Lenovo 6303, 6234, 7630, 6258, 5897 User Manual

ThinkCentre
User Guid e

Note

Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read and understand the ThinkCentre Safety and
Warranty Guide and “Notices,” on page 65.

Second Edition (May 2009)

© Copyright Lenovo 2009. All rights reserved.

LENOVO products, data, computer software, and services have been developed exclusively at private expense and
are sold to governmental entities as commercial items as defined by 48 C.F.R. 2.101 with limited and restricted
rights to use, reproduction and disclosure.

LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If products, data, computer software, or services are delivered
pursuant a General Services Administration ″GSA″ contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions
set forth in Contract No. GS-35F-05925.

Contents

Important safety information . . . . . .v

Chapter 1. Product overview . . . . . .1

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

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

Software overview . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Software provided with your Windows operating

system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Locating connectors on the front of your computer 6
Locating connectors on the rear of your computer 7

Locating components . . . . . . . . . .9

Locating parts on the system board . . . . .10

Chapter 2. Installing options and

replacing hardware . . . . . . . . .11

Handling static-sensitive devices . . . . . . .11

Installing options and replacing hardware . . . .11

Installing external options . . . . . . . .12

Opening the computer cover . . . . . . .12

Accessing the system board components and

drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Installing or replacing a memory module . . .14

Installing or replacing an adapter card . . . .16

Installing internal drives . . . . . . . . .18

Replacing the hard disk drive . . . . . . .22

Replacing the optical drive . . . . . . . .25

Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . .27

Replacing the power supply assembly . . . .29

Replacing the heat sink and fan assembly . . .31

Replacing the card reader . . . . . . . . .33

Replacing the keyboard . . . . . . . . .34

Replacing the mouse . . . . . . . . . .34

Completing the parts replacement . . . . . .35

Installing security features . . . . . . . . .36

Integrated cable lock . . . . . . . . . .37

Password protection . . . . . . . . . .37

Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing

CMOS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Chapter 3. Recovery information . . .39

Creating and using Product Recovery discs . . . .39

Performing backup and recovery operations . . .40

Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace . . . .41

Creating and using rescue media . . . . . . .42

Creating and using a Recovery Repair diskette . .43

Recovering or installing device drivers . . . . .44

Setting a rescue device in the startup sequence . .45

Solving recovery problems . . . . . . . . .45

Chapter 4. Using the Setup Utility . . .47

Starting the Setup Utility program . . . . . . .47

Viewing and changing settings . . . . . . . .47

Using passwords . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Password considerations . . . . . . . . .48

Power-On Password . . . . . . . . . .48

Privileged Access Password . . . . . . . .48

Hard Disk User Password . . . . . . . .48

Setting, changing, and deleting a password . . .48

Enabling or disabling a device . . . . . . . .49

Selecting a startup device . . . . . . . . . .49

Selecting a temporary startup device . . . . .49

Selecting or changing the startup device sequence 50

Advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Exiting from the Setup Utility program . . . . .50

Chapter 5. Updating system programs 51

Using system programs . . . . . . . . . .51

Updating (flashing) BIOS from a disc . . . . . .51

Updating (flashing) BIOS from your operating

system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Recovering from a POST/BIOS update failure . . .52

Chapter 6. Troubleshooting and

diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Basic troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . .55

Diagnostic programs . . . . . . . . . . .57

Lenovo System Toolbox . . . . . . . . .57

PC-Doctor for Windows PE . . . . . . . .57

PC-Doctor for DOS . . . . . . . . . . .58

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . .58

Optical mouse . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Non-optical mouse . . . . . . . . . . .59

Chapter 7. Getting information, help,

and service . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Information resources . . . . . . . . . . .61

Online Books folder . . . . . . . . . .61

ThinkVantage Productivity Center . . . . . .61

Lenovo Welcome . . . . . . . . . . .62

Access Help . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Safety and Warranty . . . . . . . . . .62

Lenovo We b site (http://www.lenovo.com) . . .62

Help and service . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Using the documentation and diagnostic

programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Calling for service . . . . . . . . . . .63

Using other services . . . . . . . . . .64

Purchasing additional services . . . . . . .64

Appendix. Notices . . . . . . . . . .65

Television output notice . . . . . . . . . .66

Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

© Copyright Lenovo 2009 iii

iv User Guide

Important safety information

CAUTION:
Before using this manual, be sure to read and understand all the related safety
information for this product. Refer to the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide
that you received with this product for the latest safety information. Reading
and understanding this safety information reduces the risk of personal injury
and or damage to your product.

