewalls
Arewallcanbehardware,software,oracombinationofbothdependingonthelevelofsecurityrequired.
Firewallsworkonasetofrulestodeterminewhichinboundandoutboundconnectionsareauthorized.If
yourcomputerispreintalledwitharewallprogram,ithelpsprotectagainstcomputerInternetsecurity
threats,unauthorizedaccess,intrusions,andInternetattacks.Italsoprotectsyourprivacy.Formore
informationabouthowtousetherewallprogram,refertothehelpsystemofyourrewallprogram.
TheWindowsoperatingsystempreinstalledonyourcomputerprovidestheWindowsFirewall.Fordetailson
usingtheWindowsFirewall,referto“HelpandSupport”onpage105.
Protectingdataagainstviruses
Yourcomputerispreinstalledwithanantivirusprogramtohelpyouguardagainst,detect,andeliminate
viruses.
Lenovoprovidesafullversionofantivirussoftwareonyourcomputerwithafree30-daysubscription.After
30days,youmustrenewthelicensetocontinuereceivingtheantivirussoftwareupdates.
Note:Virusdenitionlesmustbekeptup-to-datetoguardagainstnewviruses.
Chapter4.Security25
Page 38

Formoreinformationabouthowtouseyourantivirussoftware,refertothehelpsystemofyourantivirus
software.
26ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 39

Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware
Thischapterprovidesinstructionsonhowtoinstallorreplacehardwareforyourcomputer.
Handlingstatic-sensitivedevices
Donotopenthestatic-protectivepackagecontainingthenewpartuntilthedefectiveparthasbeenremoved
fromthecomputerandyouarereadytoinstallthenewpart.Staticelectricity,althoughharmlesstoyou,can
seriouslydamagecomputercomponentsandparts.
Whenyouhandlepartsandothercomputercomponents,taketheseprecautionstoavoidstatic-electricity
damage:
•Limityourmovement.Movementcancausestaticelectricitytobuilduparoundyou.
•Alwayshandlepartsandothercomputercomponentscarefully.HandlePCIcards,memorymodules,
systemboards,andmicroprocessorsbytheedges.Nevertouchanyexposedcircuitry.
•Preventothersfromtouchingthepartsandothercomputercomponents.
•Beforeyoureplaceanewpart,touchthestatic-protectivepackagecontainingtheparttoametal
expansion-slotcoverorotherunpaintedmetalsurfaceonthecomputerforatleasttwoseconds.This
reducesstaticelectricityinthepackageandyourbody.
•Whenpossible,removethenewpartfromthestatic-protectivepackaging,andinstallitdirectlyinthe
computerwithoutsettingthepartdown.Whenthisisnotpossible,placethestatic-protectivepackage
thatthepartcameinonasmooth,levelsurfaceandplacethepartonit.
•Donotplacethepartonthecomputercoverorothermetalsurface.
Installingorreplacinghardware
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoinstallorreplacehardwareforyourcomputer.Youcanexpand
thecapabilitiesofyourcomputerandmaintainyourcomputerbyinstallingorreplacinghardware.
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Notes:
1.UseonlycomputerpartsprovidedbyLenovo.
2.Wheninstallingorreplacinganoption,usetheappropriateinstructionsinthissectionalongwiththe
instructionsthatcomewiththeoption.
Installingexternaloptions
Youcanconnectexternaloptionstoyourcomputer,suchasexternalspeakers,aprinter,orascanner.For
someexternaloptions,youmustinstalladditionalsoftwareinadditiontomakingthephysicalconnection.
Wheninstallinganexternaloption,see“Locatingconnectors,controls,andindicatorsonthefrontofyour
computer”onpage8and“Locatingconnectorsontherearofyourcomputer”onpage9toidentifythe
requiredconnector.Then,usetheinstructionsthatcomewiththeoptiontohelpyoumaketheconnection
andinstallanysoftwareordevicedriversthatarerequiredfortheoption.
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
27
Page 40

Openingthecomputercover
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoopenthecomputercover.
CAUTION:
Turnoffthecomputerandwaitthreetoveminutestoletthecomputercoolbeforeopeningthe
computercover.
Toopenthecomputercover,dothefollowing:
1.Removeanymediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.
2.Disconnectallpowercordsfromelectricaloutlets.
3.Disconnectthepowercords,Input/Outputcables,andanyothercablesthatareconnectedtothe
computer.See“Locatingconnectors,controls,andindicatorsonthefrontofyourcomputer”onpage8
and“Locatingconnectorsontherearofyourcomputer”onpage9.
4.Removeanylockingdevicethatsecuresthecomputercover,suchasanintegratedcablelock.See
“Attachinganintegratedcablelock”onpage24
5.Pressthecover-releasebuttononthebackofthecomputerandpivotthecomputercoverupward.
.
Figure8.Openingthecomputercover
Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoremoveandreinstallthefrontbezel.
Toremoveandreinstallthefrontbezel,dothefollowing:
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
28ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 41

2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removethefrontbezelbyreleasingthethreeplastictabsonthetopofthefrontbezelandpivotingthe
frontbezeloutwardtoremoveitfromthecomputer.
Figure9.Removingthefrontbezel
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware29
Page 42

4.Toreinstallthefrontbezel,aligntheotherthreeplastictabsonthebottomofthefrontbezelwiththe
correspondingholesinthechassis,thenpivotthefrontbezelinwarduntilitsnapsintoposition.
Figure10.Reinstallingthefrontbezel
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64
Accessingthesystemboardcomponentsanddrives
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoaccessthesystemboardcomponentsanddrives.
Toaccessthesystemboardcomponentsanddrives,dothefollowing:
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removethefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
4.Removetheheatsinkfanduct.See“Replacingtheheatsinkandfanassembly”onpage45.
5.Removetheharddiskdrive.See“Replacingtheharddiskdrive”onpage40.
6.Pivottheopticaldrivebayupwardtoaccessthesystemboardcomponentsandthecables.See
“Replacingtheopticaldrive”onpage43.
.
30ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 43

Installingorreplacingamemorymodule
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoinstallorreplaceamemorymodule.
YourcomputerhasfourslotsforinstallingorreplacingDDR3UDIMMsthatprovideuptoamaximumof16
GBsystemmemory.Wheninstallingorreplacingamemorymodule,usethefollowingguidelines:
•Use2GBor4GBDDR3UDIMMsinanycombinationuptoamaximumof16GB.
•InstallmemorymodulesinthesequenceofDIMM3,DIMM4,DIMM1,andDIMM2.See“Locating
partsonthesystemboard”onpage12
Toinstallorreplaceamemorymodule,dothefollowing:
1.Turnoffthecomputeranddisconnectallpowercordsfromelectricaloutlets.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removethefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
4.Removetheheatsinkfanduct.See“Replacingtheheatsinkandfanassembly”onpage45.
5.Removetheharddiskdrive.See“Replacingtheharddiskdrive”onpage40.
6.Pivottheopticaldrivebayupwardtogainaccesstothememoryslots.See“Replacingtheoptical
7.Locatethememoryslots.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
8.Removeanypartsthatmightpreventaccesstothememoryslots.
9.Dependingonwhetheryouareinstallingorreplacingamemorymodule,dooneofthefollowing:
.
.
drive”onpage43.
•Ifyouarereplacinganoldmemorymodule,opentheretainingclipsandgentlypullthememory
moduleoutofthememoryslot.
Figure11.Removingamemorymodule
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware31
Page 44

•Ifyouareinstallingamemorymodule,opentheretainingclipsofthememoryslotintowhichyou
wanttoinstallthememorymodule.
Figure12.Openingtheretainingclips
10.Positionthenewmemorymoduleoverthememoryslot.Makesurethatthenotch1onthememory
modulealignscorrectlywiththeslotkey2onthesystemboard.Pushthememorymodulestraight
downintotheslotuntiltheretainingclipsclose.
Figure13.Installingamemorymodule
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
InstallingorreplacingaPCIcard
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
ThissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoinstallorreplaceaPCIcard.Yourcomputerhasonestandard
PCIcardslot,twoPCIExpressx1cardslots,andonePCIExpressx16graphicscardslot.
ToinstallorreplaceaPCIcard,dothefollowing:
1.Turnoffthecomputeranddisconnectallpowercordsfromelectricaloutlets.
32ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 45

2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.RotatethePCIcardretainertotheopenposition.
4.DependingonwhetheryouareinstallingorreplacingaPCIcard,dooneofthefollowing:
•IfyouareinstallingaPCIcard,removetheappropriatemetalslotcover.
•IfyouarereplacinganoldPCIcard,grasptheoldcardthatiscurrentlyinstalledandgentlypullit
outoftheslot.
Figure14.RemovingaPCIcard
Notes:
a.Thecardtstightlyintothecardslot.Ifnecessary,alternatemovingeachsideofthecardasmall
amountuntilitisremovedfromthecardslot.
b.Ifthecardisheldinplacebyaretaininglatch,pressthecardretaininglatch1asshownto
disengagethelatch.Graspthecardandgentlypullitoutoftheslot.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware33
Page 46

5.RemovethenewPCIcardfromitsstatic-protectivepackage.
6.Installthenewcardintotheappropriatecardslotonthesystemboardandrotatethecardretainertothe
closedposition.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
Figure15.InstallingthePCIcard
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64
.
Installingorreplacingthecardreader
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoinstallorreplacethecardreader.
Note:Thecardreaderisonlyavailableinsomemodels.Fornewinstallation,see“Installingthecardreader”
onpage34.Forreplacement,see“Replacingthecardreader”onpage37.
Installingthecardreader
Toinstallthecardreader,dothefollowing:
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removethefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
34ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 47

4.Locatethecardreaderdrivebay.See“Locatinginternaldrives”onpage13.
Note:Youmighthavetoremovethemetalcoverofthecardreaderdrivebay.
5.Installthenewcardreaderintothecardreaderbracket.Theninstallthetwoscrewstosecurethe
cardreadertothebracket.
6.Installthecardreaderbrackettothechassis.Thenpushthebrackettothelefttoalignthescrewholein
thebracketwiththecorrespondingholeinthechassis.
Figure16.Installingthecardreader
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware35
Page 48

7.Installthescrewtosecurethecardreaderbrackettothechassis.
Figure17.Installingthescrewthatsecuresthecardreader
8.PivottheopticaldrivebayupwardandconnectthecardreadercabletooneoftheUSBconnectorson
thesystemboard.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12
.
9.Reinstallthefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
Note:Youmighthavetoremovethecardreadercover
2fromthefrontbezel.Toremovethecardread
cover,pivotthetworetainingclips1thatsecurethecardreadercoveroutwardsandthencompletely
disengagethecardreadercoverfromthefrontbezel.
Figure18.Removingthecardreadercover
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
36ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 49

Replacingthecardreader
Toreplacethecardreader,dothefollowing:
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removethefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
4.Locatethecardreaderdrivebay.See“Locatinginternaldrives”onpage13.
5.PivottheopticaldrivebayupwardanddisconnectthecardreadercablefromtheUSBconnectoronthe
systemboard.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
6.Removethescrewthatsecuresthecardreaderbracket.Then,removethecardreaderbracketfrom
thechassis.
Figure19.Removingthescrewthatsecuresthecardreader
7.Removethetwoscrewsthatsecurethecardreadertoitsbracket.Thenremovethefailingcardreader
fromthebracket.
8.Installanewcardreaderintothebracketandinstallthetwoscrewstosecurethecardreadertothe
bracket.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware37
Page 50

