Lenovo A540 24ICBWC User Manual

IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Read this first

Before using this documentation and the product it supports, ensure that you read and understand the following:

• Appendix A “Important safety information” on page 45

• Safety and Warranty Guide

• Setup Guide

First Edition (May 2019)

LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software is delivered pursuant to a General Services Administration “GSA” contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS35F-05925.

Contents

About this documentation . . . . . . . . iii

Chapter 1. Meet your computer. . . . . 1

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Statement on USB transfer rate . . . . . . . . 9

Chapter 2. Get started with your

computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Adjust the computer stand . . . . . . . . . . 11

Get started with Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . 11

Windows account . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Set up face recognition . . . . . . . . . . 12

Windows user interface . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connect to networks. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connect to the wired Ethernet . . . . . . . 13

Connect to Wi-Fi networks. . . . . . . . . 13

Lenovo Vantage and Lenovo PC Manager . . . . 13

Use the multi-touch screen . . . . . . . . . . 14

Use multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Use audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Use the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connect to an external display . . . . . . . 17

Chapter 3. Explore your computer . . 19

Manage power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Set power button behaviors . . . . . . . . 19

Set the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Transfer data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device. . . . 19

Use the optical drive . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Use a media card . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Chapter 4. Troubleshooting and

recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Basic procedure for resolving computer

problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Startup problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Screen problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Network problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Performance problems . . . . . . . . . . 27

CD or DVD problems . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Software problems. . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Restore system files and settings to an earlier

point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Restore your files from a backup . . . . . . 29

Reset your computer . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Use advanced options

Windows automatic recovery. . . . . . . . 30

Create and use a recovery USB device . . . . 30

Update the device driver . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . 29

Chapter 5. CRU replacement . . . . . 33

What are CRUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Replace a CRU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Storage drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Hinge cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Chapter 6. Help and support . . . . . 41

Self-help resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Call Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Before you contact Lenovo . . . . . . . . 42

Lenovo Customer Support Center . . . . . . 43

Purchase additional services. . . . . . . . . . 43

Appendix A. Important safety

information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Appendix B. Accessibility and

ergonomic information . . . . . . . . 59

Appendix C. Compliance

information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Appendix D. Notices and

trademarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

ii IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

About this documentation

• Illustrations in this documentation might look different from your product.

• Depending on the model, some optional accessories, features, and software programs might not be

available on your computer.

• Depending on the version of operating systems, some user interface instructions might not be applicable

to your computer.

• Documentation content is subject to change without notice. Lenovo makes constant improvements on the

documentation of your computer, including this User Guide. To get the latest documentation, go to:

https://support.lenovo.com

• Microsoft® makes periodic feature changes to the Windows® operating system through Windows Update.

As a result, some information in this documentation might become outdated. Refer to Microsoft resources for the latest information.

• This documentation applies to the following product models:

Model name

IdeaCentre A540-27ICB

IdeaCentre A540-24ICB

IdeaCentre A540-24API

Machine type (MT)

F0EK

F0EL

F0EM

iv IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Chapter 1. Meet your computer

Front

1. Integrated camera activity indicator

2. Integrated microphones (2) Capture or record sound and voice.

3. Integrated camera

4. Infrared camera Sign in to your account with face authentication.

5. Screen

The indicator is on when the camera is in use.

Take pictures or record videos by clicking Camera from the Start menu.

If you use other apps that support photographing, video chatting, and video conference, the camera starts automatically when you enable the camerarequired feature from the app.

Displays text, graphics, and videos. Selected models support multi-touch function. See “Use the multi-touch screen” on page 14.

6. Internal speakers Enable you to experience high-quality sound.

The indicator shows the charging status of a phone that supports wireless charging.

• Blinking white: The phone is being charged.

7. Wireless charging indicator*

• Solid white: The phone is fully charged.

• Blinking amber: Charging error occurs.

• Off: No compatible phone is detected. Note: For some phones, the indicator might still blink white when the phone is

fully charged.