If you no longer have a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, you can
obtain a Portable Document Format (PDF) version from the Lenovo® Support Web
site at:
http://www.lenovo.com/support

© Copyright Lenovo 2009 v

vi User Guide

Chapter 1. Product overview

This chapter provides an introduction to the features and options that are available
for your computer. You can expand the capabilities of your computer by adding
memory modules, drives, or adapter cards. When installing or replacing an option,
use these instructions along with the instructions that come with the option.

Important: Before you install or replace any option, be sure to read and

understand the “Important safety information” first. These precautions
and guidelines will help you work safely.

Use only computer parts provided by Lenovo.

Note:

Features

This section provides an overview of the computer features and preinstalled
software.

System information

The following information covers a variety of models. For information about
your specific model, use the Setup Utility program. See Chapter 4, “Using the
Setup Utility,” on page 47.

Microprocessor

v Intel® Celeron® processor

v Intel Core™ 2 Duo processor

v Intel Core 2 Quad processor

v Intel Pentium® dual-core processor

v Internal cache (size varies by model type)

Memory

v Supports up to four DDR3 DIMMs

(double data rate 3 dual inline memory modules)

v Flash memory for system programs (varies by model type)

Internal

drives

v Card reader (some models)

v Optical drive

v SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) internal hard disk drive (some

models)

v Solid State Drive (SSD) (some models)

subsystem

Video

v Integrated graphics for a VGA (Video Graphics Array) connector and

DisplayPort connector

v PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express x16 graphics adapter card slot

on the system board for discrete graphics card

© Copyright Lenovo 2009 1

Audio subsystem

v Audio line-in connector, audio line-out connector, and microphone connector on

the rear panel

v High Definition (HD) with ADI 1882 Audio Codec

v Microphone connector and headphone connector on the front panel

v Mono internal speaker (some models)

Connectivity

v 10/100/1000 Mbps integrated Ethernet controller

v PCI V.90 Data/Fax modem (some models)

System

management features

v Ability to store power-on self-test (POST) hardware test results

v Automatic power-on startup

v ASF 2.0 (Alert Standard Format)

v Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) (some models)

v Intel matrix storage manager

v Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

(DHCP)

v Remote Administration

v Secure Managed Client (SMC) (some models)

v System Management (SM) BIOS and SM software

v Wake on LAN

®

v Wake on Ring (in the Setup Utility program, this feature is called Serial Port

Ring Detect for an external modem)

Input/Output

features

v 9-pin serial port (one standard and one optional)

v Eight USB connectors (two on the front panel and six on the rear panel)

v Ethernet connector

v One DisplayPort connector

v One eSATA connector

v Standard keyboard connector (some models)

v Standard mouse connector (some models)

v Three audio connectors (audio line-in, audio line-out, and microphone) on the

rear panel

v Two audio connectors (microphone and headphone) on the front panel

v VGA monitor connector

2 User Guide

Expansion

v One card reader

v One hard disk drive bay

v One optical drive bay

v One 32-bit PCI adapter card slot

v One PCI Express x16 graphics adapter card slot

Power

v 280-watt auto-sensing power supply

v Automatic 50/60 Hz input frequency switching

v Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support

Security

features

v Computrace

v Cover presence switch (also called intrusion switch, some models)

v Diskette drive and hard disk drive I/O control

v Hard Disk User Password

v Keyboard with fingerprint reader (some models, see the ThinkVantage

®

Productivity Center program for more information)

v Power-On Password (POP) and Privileged Access Password (PAP) for BIOS

access

v Serial and parallel port I/O control

v Startup sequence control

v Startup without diskette drive, keyboard, or mouse

v Support for the addition of an integrated cable lock (Kensington lock)

v Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

v Unattended start mode

v USB individual switch on/off

Preinstalled

software

Your computer might come with preinstalled software. If it does, an operating
system, device drivers to support built-in features, and other support programs are
included.

Operating system, preinstalled

Microsoft® Windows Vista

®

Notes:

1. Computer models without an internal hard disk drive do not have an operating

system preinstalled.

2. The Windows Vista operating system might not be available or supported in all

countries or regions.

Operating

v Linux

®

systems, certified or tested for compatibility

1

(varies by model type)

v Microsoft Windows® XP

1. The operating systems listed here are being certified or tested for compatibility at the time this publication goes to press.
Additional operating systems might be identified by Lenovo as compatible with your computer following the publication of this
booklet. Corrections and additions to this list are subject to change. To determine if an operating system has been certified or
tested for compatibility, check the We b site of the operating system vendor.