9.Installthecardreaderbrackettothechassis.Thenpushthebrackettothelefttoalignthescrewholein
thebracketwiththecorrespondingholeinthechassis.
Figure20.Installingthecardreader
38ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 51

10.Installthescrewtosecurethecardreaderbrackettothechassis.
Figure21.Installingthescrewthatsecuresthecardreader
11.PivottheopticaldrivebayupwardandreconnectthecardreadercabletooneoftheUSBconnectors
onthesystemboard.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12
.
12.Reinstallthefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Replacingthebattery
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Yourcomputerhasaspecialtypeofmemorythatmaintainsthedate,time,andsettingsforbuilt-infeatures,
suchasparallel-portassignments(conguration).Abatterykeepsthisinformationactivewhenyouturn
offthecomputer.
Thebatterynormallyrequiresnochargingormaintenancethroughoutitslife;however,nobatterylasts
forever.Ifthebatteryfails,thedate,time,andcongurationinformation(includingpasswords)arelost.An
errormessageisdisplayedwhenyouturnonthecomputer.
Refertothe“Lithiumbatterynotice”intheThinkCentreSafetyandWarrantyGuideforinformationabout
replacinganddisposingofthebattery.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware39
Page 52

Toreplacethebattery,dothefollowing:
1.Turnoffthecomputeranddisconnectallpowercordsfromelectricaloutlets.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Locatethebattery.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
4.Removetheoldbattery.
Figure22.Removingtheoldbattery
5.Installanewbattery.
Figure23.Installinganewbattery
6.Closethecomputercoverandconnectthecables.See“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Note:Whenthecomputeristurnedonforthersttimeafterreplacingthebattery,anerrormessage
mightbedisplayed.Thisisnormalafterreplacingthebattery.
7.Turnonthecomputerandallattacheddevices.
8.UsetheSetupUtilityprogramtosetthedate,time,andanypasswords.SeeChapter7“UsingtheSetup
Utilityprogram”onpage73
.
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Replacingtheharddiskdrive
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreplacetheharddiskdrive.
Toreplacetheharddiskdrive,dothefollowing:
1.Turnoffthecomputeranddisconnectallpowercordsfromelectricaloutlets.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Locatetheharddiskdrive.See“Locatingcomponents”onpage11.
40ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 53

4.Pullonthehandleoftheharddiskdrivebracketasshownandthenlifttheharddiskdrivebracket
upfromtheopticaldrivebay.
Figure24.Removingtheharddiskdrive
5.Disconnectthesignalcableandthepowercablefromtheharddiskdrivetocompletelyremovethehard
diskdrivefromthechassis.
6.Flextheretainingclipsasshowntoremovetheharddiskdrivefromthebracket.
Figure25.Removingtheharddiskdrivefromthebracket
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware41
Page 54

7.Toinstallanewharddiskdriveintothebracket,exthebracketandalignpin1,pin2,pin4,andpin
5onthebracketwiththecorrespondingholesintheharddiskdrive.
Important:Donottouchthecircuitboard
3onthebottomoftheharddiskdrive.
8.Connectthesignalcableandthepowercabletothenewharddiskdrive.
9.Insertthetworetainingclips1oftheharddiskdrivebracketintothecorrespondingholesintheside
oftheopticaldrivebay,andthenpivottheharddiskdriveandbracketdownwardsuntilthehard
diskdrivebracketsnapsintoposition.
Figure26.Installingtheharddiskdrive
42ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 55

Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Replacingtheopticaldrive
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreplacetheopticaldrive.
Toreplacetheopticaldrive,dothefollowing:
1.Turnoffthecomputeranddisconnectallpowercordsfromelectricaloutlets.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removethefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
4.Removetheharddiskdrive.See“Replacingtheharddiskdrive”onpage40.
5.Presstheblueretainingcliptopivottheopticaldrivebayupward.
Figure27.Pivotingtheopticaldrivebay
6.Disconnectthesignalcableandthepowercablefromtherearoftheopticaldrive.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware43
Page 56

7.Presstheopticaldrivelock1andslidetheopticaldriveoutoftherearofthedrivebayassembly.
Figure28.Removingtheoldopticaldrive
8.Installtheopticaldriveretaineronthesideofthenewopticaldrive.
Figure29.Installingtheopticaldriveretainer
44ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 57

9.Slidethenewopticaldriveintothedrivebayuntilitsnapsintoposition.
Figure30.Installinganewopticaldrive
10.Connectthesignalcableandthepowercabletotherearoftheopticaldrive.
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Replacingtheheatsinkandfanassembly
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreplacetheheatsinkandfanassembly.
CAUTION:
Theheatsinkandfanassemblymightbeveryhot.Turnoffthecomputerandwaitthreetove
minutestoletthecomputercoolbeforeremovingthecomputercover.
Toreplacetheheatsinkandfanassembly,dothefollowing:
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware45
Page 58

3.Disconnecttheheatsinkandfanassemblycablefromthemicroprocessorfanconnectoronthesystem
board.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
4.Followthissequencetoremovethefourscrewsthatsecuretheheatsinkandfanassemblytothe
systemboard:
a.Partiallyremovescrew1,thenfullyremovescrew2,andthenfullyremovescrew1.
b.Partiallyremovescrew3,thenfullyremovescrew4,andthenfullyremovescrew3.
Note:Carefullyremovethefourscrewsfromthesystemboardtoavoidanypossibledamagetothe
systemboard.Thefourscrewscannotberemovedfromtheheatsinkandfanassembly.
Figure31.Screwsthatsecuretheheatsinkandfanassembly
5.Lifttheheatsinkandfanassemblywiththefanductoffthesystemboard.
Notes:
a.Youmighthavetogentlytwisttheheatsinkandfanassemblytofreeitfromthemicroprocessor.
b.Whenhandlingtheheatsinkandfanassembly,donottouchthethermalgreaseonthebottom
oftheheatsinkandfanassembly.
46ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 59

6.Removethetwoscrewsthatsecuretheheatsinkfanduct.Thenremovetheheatsinkfanductfrom
thefailingheatsinkandfanassembly.
Figure32.Removingtheheatsinkfanduct
7.Placethenewheatsinkandfanassemblyonthesystemboardsothatthefourscrewsarealigned
withthecorrespondingholesinthesystemboard.Makesurethatyouproperlyplacethenewheat
sinkandfanassemblysothatyoucaneasilyconnectthenewheatsinkandfanassemblycabletothe
microprocessorfanconnectoronthesystemboard.
8.Followthissequencetoinstallthefourscrewstosecurethenewheatsinkandfanassembly,asshown
inFigure31“Screwsthatsecuretheheatsinkandfanassembly”onpage46:
a.Partiallytightenscrew1,thenfullytightenscrew2,andthenfullytightenscrew1.
b.Partiallytightenscrew3,thenfullytightenscrew4,andthenfullytightenscrew3.
9.Connectthenewheatsinkandfanassemblycabletothemicroprocessorfanconnectoronthesystem
board.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware47
Page 60

10.Lowerandpositiontheheatsinkfanductonthetopoftheheatsinkandfanassemblyuntilthetwo
screwholesintheheatsinkfanductarealignedwiththoseintheheatsinkandfanassembly.Install
thetwoscrewstosecuretheheatsinkfanduct.
Figure33.Installingtheheatsinkfanduct
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletethereplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Replacingthepowersupplyassembly
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreplacethepowersupplyassembly.
Althoughtherearenomovingpartsinyourcomputerafterthepowercordhasbeendisconnected,the
followingwarningsarerequiredforyoursafetyandproperUnderwritersLaboratories(UL)certication.
CAUTION:
48ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 61

Hazardousmovingparts.Keepngersandotherbodypartsaway.
CAUTION:
Neverremovethecoveronapowersupplyoranypartthathasthefollowinglabelattached.
Hazardousvoltage,current,andenergylevelsarepresentinsideanycomponentthathasthislabel
attached.Therearenoserviceablepartsinsidethesecomponents.Ifyoususpectaproblemwith
oneoftheseparts,contactaservicetechnician.
Toreplacethepowersupplyassembly,dothefollowing:
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removethefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
4.Removetheharddiskdrive.See“Replacingtheharddiskdrive”onpage40.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware49
Page 62

5.Removethetwoscrewsthatsecuretheheatsinkfanduct,andthenlifttheheatsinkfanductoutof
thechassis.
Figure34.Removingtheheatsinkfanduct
50ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 63

6.Pivottheopticaldriveupwardanddisconnectthepowersupplyassemblycablesfromalldrivesand
frompowerconnectors1and2onthesystemboard.
Figure35.Powerconnectorsonthesystemboard
Note:Youmightalsoneedtoreleasethepowersupplyassemblycablesfromsomecableclipsorties
thatsecurethecablestothechassis.Makesurethatyounotethecableroutingbeforedisconnecting
thecables.
7.Attherearofthecomputer,removethethreescrewsthatsecurethepowersupplyassembly.Pressthe
powersupplyclip1downwardtoreleasethepowersupplyassemblyandthenslidethepowersupply
assemblytothefrontofthecomputer.Liftthepowersupplyassemblyoutofthecomputer.
Figure36.Removingthepowersupplyassembly
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware51
Page 64

8.Makesurethatthenewpowersupplyassemblyisthecorrectreplacement.
9.Installthenewpowersupplyassemblyintothechassissothatthescrewholesinthenewpowersupply
assemblyarealignedwiththecorrespondingholesintherearofthechassis.Then,installthethree
screwstosecurethenewpowersupplyassemblyinplace.
Note:UseonlyscrewsprovidedbyLenovo.
Figure37.Installingthepowersupplyassembly
10.Connectthenewpowersupplyassemblycablestoalldrivesandthesystemboard.See“Locating
partsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
52ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 65

11.Lowerandpositiontheheatsinkfanductonthetopoftheheatsinkandfanassemblyuntilthetwo
screwholesintheheatsinkfanductarealignedwiththoseintheheatsinkandfanassembly.Install
thetwoscrewstosecuretheheatsinkfanduct.
Figure38.Installingtheheatsinkfanduct
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletethereplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Replacingthemicroprocessor
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreplacethemicroprocessor.
CAUTION:
Theheatsinkandmicroprocessormightbeveryhot.T urnoffthecomputerandwaitthreetove
minutestoletthecomputercoolbeforeremovingthecomputercover.
Toreplacethemicroprocessor,dothefollowing:
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware53
Page 66

