Lenovo 9156, 9143, 9171, 9139, 9158 User Manual

ThinkCentre
User Guide

Machine Types 9120, 9126, 9127, 9128, 9129, 9130, 9134, 9135, 9136, 9137,

9139, 9140, 9141, 9142, 9143, 9144, 9156, 9157, 9158, 9159,
9169, 9171, 9189, 9191

ThinkCentre
User Guid e

Note

Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the Safety and Warranty Guide that came with this
product and Appendix B, “Notices,” on page 51.

First Edition (June 2007)

© Copyright Lenovo 2005, 2007.
Portions © Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2005.
All rights reserved.

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

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . .v

Chapter 1. Important safety information 1

Chapter 2. Arranging your workspace . .3

Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Glare and lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Air circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Electrical outlets and cable lengths . . . . . . .4

Chapter 3. Setting up your computer . .5

Installing the vertical stand . . . . . . . . .5

Connecting your computer . . . . . . . . .6

Turning on computer power . . . . . . . . .11

Finishing the software installation . . . . . . .11

Completing important tasks . . . . . . . . .11

Updating your operating system . . . . . . .12

Installing other operating systems . . . . . . .12

Updating your antivirus software . . . . . . .12

Shutting down the computer . . . . . . . .12

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Chapter 4. Software overview . . . . .17

Software provided with your Windows operating

system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Software provided by Lenovo . . . . . . .17

PC Doctor for WINPE and PC Doctor for

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Adobe Acrobat Reader . . . . . . . . . .18

Chapter 5. Using the Setup Utility . . .19

Starting the Setup Utility program . . . . . . .19

Viewing and changing settings . . . . . . . .19

Using passwords . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Password considerations . . . . . . . . .19

User Password . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Administrator Password . . . . . . . . .20

Setting, changing, and deleting a password . . .20

Using Security Profile by Device . . . . . . .20

Selecting a startup device . . . . . . . . . .21

Selecting a temporary startup device . . . . .21

Selecting or changing the startup device sequence 21

Exiting from the Setup Utility program . . . . .22

Chapter 7. Troubleshooting and

diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Basic troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . .25

Diagnostic programs . . . . . . . . . . .26

PC-Doctor for Windows . . . . . . . . .27

PC-Doctor for DOS . . . . . . . . . . .27

PC-Doctor for Windows PE . . . . . . . .29

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . .29

Optical mouse . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Non-optical mouse . . . . . . . . . . .29

Chapter 8. Recovering software . . . .31

Creating and using the Product Recovery disc . . .31
Performing backup and recovery operations . . .32

Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace . . . .33

Creating and using rescue media . . . . . . .34

Creating and using a Recovery Repair diskette . .35

Recovering or installing device drivers . . . . .36

Setting a rescue device in the startup sequence . .37

Solving recovery problems . . . . . . . . .37

Chapter 9. Getting information, help,

and service . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Information resources . . . . . . . . . . .39

Online Books folder . . . . . . . . . .39

ThinkVantage Productivity Center . . . . . .39

Access Help . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Safety and Warranty . . . . . . . . . .40

www.lenovo.com . . . . . . . . . . .40

Help and service . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Using the documentation and diagnostic

programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Calling for service . . . . . . . . . . .41

Using other services . . . . . . . . . .42

Purchasing additional services . . . . . . .42

Appendix A. Manual modem

commands . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Basic AT commands . . . . . . . . . . .43

Extended AT commands . . . . . . . . . .45

MNP/V.42/V.42bis/V.44 commands . . . . . .46

Fax Class 1 commands . . . . . . . . . .47

Fax Class 2 commands . . . . . . . . . .47

Voice commands . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Chapter 6. Updating system programs 23

Using system programs . . . . . . . . . .23

Updating (flashing) BIOS from a CD-ROM or

diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Updating (flashing) BIOS from your operating

system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

© Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions © IBM Corp. 2005. iii

Appendix B. Notices . . . . . . . . .51

Television output notice . . . . . . . . . .52

Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

iv User Guide

Introduction

This User Guide contains the following information:

v Chapter 1, “Important safety information,” on page 1 provides information about

where to find safety information for this product.

v Chapter 2, “Arranging your workspace,” on page 3 provides information about

setting up your computer for comfort and the impact of light sources, air
circulation, and electrical outlets.

v Chapter 3, “Setting up your computer,” on page 5 provides information about

setting up your computer and software and operating system installation.

v Chapter 4, “Software overview,” on page 17 provides information on the

software available on your computer.

v Chapter 5, “Using the Setup Utility,” on page 19 provides instructions on how to

view and change the configuration settings of your computer.