* optional

IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Rear

24–inch models

1. HDMI™ in/out switcher

2. HDMI 1.4 in connector

3. Ethernet connector

4. HDMI 1.4 out connector

5. USB 2.0 connectors (2)

6. USB 3.1 connector Gen 1/Gen 2*

Switch between HDMI-in mode and HDMI-out mode manually.

Receive audio and video signals to the computer. For more information, see

https://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/index.aspx.

Connect to a local area network (LAN). When the green indicator is on, the computer is connected to a LAN. When the yellow indicator blinks, data is being transmitted.

Send audio and video signals from the computer to another audio or video device, such as a high-performance monitor. For more information, see

www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/index.aspx

Connect USB-compatible devices, such as a USB keyboard, USB mouse, USB storage device, or USB printer.

Chapter 1. Meet your computer 3

https://

7. 3 in 1 SD card slot

Supported cards:

• Secure Digital (SD) card

• Secure Digital eXtended-Capacity (SDXC) USH-1 card

• Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC) USH-1 card

Note: Your computer does not support the content protection for recordable media (CPRM) feature for the SD card.

See “Use a media card” on page 20.

8. USB 3.1 connectors Gen 1/ Gen 2* (2)

9. Combo audio jack

10. Wireless charging pad**

11. Power cord connector

12. Power button

* for A540–24ICB models only

Connect USB-compatible devices, such as a USB keyboard, USB mouse, USB storage device, or USB printer.

Connect headphones or headsets with a 3.5-mm (0.14-inch), 4-pole plug. Note: This jack does not support standalone external microphones. If you use headsets, choose one with a single plug.

Charge a phone that supports wireless charging.

Place your phone at the center of the pad. If the indicator blinks amber, adjust the phone's position and remove any metal object on or near the pad.

Connect the power cord to your computer for power supply.

Press to turn on the computer.

To turn off the computer, open the Start menu, click Shut down.

The indicator in the power button shows the system status of your computer.

• On: The computer is on.

• Off: The computer is off or in hibernation mode.

• Blinking: The computer is in sleep mode.

Power, and then select

** optional

IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

27–inch models

1. HDMI in/out switcher

2. HDMI 1.4 in connector

3. Ethernet connector

4. HDMI 1.4 out connector

5. USB 2.0 connectors (2)

Switch between HDMI-in mode and HDMI-out mode manually.

Receive audio and video signals to the computer. For more information, see

https://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/index.aspx.

Connect to a local area network (LAN). When the green indicator is on, the computer is connected to a LAN. When the yellow indicator blinks, data is being transmitted.

Send audio and video signals from the computer to another audio or video device, such as a high-performance monitor. For more information, see

www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/index.aspx

https://

Connect USB-compatible devices, such as a USB keyboard, USB mouse, USB storage device, or USB printer.

Chapter 1. Meet your computer 5

6. USB-C

connector (USB 3.1

Gen 1)

7. 3 in 1 SD card slot

• Charge your computer.

• Charge USB-C compatible devices with the output voltage and current of 5 V and 3 A.

• Transfer data at USB 3.1 speed, up to 5 Gbps.

• Connect to an external display: – USB-C to VGA: 1900 x 1200 pixels, 60 Hz

– USB-C to DP: 3840 x 2160 pixels, 60 Hz

• Connect to USB-C accessories to help expand your computer functionality. To purchase USB-C accessories, go to

https://www.lenovo.com/accessories.

Supported cards:

• Secure Digital (SD) card

• Secure Digital eXtended-Capacity (SDXC) USH-1 card

• Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC) USH-1 card

Note: Your computer does not support the content protection for recordable media (CPRM) feature for the SD card.

See “Use a media card” on page 20.

8. USB 3.1 connectors Gen 2 (2)

9. Combo audio jack

10. Wireless charging pad*

11. Power cord connector

12. Power button

* optional

Connect USB-compatible devices, such as a USB keyboard, USB mouse, USB storage device, or USB printer.

Connect headphones or headsets with a 3.5-mm (0.14-inch), 4-pole plug. Note: This jack does not support standalone external microphones. If you use headsets, choose one with a single plug.

Charge a phone that supports wireless charging.

Place your phone at the center of the pad. If the indicator blinks amber, adjust the phone's position and remove any metal object on or near the pad.

Connect the power cord to your computer for power supply.