3.Locatethesystemboardanddisconnectallcablesconnectedtothesystemboard.See“Locating
partsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
4.Removetheheatsinkandfanassemblywiththefanduct.See“Replacingtheheatsinkandfan
assembly”onpage45.
Note:Donotletthethermalgreaseonthebottomoftheheatsinkandfanassemblygetincontact
withanything.
5.Liftthesmallhandle1toreleasethemicroprocessor2securedonthesystemboard.
Figure39.Accessingthemicroprocessor
6.Liftthemicroprocessorstraightupandoutofthemicroprocessorsocket.
Figure40.Removingthemicroprocessor
Notes:
a.Yourmicroprocessorandsocketmightlookdifferentfromtheoneillustrated.
54ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 67

b.Notetheorientationofthemicroprocessorinthesocket.Y oucanlookforthesmalltriangle1
ononecornerofthemicroprocessor.Thisisimportantwheninstallingthenewmicroprocessor
onthesystemboard.
c.Touchonlytheedgesofthemicroprocessor.Donottouchthegoldcontactsonthebottom.
d.Donotdropanythingontothemicroprocessorsocketwhileitisexposed.Thesocketpinsmustbe
keptascleanaspossible.
7.Makesurethatthesmallhandleisintheraisedposition.
8.Removetheprotectivecoverthatprotectsthegoldcontactsofthenewmicroprocessor.
9.Holdthenewmicroprocessorbyitssidesandalignthesmalltriangleononecornerofthenew
microprocessorwiththecorrespondingsmalltriangleononecornerofthemicroprocessorsocket.
10.Lowerthenewmicroprocessorstraightdownintothemicroprocessorsocketonthesystemboard.
11.Lowerthesmallhandletosecurethenewmicroprocessorinthesocket.
12.Reinstalltheheatsinkandfanassemblywiththefanductasshown.See“Replacingtheheatsinkand
fanassembly”onpage45.
Figure41.Reinstallingtheheatsinkandfanassemblywiththefanduct
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware55
Page 68

13.Reconnectallcablesthatweredisconnectedfromthesystemboard.
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletethereplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
ReplacingthefrontaudioandUSBassembly
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev
ThissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreplacethefrontaudioandUSBassembly.
ToreplacethefrontaudioandUSBassembly,dothefollowing:
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removethefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
4.PivottheopticaldrivebayupwardanddisconnectthefrontaudioandUSBassemblycablesfromthe
5.RemovethescrewthatsecuresthefrontaudioandUSBassemblybracket.Thenremovethefront
.
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
systemboardandnotethecablesrouting.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
audioandUSBassemblybracketfromthechassis.
Figure42.RemovingthefrontaudioandUSBassembly
56ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 69

6.RemovethetwoscrewsthatsecurethefrontaudioandUSBassemblytoitsbracket.Thenremovethe
failingfrontaudioandUSBassemblyfromthebracket.
7.InstallanewfrontaudioandUSBassemblyintothebracketandinstallthetwoscrewstosecurethe
frontaudioandUSBassemblytothebracket.
8.InstallthefrontaudioandUSBassemblybrackettothechassisandalignthescrewholeinthebracket
withthecorrespondingholeinthechassis.
9.InstallthescrewtosecurethefrontaudioandUSBassemblybrackettothechassis.
10.ReconnectthefrontUSBandfrontaudiocablestothesystemboard.See“Locatingpartsonthe
systemboard”onpage12.
11.Reinstallthefrontbezel.See“Removingandreinstallingthefrontbezel”onpage28.
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Replacingthesystemfan
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreplacethesystemfan.
.
Toreplacethesystemfan,dothefollowing:
1.Turnoffthecomputeranddisconnectallpowercordsfromelectricaloutlets.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removetheharddiskdrive.See“Replacingtheharddiskdrive”onpage40.
4.Locatethesystemfan.See“Locatingcomponents”onpage11.
5.Disconnectthesystemfancablefromthesystemfanconnectoronthesystemboard.See“Locating
partsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware57
Page 70

6.Thesystemfanisattachedtothechassisbyfourrubbermounts.Removethesystemfanbycutting
therubbermountsandliftingthesystemfanoutofthechassis.
Note:Thenewsystemfanwillhavefournewrubbermountsattached.
Figure43.Removingthesystemfan
7.Installthenewsystemfanbyaligningthenewrubbermountsthatcamewiththenewsystemfanwiththe
correspondingholesinthechassis,andthenpushtherubbermountsthroughtheholes.Then,carefully
pullonthetipsoftherubbermountsfromthebottomuntilthenewsystemfanissecuredinplace.
Figure44.Installingthesystemfan
8.Connectthenewsystemfancabletothesystemfanconnectoronthesystemboard.See“Locating
partsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
9.Reinstalltheharddiskdrive.See“Replacingtheharddiskdrive”onpage40.
58ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 71

Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Replacingtheinternalspeaker
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreplacetheinternalspeaker.
Note:Theinternalspeakerisonlyavailableinsomemodels.
Toreplacetheinternalspeaker,dothefollowing:
1.Turnoffthecomputeranddisconnectallpowercordsfromelectricaloutlets.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.Removethefrontbezelbyreleasingthethreeplastictabsandpivotingthefrontbezeloutward.
Figure45.Removingthefrontbezel
4.Removetheharddiskdrive.See“Replacingtheharddiskdrive”onpage40.
5.Locatethecoverpresenceswitch(intrusionswitch)andtheinternalspeaker.See“Locating
components”onpage11.
6.Disconnecttheinternalspeakercablefromtheinternalspeakerconnectoronthesystemboard.See
“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”onpage12.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware59
Page 72

7.Removethescrewthatsecuresthecoverpresenceswitchandremovethecoverpresenceswitch
fromthechassis.
Figure46.Removingthecoverpresenceswitch
60ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 73

8.Pushtheinternalspeakeroutwardthroughthehole1todisengageitfromthetwometaltabsonthe
chassis.Then,slidetheinternalspeakertotherighttoremoveitfromthechassis.
Figure47.Removingtheinternalspeaker
9.Alignthenewinternalspeakerwiththetwometalclipsonthechassis,andthenslidethespeaker
asshownuntilitsnapsintoposition.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware61
Page 74

Figure48.Installingthenewinternalspeaker
10.Reconnecttheinternalspeakercabletothesystemboard.See“Locatingpartsonthesystemboard”
onpage12.
11.Positionthecoverpresenceswitchsothatthescrewholeinthecoverpresenceswitchisalignedwith
thecorrespondingholeinthechassis.
62ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 75

12.Installthescrewtosecurethecoverpresenceswitchtothechassis.
Figure49.Reinstallingthecoverpresenceswitch
13.Toreinstallthefrontbezel,alignthethreetabsonthefrontbezelwiththecorrespondingholesinthe
chassisandpivotthefrontbezelinwardsuntilitsnapsintoposition.
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64
Replacingthekeyboardormouse
Attention:
Donotopenyourcomputerorattemptanyrepairbeforereadingandunderstandingthe“Importantsafetyinformation”
onpagev.
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreplacethekeyboardormouse.
Toreplacethekeyboardormouse,dothefollowing:
1.Disconnecttheoldkeyboardcableormousecablefromthecomputer.
Chapter5.Installingorreplacinghardware63
.
Page 76

2.ConnectanewkeyboardormousetooneoftheUSBconnectorsonthecomputer.Dependingonwhere
youwanttoconnectthenewkeyboardormouse,see“Locatingconnectors,controls,andindicatorson
thefrontofyourcomputer”onpage8or“Locatingconnectorsontherearofyourcomputer”onpage9.
Figure50.Connectinganewkeyboardormouse
Whattodonext:
•Toworkwithanotherpieceofhardware,gototheappropriatesection.
•Tocompletetheinstallationorreplacement,goto“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
Completingthepartsreplacement
Aftercompletingtheinstallationorreplacementforallparts,youneedtoclosethecomputercoverand
reconnectcables.Dependingonthepartsyouinstalledorreplaced,youmightneedtoconrmtheupdated
informationintheSetupUtilityprogram.RefertoChapter7“UsingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.
Toclosethecomputercoverandreconnectcablestoyourcomputer,dothefollowing:
1.Makesurethatallcomponentshavebeenreassembledcorrectlyandthatnotoolsorloosescrews
areleftinsideyourcomputer.See“Locatingcomponents”onpage11forthelocationsofvarious
componentsinyourcomputer.
2.Ifyouhaveremovedthefrontbezel,reinstallit.Toreinstallthefrontbezel,alignthethreetabson
thefrontbezelwiththecorrespondingholesinthechassisandpivotthefrontbezelinwardsuntil
itsnapsintoposition.
3.Makesurethatthecablesareroutedcorrectly.Keepcablesclearofthehingesandsidesofthe
computerchassistoavoidinterferencewithclosingthecomputercover.
4.Lowertheopticaldrivebay.
5.Closethecomputercover.
6.Ifthereisanintegratedcablelockavailable,lockthecomputer.
7.Reconnecttheexternalcablesandpowercordstothecomputer.See“Locatingconnectorsontherear
ofyourcomputer”onpage9
8.Toupdateyourconguration,seeChapter7“UsingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.
Note:Inmostareasoftheworld,LenovorequiresthereturnofthedefectiveCustomerReplaceableUnit
(CRU).InformationaboutthiswillcomewiththeCRUorwillcomeafewdaysaftertheCRUarrives.
.
Obtainingdevicedrivers
Youcanobtaindevicedriversforoperatingsystemsthatarenotpreinstalledat
http://www.lenovo.com/support.Installationinstructionsareprovidedinreadmeleswiththedevice-driver
les.
64ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 77

Chapter6.Recoveryinformation
ThischapterprovidesinformationabouttherecoverysolutionsprovidedbyLenovo.
Thischaptercontainsthefollowingtopics:
•Creatingandusingrecoverymedia
•Performingbackupandrecoveryoperations
•UsingtheRescueandRecoveryworkspace
•Creatingandusingarescuemedium
•Installingorreinstallingdevicedrivers
•Solvingrecoveryproblems
Notes:
1.TherecoveryinformationinthischapteronlyappliestothecomputersthathavetheRescueand
RecoveryprogramortheProductRecoveryprograminstalled.IftheEnhancedBackupandRestore
iconintheLenovoThinkVantageToolsprogramisdimmed,itindicatesthatyouneedtoinstall
theRescueandRecoveryprogrammanuallybeforeenablingitsfeatures.T oinstalltheRescueand
Recoveryprogram,dothefollowing:
a.ClickStart➙AllPrograms➙LenovoThinkVantageT ools,anddouble-clickEnhancedBackup
andRestore.
b.Followtheinstructionsonthescreen.
c.Whentheinstallationprocesscompletes,theEnhancedBackupandRestoreiconisactivated.
2.Thereareavarietyofmethodstochoosefromwhenconsideringhowtorecoverintheeventofa
software-orhardware-relatedproblem.Somemethodsvarydependingonthetypeofoperatingsystem
thatisinstalled.
3.Theproductontherecoverymediamaybeusedonlyforthefollowingpurposes:
•Restoretheproductpreinstalledonyourcomputer
•Reinstalltheproduct
•ModifytheproductusingtheAdditionalFiles
Creatingandusingrecoverymedia
Youcanuserecoverymediatorestoretheharddiskdrivetothefactorydefaultstate.Recoverymediaare
usefulifyoutransferthecomputertoanotherarea,sellthecomputer,recyclethecomputer,orputthe
computerinanoperationalstateafterallothermethodsofrecoveryhavefailed.Asaprecautionarymeasure,
itisimportanttocreaterecoverymediaasearlyaspossible.
Note:Therecoveryoperationsyoucanperformusingrecoverymediavarydependingontheoperating
systemfromwhichtherecoverymediawerecreated.Therecoverymediamightcontainabootmedium
andadatamedium.YourMicrosoftWindowslicensepermitsyoutocreateonlyonedatamedium,soitis
importantthatyoustoretherecoverymediainasafeplaceafteryouhavemadethem.
Creatingrecoverymedia
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtocreaterecoverymedia.
Note:OntheWindows7operatingsystem,youcancreaterecoverymediausingdiscsorexternalUSB
storagedevices.
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
65
Page 78