v Chapter 6, “Updating system programs,” on page 23 provides information about

updating POST/BIOS and how to recover from a POST/BIOS update failure.

v Chapter 7, “Troubleshooting and diagnostics,” on page 25 provides information

about basic troubleshooting and diagnostic tools for your computer.

v Chapter 8, “Recovering software,” on page 31 provides instructions on how to

use the ThinkVantage® Rescue and Recovery™ program to create product
recovery disks, back up data, recover software, and restore the entire contents of
your hard disk to a previously saved state.

v Chapter 9, “Getting information, help, and service,” on page 39 provides

information about the wide variety of helpful resources available from Lenovo®.

v Appendix A, “Manual modem commands,” on page 43 provides commands for

manually programming your modem.

v Appendix B, “Notices,” on page 51 provides notices and trademark information.

© Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions © IBM Corp. 2005. v

vi User Guide

Chapter 1. Important safety information

CAUTION:
Before using this manual, it is important that you read and understand all the
related safety information for this product. Refer to the 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 Safety and Warranty Guide, you can obtain one
online from the Lenovo Support Web site at:
http://www.lenovo.com/support.

© Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions © IBM Corp. 2005. 1

2 User Guide

Chapter 2. Arranging your workspace

To get the most from your computer, arrange both the equipment you use and
your work area to suit your needs and the kind of work you do. Your comfort is of
foremost importance, but light sources, air circulation, and the location of electrical
outlets can also affect the way you arrange your workspace.

Comfort

Although no single working position is ideal for everyone, here are a few
guidelines to help you find a position that suits you best.

Sitting in the same position for a long time can cause fatigue. The backrest and
seat of your chair should adjust independently and provide good support. The seat
should have a curved front to relieve pressure on the thighs. Adjust the seat so
that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are either flat on the floor or
on a footrest.

When using the keyboard, keep your forearms parallel to the floor and your wrists
in a comfortable position. Use a light touch on the keyboard and your hands and
fingers relaxed. Change the angle of the keyboard for maximum comfort by
adjusting the position of the keyboard feet.

Viewing Distance

Adjust the monitor so the top of the screen is at, or slightly below, eye level. Place
the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, usually 51 to 61 cm (20 to 24 in.),
and position it so you can view it without having to twist your body. Also,
position other equipment you use regularly, such as the telephone or a mouse,
within easy reach.

Glare and lighting

Position the monitor to minimize glare and reflections from overhead lights,
windows, and other light sources. Reflected light from shiny surfaces can cause
annoying reflections on your monitor screen. Place the monitor at right angles to
windows and other light sources, when possible. Reduce overhead lighting, if
necessary, by turning off lights or using lower wattage bulbs. If you install the
monitor near a window, use curtains or blinds to block the sunlight. You can adjust
the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor as the room lighting changes
throughout the day.

Lower
Back
Support

Seat
Height

© Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions © IBM Corp. 2005. 3

Where it is impossible to avoid reflections or to adjust the lighting, an antiglare
filter placed over the screen might be helpful. However, these filters might affect
the clarity of the image on the screen; try them only after you have exhausted
other methods of reducing glare.

Dust buildup compounds problems associated with glare. Remember to clean your
monitor screen periodically using a soft cloth moistened with a nonabrasive liquid
glass cleaner.

Air circulation

Your computer and monitor produce heat. The computer has a fan that pulls in
fresh air and forces out hot air. The monitor lets hot air escape through vents.
Blocking the air vents can cause overheating, which might result in a malfunction
or damage. Place the computer and monitor so that nothing blocks the air vents;
usually, 51 mm (2 in.) of air space is sufficient. Also, make sure the vented air is
not blowing on someone else.

Electrical outlets and cable lengths

The location of electrical outlets, the length of power cords and cables that connect
to the monitor, printer, and other devices might determine the final placement of
your computer.

When arranging your workspace:

v Avoid the use of extension cords. When possible, plug the computer power cord

directly into an electrical outlet.

v Keep power cords and cables neatly routed away from walkways and other

areas where they might get kicked accidentally.

more information about power cords, refer to the Safety and Warranty Guide

For
that was provided with your computer.

4 User Guide

Chapter 3. Setting up your computer

Read and understand the Safety and Warranty Guide before you set up your
computer. Reading and understanding the safety information reduces the risk of
personal injury and or damage to your product.

Set up your computer in the best possible work area that suits your needs and
habits. For more information, see Chapter 2, “Arranging your workspace,” on page

3.