Chapter 1. Product overview 3

Specifications

This section lists the physical specifications for your computer.

Dimensions

Width: 317 mm (12.48 inches)

Height: 99 mm (3.90 inches)

Depth: 355 mm (13.98 inches)

Weight

Maximum configuration as shipped: 7.5 kg (16.53 lbs)

Environment

Air temperature:

Humidity:

Maximum altitude:

Electrical

Input voltage:

High range:

Operating: 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

Non-operating: -40° to 60°C (-40° to 140°F) (with package)

Non-operating: -10° to 60°C (14° to 140°F) (without package)

Operating: 10% to 80% (10% per hour, non condensing)

Non-operating: 10% to 90% (10% per hour, non condensing)

Operating: -50 to 10,000 ft (-15.2 to 3,048 m)

Non-operating: -50 to 35,000 ft (-15.2 to 10,668 m)

input

Low range:

Minimum: 100 V AC

Maximum: 127 V AC

Input frequency range: 50 to 60 Hz

Voltage-selection switch setting: 115 V AC

Minimum: 200 V AC

Maximum: 240 V AC

Input frequency range: 50 to 60 Hz

Voltage-selection switch setting: 230 V AC

4 User Guide

Software overview

This section describes the software preinstalled on the computers that have an
internal hard disk drive and an operating system from Lenovo.

Software provided with your Windows operating system

This section describes the Windows applications included with your computer.

Software provided by Lenovo

The following software applications are provided by Lenovo to help you improve
productivity and reduce the cost associated with maintaining your computer.
Software provided with your computer might vary depending on your model.

ThinkVantage Productivity Center: The ThinkVantage Productivity Center
program guides you to a host of information and tools to help you set up,
understand, maintain, and enhance your computer.

ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery: The ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery

®

(RnR) program is a one button recovery and restore solution that includes a set of
self recovery tools to help users diagnose computer problems, get help, and
recover from system crashes quickly, even if the primary operating system will not
start.

ThinkVantage Client Security Solution: The ThinkVantage Client Security
Solution (CSS) program is available on select Lenovo computers. It helps protect
your information, including vital security information like passwords, encryption
keys, and electronic credentials, while guarding against unauthorized user access
to data.

ThinkVantage System Update: The ThinkVantage System Update (TVSU)
program helps you keep the software on your system up-to-date, by downloading
and installing software packages (TVT applications, device drivers, BIOS flashes,
and other third party applications). Some examples of software that you should
keep updated are programs provided by Lenovo, such as the Rescue and Recovery
program and the Productivity Center program.

ThinkVantage Power Manager: The ThinkVantage Power Manager program
provides convenient, flexible, and complete power management for your
ThinkCentre® computer. By using the ThinkVantage Power Manager program, you
can adjust your power settings to achieve the best balance between system
performance and power saving.

Fingerprint Software: The integrated fingerprint reader provided on some
keyboards enables you to enroll your fingerprint and associate it with your
power-on password, hard disk drive password, and Windows password. As a
result, fingerprint authentication can replace passwords and enable simple and
secure user access. A fingerprint reader keyboard is available with select computers
or can be purchased for computers that support this option.

Lenovo System Toolbox

The Lenovo System Toolbox diagnostic program is preinstalled on your hard disk
drive. This diagnostic program works through the Windows operating system to
diagnose hardware problems and report operating-system-controlled settings that
can cause hardware failures. See “Lenovo System Toolbox” on page 57 for more
information.

Chapter 1. Product overview 5

PC-Doctor for Windows PE

The PC-Doctor for Windows PE diagnostic program is preinstalled on your hard
disk drive. It is part of the Rescue and Recovery workspace on each Lenovo
computer to diagnose hardware problems and report operating-system-controlled
settings that can cause hardware failures. Use the PC-Doctor for Windows PE if
you are unable to start the Windows operating system or if the Lenovo System
Toolbox has not been successful in isolating a possible problem. See “PC-Doctor for
Windows PE” on page 57 for more information.

Adobe Reader

The Adobe Reader is a tool used to view, print, and search PDF documents.

See “Online Books folder” on page 61 for more information about accessing the
online books and the Lenovo We b site.

Antivirus software

Your computer comes with antivirus software that you can use to detect and
eliminate viruses. Lenovo provides a full version of antivirus software on your
hard disk drive with a free 30-day subscription. After 30 days, you must renew the
license to continue receiving the antivirus program updates.