TocreaterecoverymediaontheWindows7operatingsystem,clickStart➙AllPrograms➙Lenovo
ThinkVantageTools➙FactoryRecoveryDisks.Then,followtheinstructionsonthescreen.
Usingrecoverymedia
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtouserecoverymedia.
OntheWindows7operatingsystem,youcanuserecoverymediatorestorethecontentsoftheharddisk
drivetothefactorydefaultstate.Also,youcanuserecoverymediatoputthecomputerinanoperational
stateafterallothermethodsofharddiskdriverecoveryhavefailed.
Attention:Whenyouuserecoverymediatorestorethecontentsoftheharddisktothefactorydefaultstate,
allthelescurrentlyontheharddiskdrivewillbedeletedandreplacedbythefactorydefaultles.
TouserecoverymediaontheWindows7operatingsystem,dothefollowing:
1.Dependingonthetypeofyourrecoverymedia,connectthebootmedium(memorykeyorotherUSB
storagedevice)tothecomputer,orinsertthebootdiscintotheopticaldrive.
2.RepeatedlypressandreleasetheF12keywhenturningonthecomputer.WhenthePleaseselect
bootdevicewindowopens,releasetheF12key.
3.SelectthedesiredstartupdeviceandpressEnter.Therestoreprocessbegins.
4.Followtheinstructionsonthescreentocompletetheoperation.
Note:Afterrestoringyourcomputerharddiskdrivetothefactorydefaultstate,youmighthavetoreinstall
devicedriversforsomedevices.See“Reinstallingdevicedrivers”onpage70.
Performingbackupandrecoveryoperations
TheRescueandRecoveryprogramenablesyoutobackupallyourharddiskdrivecontentsincludingthe
operatingsystem,datales,softwareprograms,andpersonalsettings.Youcandesignatewherethe
RescueandRecoveryprogramstoresthebackup:
•Inaprotectedareaofyourharddiskdrive
•Onthesecondaryharddiskdriveifasecondaryharddiskdriveisinstalledinyourcomputer
•OnanattachedexternalUSBharddiskdrive
•Onanetworkdrive
•Onrecordablediscs(arecordableopticaldriveisrequiredforthisoption)
Afteryouhavebackedupthecontentsoftheharddiskdrive,youcanrestorethecompletecontentsofthe
harddiskdrive,restoreselectedlesonly,orrestoretheWindowsoperatingsystemandapplicationsonly
whilekeepingtheotherdataonyourharddiskdrive.
Performingabackupoperation
ThissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoperformabackupoperationusingtheRescueandRecovery
program.
ToperformabackupoperationusingtheRescueandRecoveryprogramontheWindows7operating
system,dothefollowing:
1.FromtheWindowsdesktop,clickStart➙AllPrograms➙LenovoThinkVantageTools➙Enhanced
BackupandRestore.TheRescueandRecoveryprogramopens.
2.IntheRescueandRecoverymainwindow,clicktheLaunchadvancedRescueandRecoveryarrow.
66ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 79

3.ClickBackupyourharddriveandselectbackupoperationoptions.Then,followtheinstructionson
thescreentocompletethebackupoperation.
Performingarecoveryoperation
ThissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoperformarecoveryoperationusingtheRescueandRecovery
program.
ToperformarecoveryoperationusingtheRescueandRecoveryprogramontheWindows7operating
system,dothefollowing:
1.FromtheWindowsdesktop,clickStart➙AllPrograms➙LenovoThinkVantageTools➙Enhanced
BackupandRestore.TheRescueandRecoveryprogramopens.
2.IntheRescueandRecoverymainwindow,clicktheLaunchadvancedRescueandRecoveryarrow.
3.ClicktheRestoreyoursystemfromabackupicon.
4.Followtheinstructionsonthescreentocompletetherecoveryoperation.
FormoreinformationaboutperformingarecoveryoperationfromtheRescueandRecoveryworkspace,see
“UsingtheRescueandRecoveryworkspace”onpage67.
UsingtheRescueandRecoveryworkspace
TheRescueandRecoveryworkspaceresidesinaprotected,hiddenareaofyourharddiskdrivethat
operatesindependentlyfromtheWindowsoperatingsystem.Thisenablesyoutoperformrecovery
operationsevenifyoucannotstarttheWindowsoperatingsystem.Youcanperformthefollowingrecovery
operationsfromtheRescueandRecoveryworkspace:
•Rescuelesfromyourharddiskdriveorfromabackup:TheRescueandRecoveryworkspaceenables
youtolocatelesonyourharddiskdriveandtransferthemtoanetworkdriveorotherrecordablemedia,
suchasaUSBdeviceoradisc.Thissolutionisavailableevenifyoudidnotbackupyourlesorif
changesweremadetothelessinceyourlastbackupoperation.Y oucanalsorescueindividuallesfrom
aRescueandRecoverybackuplocatedonyourlocalharddiskdrive,aUSBdevice,oranetworkdrive.
•RestoreyourharddiskdrivefromaRescueandRecoverybackup:Ifyouhavebackedupyourharddisk
driveusingtheRescueandRecoveryprogram,youcanrestoretheharddiskdrivefromaRescueand
Recoverybackup,evenifyoucannotstarttheWindowsoperatingsystem.
•Restoreyourharddiskdrivetothefactorydefaultstate:TheRescueandRecoveryworkspaceenables
youtorestorethecompletecontentsofyourharddiskdrivetothefactorydefaultstate.Ifyouhave
multiplepartitionsonyourharddiskdrive,youhavetheoptiontorestoretheC:partitionandleavethe
otherpartitionsintact.BecausetheRescueandRecoveryworkspaceoperatesindependentlyfrom
theWindowsoperatingsystem,youcanrestoretheharddiskdrivetothefactorydefaultstateevenif
youcannotstarttheWindowsoperatingsystem.
Attention:IfyourestoretheharddiskdrivefromaRescueandRecoverybackuporrestoretheharddisk
drivetothefactorydefaultsettings,alllesontheprimaryharddiskdrivepartition(usuallydriveC:)willbe
deletedintherecoveryprocess.Ifpossible,makecopiesofimportantles.Ifyouareunabletostartthe
Windowsoperatingsystem,youcanusetherescuelesfeatureoftheRescueandRecoveryworkspaceto
copylesfromyourharddiskdrivetoothermedia.
TostarttheRescueandRecoveryworkspace,dothefollowing:
1.Makesurethecomputeristurnedoff.
2.Turnonyourcomputer.Whenyouseethelogoscreen,pressEnter,andthenpressF11toenterthe
RescueandRecoveryworkspace.
3.IfyouhavesetaRescueandRecoverypassword,typeyourpasswordwhenprompted.TheRescue
andRecoveryworkspaceopensafterashortdelay.
Chapter6.Recoveryinformation67
Page 80

Note:IftheRescueandRecoveryworkspacefailstoopen,see“Solvingrecoveryproblems”onpage70.
4.Dooneofthefollowing:
•Torescuelesfromyourharddiskdrive,clickRescuelesandfollowtheinstructionsonthescreen.
•TorestoreyourharddiskdrivefromaRescueandRecoverybackuportorestoreyourharddiskdrive
tothefactorydefaultsettings,clickFullRestoreandfollowtheinstructionsonthescreen.
FormoreinformationaboutthefeaturesoftheRescueandRecoveryworkspace,clickHelp.
Note:Afterrestoringyourharddiskdrivetothefactorydefaultstate,youmighthavetoreinstalldevice
driversforsomedevices.See“Reinstallingdevicedrivers”onpage70.
Creatingandusingarescuemedium
Witharescuemedium,suchasadiscoraUSBharddiskdrive,youcanrecoverthecomputerfromfailures
thatpreventyoufromgainingaccesstotheRescueandRecoveryworkspaceonyourharddiskdrive.
Notes:
1.Therecoveryoperationsyoucanperformusingarescuemediumvarydependingontheoperating
system.
2.Therescuedisccanbestartedinalltypesofopticaldrives.
Creatingarescuemedium
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtocreatearescuemedium.
TocreatearescuemediumontheWindows7operatingsystem,dothefollowing:
1.FromtheWindowsdesktop,clickStart➙AllPrograms➙LenovoThinkVantageTools➙Enhanced
BackupandRestore.TheRescueandRecoveryprogramopens.
2.IntheRescueandRecoverymainwindow,clicktheLaunchadvancedRescueandRecoveryarrow.
3.ClicktheCreateRescueMediaicon.TheCreateRescueandRecoveryMediawindowopens.
4.IntheRescueMediaarea,selectthetypeoftherescuemediumyouwanttocreate.Y oucancreatea
rescuemediumusingadisc,aUSBharddiskdrive,orasecondaryinternalharddiskdrive.
5.ClickOKandfollowtheinstructionsonthescreentocreatearescuemedium.
Usingarescuemedium
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtousetherescuemediumyouhavecreated.
•Ifyouhavecreatedarescuemediumusingadisc,usethefollowinginstructionstousetherescuemedium:
1.Turnoffyourcomputer.
2.RepeatedlypressandreleasetheF12keywhenturningonthecomputer.WhenthePleaseselect
bootdevicewindowopens,releasetheF12key.
3.InthePleaseselectbootdevicewindow,selectthedesiredopticaldriveastherstbootdevice.
Then,inserttherescuediscintotheopticaldriveandpressEnter.Therescuemediumstarts.
•IfyouhavecreatedarescuemediumusingaUSBharddiskdrive,usethefollowinginstructionsto
usetherescuemedium:
1.AttachtheUSBharddiskdrivetooneoftheUSBconnectorsonyourcomputer.
2.RepeatedlypressandreleasetheF12keywhenturningonthecomputer.WhenthePleaseselect
bootdevicewindowopens,releasetheF12key.
68ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 81

3.InthePleaseselectbootdevicewindow,selecttheUSBharddiskdriveastherstbootdeviceand
pressEnter.Therescuemediumstarts.
Whentherescuemediumstarts,theRescueandRecoveryworkspaceopens.Thehelpinformationfor
eachfeatureisavailablefromtheRescueandRecoveryworkspace.Followtheinstructionstocomplete
therecoveryprocess.
Reinstallingpreinstalledapplicationsanddevicedrivers
Yourcomputerhasprovisionsthatenableyoutoreinstallselectedfactory-installedapplicationsanddevice
drivers.
Reinstallingpreinstalledapplications
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreinstallpreinstalledapplications.
ToreinstalltheselectedapplicationspreinstalledonyourLenovocomputer,dothefollowing:
1.Turnonthecomputer.
2.GototheC:\SWTOOL Sdirectory.
3.Opentheappsfolder.Withintheappsfolder,thereareseveralsubfoldersnamedforvariousapplications
installedinyourcomputer.
4.Opentheappropriateapplicationsubfolder.
5.Intheapplicationsubfolder,lookforaSETUP.EXEleorotherappropriateEXElesforsetup.
Double-clicktheleandfollowtheinstructionsonthescreentocompletetheinstallation.
Reinstallingpreinstalleddevicedrivers
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoreinstallpreinstalleddevicedrivers.
Attention:Whenyoureinstalldevicedrivers,youarechangingthecurrentcongurationofyourcomputer.
Reinstalldevicedriversonlywhenitisnecessarytocorrectaproblemwithyourcomputer.
Toreinstallthedevicedriverforafactory-installeddevice,dothefollowing:
1.Turnonthecomputer.
2.GototheC:\SWTOOL Sdirectory.
3.OpentheDRIVERSfolder.WithintheDRIVERSfolder,thereareseveralsubfoldersnamedforvarious
devicesinstalledinyourcomputer,suchasAUDIOorVIDEO.
4.Opentheappropriatedevicesubfolder.
5.Dooneofthefollowing:
•Inthedevicesubfolder,lookforaSETUP .exele.Double-clicktheleandfollowtheinstructionson
thescreentocompletetheinstallation.
•Inthedevicesubfolder,lookforaREADME.txtleoralewiththe.txtextension.Thislemightbe
namedaftertheoperatingsystem,suchasWIN98.txt.TheTXTlecontainsinformationabouthowto
installthedevicedriver.Followtheinstructionstocompletetheinstallation.
•Ifthedevicesubfoldercontainsalewiththe.infextensionandyouwanttoinstallthedevice
driverusingtheINFle,refertoyourWindowsHelpandSupportinformationsystemfordetailed
informationabouthowtoinstallthedevicedriver.
Note:Ifyouneedupdateddevicedrivers,see“Gettingthelatestdevicedriversforyourcomputer”on
page81
formoreinformation.
Chapter6.Recoveryinformation69
Page 82