Installing the vertical stand

Depending on your computer, a vertical stand can be used to place your computer
in the vertical position. If your computer comes with a vertical stand, do the
following to install the stand:

1. Position your computer in the vertical position with the air vents facing

downward.

2. Align the tab on the vertical stand with the notch on the computer as shown.

3. Pivot the vertical stand towards the front of the computer until it snaps into

position.

4. Carefully, position the computer with the air vents facing upward so that the

computer sits on the vertical stand.

© Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions © IBM Corp. 2005. 5

Connecting your computer

Use the following information when connecting your computer. Look for the small
connector icons on the back of your computer.

Important

Setting the voltage-selection switch incorrectly can cause permanent damage
to the computer.

If you are not sure of the voltage provided at your electrical outlet, contact
your local electric company or refer to official Web sites or other literature for
travelers to the country or region where you are located.

Note: Your computer might not have all of the switches or connectors described in

this section.

If your computer cables and connector panel have color-coded connectors, match
the color of the cable end with the color of the connector. For example, match a
blue cable end with a blue connector or a red cable end with a red connector.

1. Some models are equipped with a voltage-selection switch located near the

power-cord connection point on the computer.

If your computer has a voltage-selection switch, ensure that you set the
voltage-selection switch to match the voltage available at your electrical outlet.
If necessary, use a ballpoint pen to slide the switch to a different position.

v If the voltage supply range in your local country or region is 100–127 V ac,

set the switch to 115 V.

v If the voltage supply range is in your local country or region is 200–240 V

ac, set the switch to 230 V.

115

6 User Guide

2. Connect the keyboard cable to the appropriate keyboard connector, either the

standard keyboard connector 1 or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector
2.

Note: Some models will have keyboards with a fingerprint reader. After you

setup and turn on your computer, refer to the Access Help online help
system for information about your fingerprint reader. See “Access
Help” on page 40 for instructions on how to open the online help
system.

3. Connect the mouse cable to the appropriate keyboard connector, either the

standard mouse connector 1 or the USB connector 2.

Chapter 3. Setting up your computer 7

4. Connect the monitor cable to the monitor connector on the computer.

v If you have a Video Graphics Array (VGA) Standard monitor, connect the

cable to the connector as shown.

Note: If your model has two monitor connectors, be sure to use the

connector on the graphics adapter.

v If you have a digital video interface (DVI) monitor, your computer must

have an adapter installed that supports the DVI monitor. Connect the cable
to the connector as shown.

5. If you have a modem, connect the modem using the following information.

PHONE

LINE

1 This illustration shows the two connections on the back of the computer that are

PHONE

LINE

PHONE

LINE

E

N

O

H

P

E

IN

L

needed to set up your modem.

2 In the United States and other countries or regions that use the RJ-11 telephone

outlet, attach one end of the telephone cable to the telephone and the other end to
the telephone connector on the back of the computer. Attach one end of the modem
cable to the modem connector on the back of the computer and the other end to the
telephone outlet.

3 In countries or regions that do not use RJ-11 telephone outlets, a splitter or converter

is required to attach the cables to the telephone outlet, as shown at the top of the
illustration. You also can use the splitter or converter without the telephone, as
shown at the bottom of the illustration.

8 User Guide

6. If you have audio devices, attach them using the following instructions. For

more information about speakers, see steps 7 and 8.

1 Audio line-in This connector receives audio signals from an external audio device,

such as a stereo system.

2 Audio line-out This connector sends audio signals from the computer to external

devices, such as powered stereo speakers.

3 Microphone Use this connector to attach a microphone to your computer when

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

4 Headphone Use this connector to attach headphones to your computer when you

want to listen to music or other sounds without disturbing anyone.
This connector might be located on the front of the computer.

7. If you have powered speakers with an ac adapter:

a. Connect the cable that runs between the speakers, if necessary. On some

speakers, this cable is permanently attached.

b. Connect the ac adapter cable to the speaker.

c. Connect the speakers to the computer.

d. Connect the ac adapter to the ac power source.

8. If you have unpowered speakers with no ac adapter:

a. Connect the cable that runs between the speakers, if necessary. On some

speakers, this cable is permanently attached.

b. Connect the speakers to the computer.

Chapter 3. Setting up your computer 9

9. Connect any additional devices that you have. Your computer might not have

all connectors that are shown.

1394

1394

1 USB Use this connector to attach a device that requires a USB connection,

such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner, printer, or personal digital
assistant (PDA).

2 Serial Use this connector to attach an external modem, serial printer, or

other device that uses a 9-pin serial connector.

3 S-video Use this connector to attach a television set that has an S-Video

connector. This connector is present on some high-performance video
adapters.