For more information about updating your antivirus software, refer to the Access
Help online help system. See “Access Help” on page 62 for instructions on how to
open the online help system.

Locations

Locating connectors on the front of your computer

Figure 1 shows the location of the connectors on the front of your computer.

Note: Not all computer models have the following connectors.

6 User Guide

Figure 1. Front connector locations

1 USB connector 3 Headphone connector
2 Microphone connector 4 USB connector

Locating connectors on the rear of your computer

Figure 2 shows the location of the connectors on the rear of your computer. Some
connectors on the rear of your computer are color-coded to help you determine
where to connect the cables on your computer.

Figure 2. Rear connector locations

1 Serial port (some models) 9 Standard mouse connector (some models)
2 Power cord connector 10 DisplayPort connector
3 Audio line-in connector 11 USB connectors (2)
4 Audio line-out connector 12 e SATA connector
5 Microphone connector 13 USB connectors (4)
6 Serial port 14 Ethernet connector
7 VGA monitor connector 15 PCI Express x16 graphics adapter card slot
8 Standard keyboard connector (some

16 Adapter card slot

models)

Chapter 1. Product overview 7

Connector Description

Audio line-in connector Used to receive audio signals from an external audio device,

such as a stereo system. When you attach an external audio
device, a cable is connected between the audio line-out
connector of the device and the audio line-in connector of the
computer.

Audio line-out connector Used to send audio signals from the computer to external

devices, such as powered stereo speakers (speakers with
built-in amplifiers), headphones, multimedia keyboards, or the
audio line-in connector on a stereo system or other external
recording device.

DisplayPort connector Used to attach a high-performance monitor, a direct-drive

monitor, or other devices that use a DisplayPort connector.

eS ATA connector Use this external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment

(eSATA) connector to attach an external hard disk drive.

Ethernet connector Used to attach an Ethernet cable for a local area network

(LAN).
Note: To operate the computer within FCC Class B limits, use
a Category 5 Ethernet cable.

Microphone connector Used to attach a microphone to your computer when you want

to record sound or if you use speech-recognition software.

Serial port Used to attach an external modem, a serial printer, or other

devices that use a 9-pin serial port.

Standard keyboard
connector

Used to attach a keyboard that uses a standard keyboard
connector.

Standard mouse connector Used to attach a mouse, a trackball, or other pointing devices

that use a standard mouse connector.

USB connector Used to attach a device that requires a Universal Serial Bus

(USB) connector, such as a USB keyboard, a USB mouse, a USB
scanner or a USB printer. If you have more than eight USB
devices, you can purchase a USB hub, which you can use to
connect additional USB devices.

8 User Guide

VGA monitor connector Used to attach a VGA monitor or other devices that use a VGA

monitor connector.

Locating components

To open the computer cover, see “Opening the computer cover” on page 12.

Figure 3 shows the location of the various components in your computer.

Figure 3. Component locations

1 Hard disk drive (some models) 4 Optical drive
2 Microprocessor, heat sink and fan

5 Memory slots (4)

assembly
3 Internal speaker (some models) 6 Power supply assembly

Chapter 1. Product overview 9

Locating parts on the system board

Figure 4 shows the location of the parts on the system board.

Figure 4. System board parts locations

1 PCI adapter card slot 11 Memory slots (4)
2 PCI Express x16 graphics adapter

12 24-pin power connector

card slot

3 Battery 13 Serial (COM 2) connector
4 Internal speaker connector 14 Front audio connector
5 Cover presence switch (also called

15 S ATA connectors (2)

Intrusion switch) connector

6 Microprocessor fan connector 16 System fan connector
7 Thermal sensor connector 17 Front USB connector 1
8 Microprocessor 18 Front USB connector 2
9 4-pin power connector 19 Clear CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide

Semiconductor)/Recovery jumper

10 Front panel connector 20 Power fan connector

10 User Guide

Chapter 2. Installing options and replacing hardware

This chapter provides instructions for installing options and replacing hardware for
your computer. You can expand the capabilities of your computer by adding
memory modules, adapter cards, or drives. When installing or replacing an option,
use these instructions along with the instructions that come with the option.

Handling static-sensitive devices

Do not open the static-protective package containing the new part until the
defective part has been removed from the computer and you are ready to install
the new part. Static electricity, although harmless to you, can seriously damage
computer components and parts.