Reinstallingsoftwareprograms
Ifasoftwareprogramyouinstalledonyourcomputerisnotworkingcorrectly,youmightneedtoremove
andreinstallit.Reinstallingoverwritestheexistingprogramslesandusuallyxesanyproblemsthat
youmighthavehadwiththatprogram.
Toremoveaprograminyoursystem,seeMicrosoftWindowshelpsystemfordetailedinformation.
Toreinstalltheprogram,dooneofthefollowing:
Note:Themethodofreinstallingaprogramvariesfromprogramtoprogram.Refertothedocumentation
providedwiththeprogramtoseeifyourprogramhasspecialinstallationinstructions.
•Toreinstallmostcommerciallyavailableprogramsinyoursystem,seeMicrosoftWindowshelpsystem
formoreinformation.
•ToreinstallselectedapplicationprogramsthatcamepreinstalledfromLenovo,dothefollowing:
1.Turnonthecomputer.
2.GototheC:\SWTOOL Sdirectory.
3.OpentheAPPSfolder.WithintheAPPSfolder,thereareseveralsubfoldersnamedforvarious
applicationsinstalledinyourcomputer.
4.Opentheappropriateapplicationsubfolder.
5.Intheapplicationsubfolder,lookforaSETUP.EXEleorotherappropriateEXElesforsetup.
Double-clicktheleandfollowtheinstructionsonthescreentocompletetheinstallation.
Reinstallingdevicedrivers
Toreinstalladevicedriverforanoptionyouinstalled,refertothedocumentationthatcomeswiththeoption.
Whenyoureinstalldevicedrivers,youarechangingthecurrentcongurationofyourcomputer.Reinstall
devicedriversonlywhenitisnecessarytocorrectaproblemwithyourcomputer.
Formoreinformationaboutreinstallingdevicedriversthatcamewithyourcomputer,see“Reinstalling
preinstalledapplicationsanddevicedrivers”onpage69.
Solvingrecoveryproblems
IfyouareunabletoaccesstheRescueandRecoveryworkspaceortheWindowsenvironment,doone
ofthefollowing:
•UsearescuemediumtostarttheRescueandRecoveryworkspace.See“Creatingandusingarescue
medium”onpage68.
•Userecoverymediaifallothermethodsofrecoveryhavefailedandyouneedtorestoretheharddisk
drivetothefactorydefaultsettings.See“Creatingandusingrecoverymedia”onpage65.
Note:IfyouareunabletoaccesstheRescueandRecoveryworkspaceortheWindowsenvironmentfrom
arescuemediumorrecoverymedia,youmightnothavetherescuedevice(aninternalharddiskdrive,a
disc,aUSBharddiskdrive,orotherexternaldevices)setastherstbootdeviceinthestartupdevice
sequence.Y oumustrstmakesurethatyourrescuedeviceissetastherstbootdeviceinthestartup
devicesequenceintheSetupUtilityprogram.See“Selectingastartupdevice”onpage76fordetailed
informationabouttemporarilyorpermanentlychangingthestartupdevicesequence.Formoreinformation
abouttheSetupUtilityprogram,seeChapter7“UsingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.
70ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 83

Itisimportanttocreatearescuemediumandasetofrecoverymediaasearlyaspossibleandstorethem
inasafeplaceforfutureuse.
Chapter6.Recoveryinformation71
Page 84

72ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 85

Chapter7.UsingtheSetupUtilityprogram
TheSetupUtilityprogramisusedtoviewandchangethecongurationsettingsofyourcomputer,regardless
ofwhichoperatingsystemyouareusing.However,theoperatingsystemsettingsmightoverrideanysimilar
settingsintheSetupUtilityprogram.
StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram
TostarttheSetupUtilityprogram,dothefollowing:
1.Makesureyourcomputeristurnedoff.
2.RepeatedlypressandreleasetheF1keywhenturningonthecomputer.Whenyouhearmultiple
beepsorseealogoscreen,releasetheF1key.
Note:IfaPower-OnPasswordoranAdministratorPasswordhasbeenset,theSetupUtilityprogram
menuwillnotbedisplayeduntilyoutypethecorrectpassword.Formoreinformation,see“Using
passwords”onpage73
WhenthePOSTdetectsthattheharddiskdrivehasbeenremovedfromyourcomputerorthememory
modulesizehasdecreased,anerrormessagewillbedisplayedwhenyoustartthecomputerandyouwillbe
promptedtodooneofthefollowing:
•PressF1toentertheSetupUtilityprogram.
Note:AfteryouentertheSetupUtilityprogram,selectSaveChangesandExitatthebottomofthe
screen.Theerrormessagewillnotbedisplayedagain.
•PressF2tobypasstheerrormessageandlogintotheoperatingsystem.
.
Note:YouhavetoenablethecongurationchangedetectionfeatureforthePOSTtodetecttheremovalof
theharddiskdrive.Toenablethecongurationchangedetectionfeature,dothefollowing:
1.StarttheSetupUtilityprogram.
2.FromtheSetupUtilityprogrammainmenu,selectSecurity➙CongurationChangeDetection,
andpressEnter.
3.SelectEnabledandpressEnter.
4.PressF10tosavechangesandexittheSetupUtilityprogram.PressEnterwhenpromptedtoconrm
theexit.
Viewingandchangingsettings
TheSetupUtilityprogrammenulistsvariousitemsaboutthesystemconguration.Tovieworchange
settings,starttheSetupUtilityprogram.See“StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.Then,follow
theinstructionsonthescreen.
YoucanuseeitherthekeyboardorthemousetonavigatethroughBIOSmenuchoices.Thekeysusedto
performvarioustasksaredisplayedatthebottomofeachscreen.
Usingpasswords
ByusingtheSetupUtilityprogram,youcansetpasswordstopreventunauthorizedaccesstoyourcomputer
anddata.Thefollowingtypesofpasswordsareavailable:
•Power-OnPassword
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
73
Page 86

•AdministratorPassword
•HardDiskPassword
Youdonothavetosetanypasswordstouseyourcomputer.However,usingpasswordsimproves
computingsecurity.Ifyoudecidetosetanypasswords,readthefollowingsections.
Passwordconsiderations
Apasswordcanbeanycombinationofupto64alphabeticandnumericcharacters.Forsecurityreasons,it
isrecommendedtouseastrongpasswordthatcannotbeeasilycompromised.T osetastrongpassword,
usethefollowingguidelines:
•Haveatleasteightcharactersinlength
•Containatleastonealphabeticcharacterandonenumericcharacter
•SetupUtilityprogramandharddiskdrivepasswordsarenotcasesensitive
•Notbeyournameoryourusername
•Notbeacommonwordoracommonname
•Besignicantlydifferentfromyourpreviouspasswords
Power-OnPassword
WhenaPower-OnPasswordisset,youarepromptedtotypeavalidpasswordeachtimethecomputeris
turnedon.Thecomputercannotbeuseduntilthevalidpasswordistypedin.
AdministratorPassword
SettinganAdministratorPassworddetersunauthorizedusersfromchangingcongurationsettings.Ifyou
areresponsibleformaintainingthecongurationsettingsofseveralcomputers,youmightwanttosetan
AdministratorPassword.
WhenanAdministratorPasswordisset,youarepromptedtotypeavalidpasswordeachtimeyoutryto
accesstheSetupUtilityprogram.TheSetupUtilityprogramcannotbeaccesseduntilavalidpassword
istypedin.
IfboththePower-OnPasswordandAdministratorPasswordareset,youcantypeeitherpassword.However,
youmustuseyourAdministratorPasswordtochangeanycongurationsettings.
HardDiskPassword
SettingaHardDiskPasswordpreventsunauthorizedaccesstothedataontheharddiskdrive.Whena
HardDiskPasswordisset,youarepromptedtotypeavalidpasswordeachtimeyoutrytoaccessthe
harddiskdrive.
Notes:
•AfteryousetaHardDiskPassword,yourdataontheharddiskdriveisprotectedeveniftheharddisk
driveisremovedfromonecomputerandinstalledinanother.
•IftheHardDiskPasswordisforgotten,thereisnowaytoresetthepasswordorrecoverdatafromthe
harddiskdrive.
Setting,changing,anddeletingapassword
Toset,change,ordeleteapassword,dothefollowing:
1.StarttheSetupUtilityprogram.See“StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.
74ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 87

2.FromtheSetupUtilityprogrammainmenu,selectSecurity.
3.Dependingonthepasswordtype,selectSetPower-OnPassword,SetAdministratorPassword,or
HardDiskPassword.
4.Followtheinstructionsontherightsideofthescreentoset,change,ordeleteapassword.
Note:Apasswordcanbeanycombinationofupto64alphabeticandnumericcharacters.Formore
information,see“Passwordconsiderations”onpage74
.
Erasinglostorforgottenpasswords(clearingCMOS)
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoeraselostorforgottenpasswords,suchasauserpassword.
Toerasealostorforgottenpassword,dothefollowing:
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.LocatetheClearCMOS/Recoveryjumperonthesystemboard.See“Locatingpartsonthesystem
board”onpage12.
4.Movethejumperfromthestandardposition(pin1andpin2)tothemaintenanceposition(pin2and
pin3).
5.Closethecomputercoverandconnectthepowercord.See“Completingthepartsreplacement”
onpage64
6.Turnonthecomputerandleaveitonforapproximately10seconds.Then,turnoffthecomputerby
holdingthepowerswitchforapproximatelyveseconds.
7.Repeatstep1throughstep2.
8.MovetheClearCMOS/Recoveryjumperbacktothestandardposition(pin1andpin2).
9.Closethecomputercoverandconnectthepowercord.See“Completingthepartsreplacement”
onpage64.
.
Enablingordisablingadevice
Thissectionprovidesinformationonhowtoenableordisableuseraccesstothefollowingdevices:
USBSetupUsethisoptiontoenableordisableaUSBconnector.WhenaUSBconnectoris
disabled,thedeviceconnectedtotheUSBconnectorcannotbeused.
SATAControllerWhenthisfeatureissettoDisable,alldevicesconnectedtotheSATAconnectors
(suchasharddiskdrivesortheopticaldrive)aredisabledandcannotbeaccessed.
Toenableordisableadevice,dothefollowing:
1.StarttheSetupUtilityprogram.See“StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.
2.FromtheSetupUtilityprogrammainmenu,selectDevices.
3.Dependingonthedeviceyouwanttoenableordisable,dooneofthefollowing:
•SelectUSBSetuptoenableordisableaUSBdevice.
•SelectATADriveSetuptoenableordisableaninternalSATAdevice.
4.SelectthedesiredsettingsandpressEnter.
5.PressF10tosavechangesandexittheSetupUtilityprogram.See“ExitingtheSetupUtilityprogram”
onpage77.
Chapter7.UsingtheSetupUtilityprogram75
Page 88