4 Parallel Use this connector to attach a parallel printer or any other device that

requires a 25-pin parallel connection.

5 Ethernet Use this connector to attach the computer to an Ethernet-type local

area network or to a cable modem.

Important: To operate the computer within FCC limits when it is
connected to an Ethernet network, use a Category 5 Ethernet cable.

6 MIDI/joystick Use this connector to attach a joystick, gamepad, or a musical

instrument digital interface (MIDI) device such as a MIDI keyboard.

7 IEEE 1394 This connector is sometimes called Firewire because it transmits data

rapidly. There are two types of IEEE 1394 connectors: the 4-pin and
the 6-pin. IEEE 1394 offers connection to several types of consumer
electronics, including digital audio devices and scanners.

10. Connect the power cords to properly grounded electrical outlets.

10 User Guide

Note: For more information about connectors, refer to the Access Help online help

system. See “Access Help” on page 40 for instructions on how to open the
online help system.

Turning on computer power

Turn on the monitor and other external devices first, and then turn on the
computer. When the power-on self-test (POST) is finished, the logo window closes.
If your computer has preinstalled software, the software installation program
starts.

If you experience any problems during startup, see Chapter 7, “Troubleshooting
and diagnostics,” on page 25. For additional help, refer to Chapter 9, “Getting
information, help, and service,” on page 39. Yo u can get help and information by
telephone through the Customer Support Center. Refer to the safety and warranty
information that is provided with your computer for the Service and Support
worldwide telephone list.

Finishing the software installation

Important

Read the license agreements carefully before using the programs on this
computer. These agreements detail your rights, obligations, and warranties for
the software on this computer. By using these programs, you accept the terms
of the agreements. If you do not accept the agreements, do not use the
programs. Instead, promptly return the entire computer for a full refund.

The first time you start your computer, follow the instructions on the screen to

complete the software installation. If you do not complete the software installation
the first time the computer is turned on, unpredictable results might occur. When
the installation is complete, refer to the Access Help online help system to learn
more about your computer. See “Access Help” on page 40 for instructions on how
to open the online help system.

Note: Some models might have a multilingual version of Microsoft® Windows

operating system preinstalled. If your computer has the multilingual
version, you will be prompted to choose a language during the installation
process. After installation, the language version can be changed through the
Windows Control Panel.

Completing important tasks

After you have set up your computer, perform the following tasks, which will save
you time and trouble later:

v Create a diagnostic CD image, diagnostic diskettes, or rescue media. Diagnostic

programs are used to test hardware components of your computer and report
operating-system-controlled settings that can cause hardware failures. Making a
diagnostic CD image, diagnostic diskettes, or rescue media ahead of time assures
that you will be able to run diagnostics if the Rescue and Recovery workspace
becomes inaccessible. For more information, see “PC-Doctor for DOS” on page
27, “PC-Doctor for Windows PE” on page 29, or “Creating and using rescue
media” on page 34.

v Record your computer machine type, model, and serial number. If you need

service or technical support, you will probably be asked for this information. For
further information, refer to the safety and warranty information that is
provided with your computer.

®

Chapter 3. Setting up your computer 11

Updating your operating system

Microsoft makes updates available for various operating systems through the
Microsoft Windows Update Web site. The We b site automatically determines what
Windows updates are available for your specific computer and lists those updates
only. Updates could include security fixes, new versions of Windows components
(such as media player), fixes to other portions of the Windows operating system,
or enhancements.

For more information about updating your operating system, refer to the Access
Help online help system . See “Access Help” on page 40 for instructions on how to
open the online help system.

Installing other operating systems

If you install your own operating system, follow the instructions that come with
your operating system CDs or diskettes. Remember to install all device drivers
after you install your operating system. Installation instructions are usually
provided with the device drivers.

Updating your antivirus software

Your computer comes with antivirus software you can use to detect and eliminate
viruses. Lenovo provides a full version of antivirus software on your hard disk
with a free 90-day subscription. After 90 days, you must get a new virus definition.

For more information about updating your antivirus software, refer to the Access
Help online help system . See “Access Help” on page 40 for instructions on how to
open the online help system.

Shutting down the computer

When you turn off your computer, always follow the shutdown procedure for your
operating system. This prevents the loss of unsaved data or damage to your
software programs. To shut down the Microsoft Windows operating system, open
the Start menu from the Windows desktop, click Shut Down. Select Shut Down
from the drop down menu and click OK.

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 for
your specific model, use the Setup Utility. See Chapter 5, “Using the Setup
Utility,” on page 19.

12 User Guide