When you handle parts and other computer components, take these precautions to
avoid static-electricity damage:

v Limit your movement. Movement can cause static electricity to build up around

you.

v Always handle parts and other computer components carefully. Handle adapter

cards, memory modules, system boards, and microprocessors by the edges.
Never touch any exposed circuitry.

v Prevent others from touching the parts and other computer components.

v Before you replace a new part, touch the static-protective package containing the

part to a metal expansion-slot cover or other unpainted metal surface on the
computer for at least two seconds. This reduces static electricity in the package
and your body.

v When possible, remove the new part from the static-protective packaging, and

install it directly in the computer without setting the part down. When this is
not possible, place the static-protective package that the part came in on a
smooth, level surface and place the part on it.

v Do not place the part on the computer cover or other metal surface.

Installing options and replacing hardware

This section provides introductions for installing options and replacing hardware
for your computer. When installing or replacing an option, use these instructions
along with the instructions that come with the option.

© Copyright Lenovo 2009 11

Attention

Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the
“Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with
your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to:
http://www.lenovo.com/support

Note: Use only computer parts provided by Lenovo.

Installing external options

External speakers, a printer, or a scanner can be connected to your computer. For
some external options, you must install additional software in addition to making
the physical connection. When installing an external option, see “Locating
connectors on the front of your computer” on page 6 and “Locating connectors on
the rear of your computer” on page 7 to identify the required connector, and then
use the instructions that come with the option to help you make the connection
and install any software or device drivers that are required for the option.

Opening the computer cover

This section provides instructions on how to open the computer cover.

CAUTION:

The heat sink and microprocessor might be very hot. Turn off the computer and
wait three to five minutes to let the computer cool before opening the computer
cover.

Important

Be sure to read and understand “Handling static-sensitive devices” on page
11 before opening the computer cover.

To open the computer cover:

1. Remove any media from the drives, shut down your operating system, and

turn off all attached devices and the computer.

2. Unplug all power cords from electrical outlets.

3. Disconnect the cables attached to the computer. This includes power cords,

input/output (I/O) cables, and any other cables that are connected to the
computer. See “Locating connectors on the front of your computer” on page 6
and “Locating connectors on the rear of your computer” on page 7.

4. Remove any locking devices, such as a cable lock that secures the computer

cover.

12 User Guide

5. Press the buttons on the sides of the computer and pivot the computer cover

upward to open.

Figure 5. Opening the computer cover

Chapter 2. Installing options and replacing hardware 13

Accessing the system board components and drives

This section provides instructions on how to access the system board components
and drives.

To access the system board components and drives:

1. Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 12.

2. On some models, you might need to pivot the optical drive bay assembly

upward and remove the hard disk drive to access the internal components. See
“Replacing the hard disk drive” on page 22.

Make sure you note the location of any cables that you disconnect from

Note:

the drives or the system board.

Attention: Make sure the hard disk drive assembly is in the latched down

position before closing the computer cover to prevent damage to the hard disk
drive.

14 User Guide

Figure 6. Pivoting the optical drive bay assembly

Installing or replacing a memory module

Attention

Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the
“Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with
your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to:
http://www.lenovo.com/support

This section provides instructions on how to install or replace a memory module.

Your computer has four slots for installing or replacing DDR3 DIMMs (double data
rate 3 dual inline memory modules) that provide up to a maximum of 8 GB
system memory.

When installing or replacing a memory module, use the following guidelines:

v Use 1.8 V, 240-pin, DDR3 DIMMs (double data rate 3 dual inline memory

modules).

v Use 1 GB or 2 GB memory modules in any combination up to a maximum of 8

GB.

To install or replace a memory module:

1. Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 12.

2. Pivot the optical drive bay assembly upward to access the memory slots. See

“Accessing the system board components and drives” on page 14.

3. Remove any parts that might prevent your access to the memory slots.

4. Locate the memory slots.

5. Open the retaining clips.

Figure 7. Opening the retaining clips

If you are replacing an old memory module, open the retaining clips and
remove the memory module being replaced as shown.

Figure 8. Removing the old memory module

Chapter 2. Installing options and replacing hardware 15

6. Position the new memory module over the memory slot. Make sure that the

notch 1 on the memory module aligns correctly with the slot key 2 on the
system board. Push the memory module straight down into the slot until the
retaining clips close.

Figure 9. Installing the memory module

What to do next:

v To work with another option, go to the appropriate section.

v To complete the installation, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on

page 35.

Installing or replacing an adapter card

Attention

Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the
“Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with
your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to:
http://www.lenovo.com/support

This section provides instructions on how to install or replace an adapter card.
Your computer has one standard PCI adapter card slot and one PCI Express x16
graphics adapter card slot.

16 User Guide