Selectingastartupdevice
Ifyourcomputerdoesnotstartupfromadevicesuchasthediscorharddiskdriveasexpected,dooneof
thefollowingtoselectthestartupdeviceyouwant.
Selectingatemporarystartupdevice
Usethisproceduretoselectatemporarystartupdevice.
Note:Notalldiscsandharddiskdrivesarebootable.
1.Turnoffyourcomputer.
2.RepeatedlypressandreleasetheF12keywhenturningonthecomputer.WhentheStartupDevice
Menuwindowdisplays,releasetheF12key.
3.SelectthedesiredstartupdeviceandpressEnter.Thecomputerwillstartupfromthedeviceyou
selected.
Note:SelectingastartupdevicefromtheStartupDeviceMenuwindowdoesnotpermanentlychange
thestartupsequence.
Selectingorchangingthestartupdevicesequence
Tovieworpermanentlychangetheconguredstartupdevicesequence,dothefollowing:
1.StarttheSetupUtilityprogram.See“StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.
2.FromtheSetupUtilityprogrammainmenu,selectStartup.
3.SelectthedevicesforthePrimaryBootSequence,theAutomaticBootSequence,andtheErrorBoot
Sequence.Readtheinformationdisplayedontherightsideofthescreen.
4.PressF10tosavechangesandexittheSetupUtilityprogram.See“ExitingtheSetupUtilityprogram”
onpage77.
EnablingErPcompliancemode
Youcanenabletheenergy-relatedproductsdirective(ErP)compliancemodethroughthePowermenuinthe
SetupUtilityprogramtoreducetheconsumptionofelectricitywhenyourcomputerisinstandbyoroffmode.
ToenableErPcompliancemodeintheSetupUtilityprogram,dothefollowing:
1.StarttheSetupUtilityprogram.See“StartingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73.
2.FromtheSetupUtilityprogrammainmenu,selectPower➙EnhancedPowerSavingMode,and
pressEnter.
3.SelectEnabledandpressEnter.
4.FromthePowermenu,selectAutomaticPowerOnandpressEnter.
5.SelectWakeonLanandpressEnter.
6.SelectDisabledandpressEnter.
7.PressF10tosavechangesandexittheSetupUtilityprogram.PressEnterwhenpromptedtoconrm
theexit.
Note:WhenErPcompliancemodeisenabled,youcanwakeupyourcomputerbydoingoneofthefollowing:
•Pressingthepowerswitch
•Enablingthewakeuponalarmfeature
Thewakeuponalarmfeatureenablesyourcomputertowakeupatasettime.Toenablethewake
uponalarmfeature,dothefollowing:
76ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 89

1.StarttheSetupUtilityprogram.
2.FromtheSetupUtilityprogrammainmenu,selectPower➙AutomaticPowerOn,andpressEnter.
3.SelectWakeUponAlarmandpressEnter.Thenfollowtheinstructionsonthescreen.
4.PressF10tosavechangesandexittheSetupUtilityprogram.PressEnterwhenpromptedto
conrmtheexit.
•Enablingtheafterpowerlossfeature
Theafterpowerlossfeatureenablesyourcomputertowakeupwhenthepowersupplyresumesaftera
suddenlossofelectricity.Toenabletheafterpowerlossfeature,dothefollowing:
1.StarttheSetupUtilityprogram.
2.FromtheSetupUtilityprogrammainmenu,selectPower➙AfterPowerLoss,andpressEnter.
3.SelectPowerOnandpressEnter.
4.PressF10tosavechangesandexittheSetupUtilityprogram.PressEnterwhenpromptedto
conrmtheexit.
ExitingtheSetupUtilityprogram
Afteryounishviewingorchangingsettings,pressEsctoreturntotheSetupUtilityprogrammainmenu.
YoumighthavetopressEscseveraltimes.Dooneofthefollowing:
•Ifyouwanttosavethenewsettings,pressF10tosavechangesandexittheSetupUtilityprogram.
•Ifyoudonotwanttosavethesettings,selectExit➙DiscardChangesandExit,andthenpressEnter.
WhentheResetWithoutSavingwindowshows,selectYes,andthenpressEntertoexittheSetup
Utilityprogram.
•Ifyouwanttoreturntothedefaultsettings,pressF9toloadthedefaultsettings,andthenpressF10to
saveandexittheSetupUtilityprogram.
Chapter7.UsingtheSetupUtilityprogram77
Page 90

78ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 91

Chapter8.Updatingsystemprograms
ThischapterprovidesinformationaboutupdatingthePOSTandBIOS,andhowtorecoverfromaPOST
andBIOSupdatefailure.
Usingsystemprograms
Systemprogramsarethebasiclayerofsoftwarebuiltintoyourcomputer.Systemprogramsincludethe
POST,theBIOS,andtheSetupUtilityprogram.ThePOSTisasetoftestsandproceduresthatare
performedeachtimeyouturnonyourcomputer.TheBIOSisalayerofsoftwarethattranslatesinstructions
fromotherlayersofsoftwareintoelectricalsignalsthatthecomputerhardwarecanexecute.Youcanuse
theSetupUtilityprogramtovieworchangethecongurationsettingsofyourcomputer.SeeChapter7
“UsingtheSetupUtilityprogram”onpage73
Yourcomputersystemboardhasamodulecalledelectricallyerasableprogrammableread-onlymemory
(EEPROM,alsoreferredtoasashmemory).Y oucaneasilyupdatethePOST,theBIOS,andtheSetup
Utilityprogrambystartingyourcomputerwithasystem-program-updatediscorrunningaspecialupdate
programfromyouroperatingsystem.
LenovomightmakechangesandenhancementstothePOSTandBIOS.Whenupdatesarereleased,they
areavailableasdownloadablelesontheLenovoWebsiteathttp://www.lenovo.com.Instructionsforusing
thePOSTandBIOSupdatesareavailableinaTXTlethatisincludedwiththeupdateles.Formost
models,youcandownloadeitheranupdateprogramtocreateasystem-program-updatediscoranupdate
programthatcanberunfromtheoperatingsystem.
fordetailedinformation.
Updating(ashing)theBIOSfromadisc
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtoupdate(ash)theBIOSfromadisc.
Note:Y oucandownloadaself-startingbootablediscimage(knownasanISOimage)withthesystem
programupdatestocreateasystem-program-updatedisc.Goto:
http://www.lenovo.com/support
Toupdate(ash)theBIOSfromadisc,dothefollowing:
1.Turnoffyourcomputer.
2.RepeatedlypressandreleasetheF12keywhenturningonthecomputer.WhentheStartupDevice
Menuwindowopens,releasetheF12key.
3.FromtheStartupDeviceMenuwindow,selectthedesiredopticaldriveasthestartupdevice.Then,
insertthediscintothisopticaldriveandpressEnter.Theupdatebegins.
4.Whenpromptedtochangetheserialnumber,itissuggestedthatyoudonotmakethischangeby
pressingN.However,ifyoudowanttochangetheserialnumber,pressY,thentypeintheserialnumber
andpressEnter.
5.Whenpromptedtochangethemachinetypeandmodel,itissuggestedthatyoudonotmakethis
changebypressingN.However,ifyoudowanttochangethemachinetypeandmodel,pressY,then
typeinthemachinetypeandmodelandpressEnter.
6.Followtheinstructionsonthescreentocompletetheupdate.Aftertheupdateiscompleted,removethe
discfromtheopticaldrive.
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
79
Page 92

Updating(ashing)theBIOSfromyouroperatingsystem
Note:BecauseLenovomakesconstantimprovementstoitsWebsites,theWebpagecontentsaresubject
tochangewithoutnotice,includingthecontentsreferencedinthefollowingprocedure.
Toupdate(ash)theBIOSfromyouroperatingsystem,dothefollowing:
1.Gotohttp://www.lenovo.com/support.
2.Dothefollowingtolocatethedownloadablelesforyourmachinetype:
a.IntheEnteraproductnumbereld,typeyourmachinetypeandclickGo.
b.ClickDownloadsanddrivers.
c.SelectBIOSfromtheReneresultsdrop-downlistboxtoeasilylocatealltheBIOSrelatedlinks.
d.ClicktheBIOSupdatelink.
3.ClicktheTXTlethatcontainstheinstructionsforupdating(ashing)theBIOSfromyouroperating
system.
4.Printtheseinstructions.Thisisveryimportantbecausetheseinstructionswillnotbedisplayedon
thescreenafterthedownloadbegins.
5.Followtheprintedinstructionstodownload,extract,andinstalltheupdate.
RecoveringfromaPOST/BIOSupdatefailure
IfthepowertoyourcomputerisinterruptedwhilethePOSTandBIOSisbeingupdated,yourcomputer
mightnotrestartcorrectly.Ifthishappens,performthefollowingproceduretorecoverfromthePOSTand
BIOSupdatefailure.ThisprocedureiscommonlycalledBoot-blockRecovery.
1.Removeallmediafromthedrivesandturnoffallattacheddevicesandthecomputer.Then,disconnect
allpowercordsfromelectricaloutletsanddisconnectallcablesthatareconnectedtothecomputer.
2.Openthecomputercover.See“Openingthecomputercover”onpage28.
3.LocatetheClearCMOS/Recoveryjumperonthesystemboard.See“Locatingpartsonthesystem
board”onpage12.
4.RemoveanycablesthatimpedeaccesstotheClearCMOS/Recoveryjumper.
5.Movethejumperfromthestandardposition(pin1andpin2)tothemaintenanceposition(pin2and
pin3).
6.ReconnectanycablesthatweredisconnectedandreinstallthePCIcardifremoved.
7.Closethecomputercoverandreconnectthepowercordsforthecomputerandmonitortoelectrical
outlets.See“Completingthepartsreplacement”onpage64.
8.TurnonthecomputerandtheninsertthePOSTandBIOSupdate(ashupdate)discintotheoptical
drive.Waitafewminutes.Then,therecoverysessionbegins.Therecoverysessionwilltaketwoto
threeminutes.Duringthistime,awarningmessagewillbedisplayedandnoactionisneededfromyou.
9.Aftertherecoverysessioniscompleted,therewillbenovideo,andyourcomputerwillautomatically
turnoff.
10.Repeatstep1throughstep4.
11.MovetheClearCMOS/Recoveryjumperbacktothestandardposition(pin1andpin2).
12.ReconnectanycablesthatweredisconnectedandreinstallthePCIcardifremoved.
13.Closethecomputercoverandreconnectanycablesthatweredisconnected.
14.Turnonthecomputertorestarttheoperatingsystem.
80ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 93

Chapter9.Preventingproblems
Thischapterprovidesinformationthatcanhelpyouavoidcommonproblemsandkeepyourcomputer
runningsmoothly.
Keepingyourcomputercurrent
Insomesituationsyoumaynditnecessarytohavethemostcurrentsoftwareprograms,devicedrivers,or
operatingsystem.Thissectionexplainshowtogetthelatestupdatesforyourcomputer.
Selectanyofthefollowingtopics:
•“Gettingthelatestdevicedriversforyourcomputer”onpage81
•“Updatingyouroperatingsystem”onpage81
•“UsingSystemUpdate”onpage81
Gettingthelatestdevicedriversforyourcomputer
YoucandownloadandinstallupdateddevicedriversfromtheLenovoWebsitebydoingthefollowing:
Attention:DonotdownloadupdateddevicedriversfromtheWindowsUpdateWebsite.Thedevice
driversprovidedontheWindowsWebsitehavenotbeentestedbyLenovoandusingthemmightcause
unexpectedproblems.ObtainupdateddevicedriversfromLenovo.
1.Gotohttp://www.lenovo.com/support.
2.ClickDownload&Drivers.
3.Selectthemachinetypeofyourcomputerfromthemachinetypelist.
4.Clickthecategoryofdeviceforwhichyouneedthedevicedriver.
5.Clicktheappropriatedevicedriver.
6.Downloadandinstallthedevicedriver.
Updatingyouroperatingsystem
MicrosoftmakesupdatesavailableforthevariousWindowsoperatingsystemsthroughtheMicrosoft
WindowsUpdateWebsite.TheWebsiteautomaticallydetermineswhatWindowsupdatesareavailablefor
yourspeciccomputerandliststhoseupdatesonly.Updatescouldincludesecurityxes,newversionsof
Windowscomponents(suchasMediaPlayer),xestootherportionsoftheWindowsoperatingsystem,
orenhancements.
Attention:DonotdownloadupdateddevicedriversfromtheWindowsWebsite.Thedevicedrivers
providedontheWindowsWebsitehavenotbeentestedbyLenovoandusingthemmightcauseunexpected
problems.ObtainupdateddevicedriversfromLenovo.See“Gettingthelatestdevicedriversforyour
computer”onpage81
ToaccesstheMicrosoftWindowsUpdatesite,dothefollowing:
1.Gotohttp://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.
2.Followtheinstructionsonthescreen.
formoreinformation.
UsingSystemUpdate
TheSystemUpdateprogramhelpsyoukeepthesoftwareonyourcomputerup-to-date.Updatepackages
arestoredonLenovoserversandcanbedownloadedfromtheLenovoSupportWebsite.Updatepackages
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
81
Page 94

cancontainapplications,devicedrivers,BIOSashes,orsoftwareupdates.WhentheSystemUpdate
programconnectstotheLenovoSupportWebsite,theSystemUpdateprogramautomaticallyrecognizes
themachinetypeandmodelofyourcomputer,theinstalledoperatingsystem,andthelanguageofthe
operatingsystemtodeterminewhatupdatesareavailableforyourcomputer.TheSystemUpdateprogram
thendisplaysalistofupdatepackagesandcategorizeseachupdateascritical,recommended,and
optionaltohelpyouunderstandtheimportance.Y ouhavecompletecontrolofwhichupdatestodownload
andinstall.Afteryouselecttheupdatepackagesyouwant,theSystemUpdateprogramautomatically
downloadsandinstallstheupdateswithoutanyfurtherinterventionfromyou.
TheSystemUpdateprogramispreinstalledonmostLenovocomputersandisreadytorun.Theonly
prerequisiteisanactiveInternetconnection.Youcanstarttheprogrammanually,oryoucanusethe
schedulefeaturetoenabletheprogramtosearchforupdatesautomaticallyatspeciedintervals.Y oualso
canpredenescheduledupdatestosearchbyseverity(criticalupdates,criticalandrecommendedupdates,
orallupdates)sothelistyouchoosefromcontainsonlythoseupdatetypesthatareofinteresttoyou.
IftheSystemUpdateprogramcamewithyourcomputer,youcanopenitbycompletingthefollowing
procedure:
1.ClickStart➙LenovoThinkVantageTools.
2.Double-clickUpdateandDrivers.
IftheSystemUpdateprogramisnotcurrentlyinstalledonyourcomputer,youcandownloaditfromthe
LenovoSupportWebsiteathttp://www.lenovo.com/support.
Cleaningandmaintenance
Withappropriatecareandmaintenanceyourcomputerwillserveyoureliably.Thefollowingtopicsoffer
informationtohelpyoukeepyourcomputerintopworkingorder.
•“Basics”onpage82
•“Cleaningyourcomputer”onpage83
–“Computer”onpage83
–“Keyboard”onpage83
–“Opticalmouse”onpage83
–“Displayscreen”onpage83
•“Goodmaintenancepractices”onpage84
Basics
Herearesomebasicpointsaboutkeepingyourcomputerfunctioningproperly:
•Keepyourcomputerinaclean,dryenvironment.Makesureitrestsonaat,steadysurface.
•Donotplaceitemsontopofthemonitororcoveranyoftheventsinthemonitororcomputer.These
ventsprovideairowtokeepyourcomputerfromoverheating.
•Keepfoodanddrinksawayfromallpartsofyourcomputer.Foodparticlesandspillsmightmakethe
keyboardandmousestickandunusable.
•Donotgetthepowerswitchesorothercontrolswet.Moisturecandamagethesepartsandcausean
electricalhazard.
•Alwaysdisconnectapowercordbygraspingtheplug,butnotthecord.
82ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 95

Cleaningyourcomputer
Itisagoodpracticetocleanyourcomputerperiodicallytoprotectthesurfacesandensuretrouble-free
operation.
CAUTION:
Besuretoturnoffthecomputerandmonitorpowerswitchesbeforecleaningthecomputerand
monitorscreen.
Computer
Useonlymildcleaningsolutionsandadampclothtocleanthepaintedsurfacesofthecomputer.
Keyboard
Tocleanyourcomputerkeyboard,dothefollowing:
1.Applysomeisopropylrubbingalcoholtoasoft,dust-freecloth.
2.Wipeeachkeytopsurfacewiththecloth.Wipethekeysonebyone;ifyouwipeseveralkeysatatime,
theclothmayhookontoanadjacentkeyandpossiblydamageit.Makesurethatnoliquiddripsonto
orbetweenthekeys.
3.Toremoveanycrumbsordustfrombeneaththekeys,youcanuseacamerablowerwithabrush
orcoolairfromahairdryer.
Note:Avoidsprayingcleanerdirectlyontothedisplayorthekeyboard.
Opticalmouse
Thissectionprovidesinstructionsonhowtocleananopticalmouse.
Anopticalmouseusesalight-emittingdiode(LED)andanopticalsensortonavigatethepointer.Ifthe
pointeronthescreendoesnotmovesmoothlywiththeopticalmouse,youmightneedtocleanthemouse.
Tocleananopticalmouse,dothefollowing:
1.Turnoffyourcomputer.
2.Disconnectthemousecablefromthecomputer.
3.Turnthemouseupsidedowntocheckthelens.
a.Ifthereisasmudgeonthelens,gentlycleantheareawithaplaincotton-tippedswab.
b.Ifthereisdebrisinthelens,gentlyblowthedebrisawayfromthearea.
4.Checkthesurfaceonwhichyouareusingthemouse.Ifyouhaveaveryintricatepictureorpattern
beneaththemouse,itmaybedifcultforthedigitalsignalprocessor(DSP)todeterminechanges
inthemouseposition.
5.Reconnectthemousecabletothecomputer.
6.Turnyourcomputerbackon.
Displayscreen
Dustbuildupcompoundsproblemsassociatedwithglare.Remembertocleanyourmonitorscreen
periodically.See“Cleaningaat-panelmonitorsurface”onpage83or“Cleaningaglass-screensurface”
onpage84.
Cleaningaat-panelmonitorsurface
Ifyouhaveaat-panelcomputerdisplaythathasaexiblelmsurface,dothefollowingtocleanthespecial
surface.Wipeitgentlywithasoft,drycloth,orblowonthescreentoremovegritandotherlooseparticles.
ThenmoistenaclothwithLCDcleanerandwipethescreensurface.
Chapter9.Preventingproblems83
Page 96

Manycomputersupplystorescarrythespecialcleaninguidsfordisplays.Usecleaninguidsdevelopedfor
LCDdisplaysonly.Firstapplytheuidtoalint-free,softcloth,thencleantheLCDdisplay.Somecomputer
supplystorescarrypre-moistenedtowelettesforLCDmaintenance.
Cleaningaglass-screensurface
Tocleanaglass-screensurface,wipeitgentlywithasoft,drycloth,orblowonthescreentoremovegritand
otherlooseparticles.Thenuseasoftclothmoistenedwithanonabrasiveliquidglasscleaner.
Goodmaintenancepractices
Byperformingafewgoodmaintenancepractices,youcanmaintaingoodcomputerperformance,protect
yourdata,andbepreparedincaseofacomputerfailure.
•Emptyyourrecyclebinonaregularbasis.
•RuntheWindowsDiskDefragmenterprogramoccasionallytopreventperformanceproblemscausedby
anexcessivenumberoffragmentedles.
•CleanoutyourInbox,SentItems,andDeletedItemsfoldersinyoure-mailapplicationonaregularbasis.
•Makebackupcopiesofcriticaldataonremovablemediamemoryatregularintervalsandstorethe
removablemediainasafelocation.Thefrequencyofmakingbackupcopiesdependsonhowcriticalthe
dataistoyouoryourbusiness.Lenovomakesanumberofremovable-mediastoragedevicesavailable
asoptions,suchasCD-RWdrivesandrecordableDVDdrives.
•Backupyourentireharddiskdriveonaregularbasis.
•Keepyourcomputersoftwareup-to-date.See“Keepingyourcomputercurrent”onpage81
information.
•Keepalogbook.Entriesmightincludemajorsoftwareorhardwarechanges,device-driverupdates,
intermittentproblemsandwhatyoudidtoresolvethem,andanyminorissuesyoumighthave
experienced.AlogbookcanhelpyouoraLenovotechniciandetermineifaproblemisrelatedtochange
inhardware,changeinsoftware,orsomeotheractionthatmighthavetakenplace.
•CreateProductRecoverydiscs.See“Creatingandusingrecoverymedia”onpage65
aboutusingProductRecoverydiscstorestoretheharddiskdrivetothefactorydefaultsettings.
•Createrescuemedia.See“Creatingandusingarescuemedium”onpage68formoreinformationabout
usingaRescuemediumsuchasaCDorDVDtorecoverfromfailuresthatpreventyoufromgaining
accesstotheWindowsenvironmentortheRescueandRecoveryworkspaceonyourharddiskdrive.
formoreinformation
formore
Movingyourcomputer
Takethefollowingprecautionsbeforemovingyourcomputer.
1.Backupalllesanddatafromtheharddiskdrive.Thereareavarietyofbackupprogramsavailable
commercially.Youroperatingsystemalsomighthaveabackupprogramthatyoucanuse.Lenovo
providestheRescueandRecoveryprogramtohelpyoubackupandrestoredata.See“Performing
backupandrecoveryoperations”onpage66formoreinformation.
2.Removeallmedia(diskettes,compactdiscs,tapes,andsoon)fromthedrives.
3.Turnoffthecomputerandallattacheddevices.Yourharddiskdriveautomaticallyparkstheread/write
headinanondataarea.Thispreventsdamagetotheharddiskdrive.
4.Unplugthepowercordsfromelectricaloutlets.
5.Disconnectcommunicationcables,suchasmodemornetworkcables,fromtheoutletsrst,andthen
disconnecttheotherendsfromthecomputer.
6.Notewhereanyremainingcablesareattachedtothecomputer;then,removethem.
7.Ifyousavedtheoriginalshippingcartonsandpackingmaterials,usethemtopacktheunits.Ifyouare
usingdifferentcartons,cushiontheunitstoavoiddamage.
84ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 97

Chapter10.Troubleshootinganddiagnostics
Thischapterdescribessomebasictroubleshootinganddiagnosticprograms.Ifyourcomputerproblem
isnotdescribedhere,seeChapter11“Gettinginformation,help,andservice”onpage105
troubleshootingresources.
Basictroubleshooting
Thefollowingtableprovidesinformationtohelpyoutroubleshootyourcomputerproblems.
Note:Ifyoucannotcorrecttheproblem,havethecomputerserviced.Foralistofserviceandsupport
telephonenumbers,refertotheThinkCentreSafetyandWarrantyGuidethatcomeswithyourcomputeror
gototheLenovoSupportWebsiteathttp://www.lenovo.com/support/phone.
SymptomAction
Thecomputerdoesnotstart
whenyoupressthepower
switch.
Themonitorscreenisblank.
Thekeyboarddoesnotwork.
Themousedoesnotwork.
Verifythat:
•Thepowercordiscorrectlyconnectedtotherearofthecomputerandtoa
workingelectricaloutlet.
•Ifyourcomputerhasasecondarypowerswitchontherearofthecomputer,
makesurethatitisswitchedon.
•Thepowerindicatoronthefrontofthecomputerison.
•Thecomputervoltagematchesthevoltageavailableattheelectricaloutletfor
yourcountryorregion.
Verifythat:
•Themonitorsignalcableiscorrectlyconnectedtothemonitorandtothe
appropriatemonitorconnectoronthecomputer.
•Themonitorpowercordiscorrectlyconnectedtothemonitorandtoaworking
electricaloutlet.
•Themonitoristurnedonandthebrightnessandcontrastcontrolsareset
correctly.
•Thecomputervoltagematchesthevoltageavailableattheelectricaloutletfor
yourcountryorregion.
•Ifyourcomputerhastwomonitorconnectors,besuretousetheconnector
onthegraphicscard.
Verifythat:
•Thecomputeristurnedon.
•ThekeyboardissecurelyconnectedtoaUSBconnectoronthecomputer.
•Nokeysarestuck.
Verifythat:
•Thecomputeristurnedon.
•ThemouseissecurelyconnectedtoaUSBconnectoronthecomputer.
•Themouseisclean.Referto“Opticalmouse”onpage83
foradditional
forfurtherinformation.
©CopyrightLenovo2011,2012
85
Page 98

SymptomAction
Theoperatingsystemdoesnot
start.
Thecomputerbeepsmultiple
timesbeforetheoperating
systemstarts.
Verifythat:
•Thestartupsequenceincludesthedevicewheretheoperatingsystemresides.
Usually,theoperatingsystemisontheharddiskdrive.Formoreinformation,
see“Selectingastartupdevice”onpage76
Verifythatnokeysarestuck.
.
Troubleshootingprocedure
Usethefollowingprocedureasastartingpointfordiagnosingproblemsyouareexperiencingwithyour
computer:
1.Verifythatthecablesforallattacheddevicesareconnectedcorrectlyandsecurely.
2.Verifythatallattacheddevicesthatrequireacpowerareconnectedtoproperlygrounded,functioning
electricaloutlets.
3.VerifythatallattacheddevicesareenabledintheBIOSsettingsofyourcomputer.Formoreinformation
aboutaccessingandchangingtheBIOSsettings,refertoyourChapter7“UsingtheSetupUtility
program”onpage73.
4.Gotothe“Troubleshooting”onpage86andfollowtheinstructionsforthetypeofproblemyouare
experiencing.IftheTroubleshootinginformationdoesnothelpyouresolveaproblem,continuewiththe
nextstep.
5.Tryusingapreviouslycapturedcongurationtoseeifarecentchangetohardwareorsoftwaresettings
hascausedaproblem.Beforerestoringapreviousconguration,captureyourcurrentcongurationin
casetheoldercongurationsettingsdonotsolvetheproblemorhaveadverseaffects.Torestorea
capturedconguration,clickStart➙ControlPanel➙SystemandSecurity➙System➙System
Protection➙SystemRestore.Ifthisdoesnotcorrecttheproblem,continuewiththenextstep.
6.Runthediagnosticprograms.See“Diagnosticprograms”onpage101formoreinformation.
•Ifthediagnosticprogramsdetectahardwarefailure,contacttheLenovoCustomerSupportCenter.
SeeChapter11“Gettinginformation,help,andservice”onpage105
formoreinformation.
•Ifyouareunabletorunthediagnosticprograms,contacttheLenovoCustomerSupportCenter.See
Chapter11“Gettinginformation,help,andservice”onpage105formoreinformation.
•Ifthediagnosticprogramsdonotdetectahardwarefailure,continuewiththenextstep.
7.Useanantivirusprogramtoseeifyourcomputerhasbeeninfectedbyavirus.Iftheprogramdetectsa
virus,removethevirus.
8.Ifnoneoftheseactionssolvetheproblem,seektechnicalassistance.SeeChapter11“Getting
information,help,andservice”onpage105formoreinformation.
Troubleshooting
Usethetroubleshootinginformationtondsolutionstoproblemsthathavedenitesymptoms.
Ifthesymptomyourcomputerisexperiencingoccurredimmediatelyafteryouinstalledanewhardware
optionornewsoftware,dothefollowingbeforereferringtothetroubleshootinginformation:
1.Removethenewhardwareoptionorsoftware.Ifyoumustremovethecomputercovertoremovea
hardwareoption,makesureyoureviewandfollowtheelectricalsafetyinformationprovidedwithyour
computer.Foryoursafety,donotoperatethecomputerwiththecoverremoved.
2.Runthediagnosticprogramstoensureyourcomputerisoperatingcorrectly.
3.Reinstallthenewhardwareoptionorsoftwarefollowingthemanufacturer'sinstructions.
86ThinkCentreUserGuide
Page 99

Selecttheproblemyourcomputerisexperiencingfromthefollowinglist:
•“Audioproblems”onpage87
•“CDproblems”onpage88
•“DVDproblems”onpage89
•“Intermittentproblems”onpage91
•“Keyboard,mouse,orpointingdeviceproblems”onpage91
•“Monitorproblems”onpage92
•“Networkingproblems”onpage94
•“Optionproblems”onpage97
•“Performanceandlockupproblems”onpage98
•“Printerproblems”onpage99
•“Serialportproblems”onpage100
•“Softwareproblems”onpage100
•“USBproblems”onpage101
Audioproblems
Selectyoursymptomfromthefollowinglist:
•“NoaudioinWindows”onpage87
•“AnaudiodiscorAutoPlay-enableddiscdoesnotautomaticallyplaywhenitisinsertedintoadrive”
onpage88
•“Soundcomesfromoneexternalspeakeronly”onpage88
•“NoaudioinDOSapplicationsorgames”onpage88
NoaudioinWindows
Symptom:NoaudioinWindows
Actions:
•IfyouareusingpoweredexternalspeakersthathaveanOn/Offcontrol,verifythattheOn/Offcontrolis
settotheOnpositionandthespeakerpowercableisconnectedtoaproperlygrounded,functionalac
electricaloutlet.
•Ifyourexternalspeakershaveavolumecontrol,verifythatthevolumecontrolisnotsettoolow.
•Double-clickthespeakericonintheWindowsnoticationarea.Amastervolume-controlwindowopens.
VerifythattheMutesettingsarenotcheckedandnoneofthevolumesettingsissettoolow.
•Somemodelshaveafrontaudiopanelyoucanusetoadjustvolume.Ifyouhaveafrontaudiopanel,
verifythatthevolumeisnotsettoolow.
•Verifythatyourexternalspeakers(andheadphones,ifused)areconnectedtothecorrectaudioconnector
onthecomputer.Mostspeakercablesarecolor-codedtomatchtheconnector.
Note:Whenexternal-speakerorheadphonecablesareattachedtotheaudioconnector,theinternal
speaker,ifpresent,isdisabled.Inmostcases,ifanaudioadapterisinstalledinoneoftheexpansionslots,
theaudiofunctionbuiltintothesystemboardisdisabled;usetheaudiojacksontheadapter.
•MakesurethattheprogramyouarerunningisdesignedforuseintheMicrosoftWindowsoperating
system.IftheprogramisdesignedtoruninDOS,theprogramdoesnotusetheWindowssoundfeature
andmustbeconguredtouseSoundBlasterProorSoundBlasteremulation.
Chapter10.Troubleshootinganddiagnostics87
Page 100

•Verifythattheaudiodevicedriversarecorrectlyinstalled.SeeMicrosoftWindowshelpsystemformore
information.
Iftheseactionsdonotcorrecttheproblem,runthediagnosticprograms(see“Diagnosticprograms”on
page101forinstructions).Ifyouneedtechnicalassistance,seeChapter11“Gettinginformation,help,and
service”onpage105.
AnaudiodiscorAutoPlay-enableddiscdoesnotautomaticallyplaywhenitis
insertedintoadrive
Symptom:AnaudiodiscorAutoPlay-enableddiscdoesnotautomaticallyplaywhenitisinsertedintoadrive
Action:See“CDproblems”onpage88.
Soundcomesfromoneexternalspeakeronly
Symptom:Soundcomesfromoneexternalspeakeronly.
Actions:
•Ensurethatthespeakercableisinsertedcompletelyintotheconnectoronthecomputer.
•Makesurethecablethatattachestheleftspeakertotherightspeakerissecurelyconnected.
•Double-clickthespeakericonintheWindowsnoticationarea.Amastervolume-controlwindowopens.
VerifythattheBalancesettingsaresetcorrectly.
Iftheseactionsdonotcorrecttheproblem,youmighthaveafailingspeaker.Havethespeakerserviced.If
youneedtechnicalassistance,seeChapter11“Gettinginformation,help,andservice”onpage105.
NoaudioinDOSapplicationsorgames
Symptom:NoaudioinDOSapplicationsorgames
Actions:
•MakesuretheDOSapplicationorgameisconguredtouseSoundBlasterProorSoundBlaster
emulation.Refertothedocumentationthatcomeswiththeapplicationorgameforinstructionson
settingsound-cardsettings.
•Iftheseactionsdonotcorrecttheproblem,runthediagnosticprograms(see“Diagnosticprograms”on
page101
andservice”onpage105.
forinstructions).Ifyouneedtechnicalassistance,seeChapter11“Gettinginformation,help,
CDproblems
Selectyoursymptomfromthefollowinglist:
•“AnaudiodiscorAutoPlay-enableddiscdoesnotautomaticallyplaywhenitisinsertedintoaCD
drive”onpage88
•“ACDorDVDdoesnotwork”onpage89
•“Unabletouseastartable(bootable)recoverymedium,suchastheProductRecoveryCD,tostart
yourcomputer”onpage89
AnaudiodiscorAutoPlay-enableddiscdoesnotautomaticallyplaywhenitis
insertedintoaCDdrive
Symptom:AnaudiodiscorAutoPlay-enableddiscdoesnotautomaticallyplaywhenitisinsertedinto
aCDdrive.
88ThinkCentreUserGuide