Press to turn on the computer.

To turn off the computer, open the Start menu, click

Power, and then select

Shut down.

The indicator in the power button shows the system status of your computer.

• On: The computer is on.

• Off: The computer is off or in hibernation mode.

• Blinking: The computer is in sleep mode.

IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Bottom

1. HDD door*

2. Internal speakers (2)

* for 24–inch models only

Enable you to insert or remove the hard disk drive. You can use the latch to lock or unlock the HDD door.

Enable you to experience high-quality sound.

Chapter 1. Meet your computer 7

Features and specifications

1. Right-click the Start button to open the Start context menu.

Hardware configuration

Power supply

2. Click Device Manager. Type the administrator password or provide confirmation if prompted.

• A540-24ICB: 90/120-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply

• A540-24API: 120-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply

• A540-27ICB: 120/150-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply

Electrical input

Adaptability for power supply

Microprocessor

Memory Double data rate 4 (DDR4) small outline dual in-line memory module (SODIMM)

Storage device

Video features

• Input voltage: From 100 V ac to 240 V ac

• Input frequency: 50/60 Hz

• Mainland China: 220 V±22 V, 50 Hz±1 Hz

• Adaptive voltage positioning: 90 V to 264 V, 50/60 Hz

• With voltage selection switch: 90 V to 264 V, 50 Hz±1 Hz

To view the microprocessor information of your computer, right-click the Start button and then click System.

• 2.5-inch form factor, 7-mm (0.28-inch) height hard disk drive

• M.2 solid-state drive

• Intel To know the storage drive capacity of your computer, right-click the Start button and then click Disk Management.

Note: The storage drive capacity indicated by the system is less than the nominal capacity.

• Brightness control

• Color display with Thin Film Transistor (TFT) technology

• Color display with Wide Viewing Angle (WVA)

• Display size:

• Display resolution:

• Multi-touch technology*

• The integrated graphics card supports the following:

• The optional discrete graphics card provides an enhanced video experience

Optane™ memory

– 609.6 mm (24 inches) – 685.8 mm (27 inches)

– 1920 x 1080 pixels (24 inches) – 2560 x 1440 pixels (27 inches)

– HDMI 1.4 out connector

and extended capabilities.

8 IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Audio features

Expansion

Network features

Other features

• The integrated audio card supports the following: – Combo audio jack

– Integrated microphones – Internal speakers

• The optional discrete audio card provides an enhanced audio experience and extended capabilities.

• 3 in 1 SD card slot (SD, SDHC, SDXC)

• Memory slots

• M.2 solid-state drive slot

• External optical drive*

• Storage drive bay

• Bluetooth

• Ethernet LAN

• Wireless LAN

• Keyboard: USB wired, 2.4G wireless

• Mouse: USB wired, 2.4G wireless

• Wireless charger*

• Windows Hello

• Modern standby (for 24ICB and 27ICB models only)

• MS Far field Cortana

• HDD open door (4-side borderless default, 3-side borderless optional) (for 24– inch models only)

* optional

Statement on USB transfer rate

Depending on many factors such as the processing capability of the host and peripheral devices, file attributes, and other factors related to system configuration and operating environments, the actual transfer rate using the various USB connectors on this device will vary and will be slower than the data rate listed below for each corresponding device.

USB device Data rate (Gbit/s)

3.1 Gen 1

3.1 Gen 2

3.2 20

Chapter 1. Meet your computer 9

10 IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Chapter 2. Get started with your computer

Adjust the computer stand

Note: For information about installing the computer stand, refer to the setup guide that comes with your

computer.

Full-function monitor stand

• Tilt the screen forward and back.

Get started with Windows 10

Learn the basics of Windows 10 and start working with it right away. For more information about Windows 10, see the Windows help information.

Windows account

A user account is required to use the Windows operating system. It can either be a Windows user account or a Microsoft account.

Windows user account

When you start Windows for the first time, you are prompted to create a Windows user account. This first account you created is of the “Administrator” type. With an Administrator account, you can create additional user accounts or change account types by doing the following:

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings ➙ Accounts ➙ Other people.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Microsoft account

You can also log in to the Windows operating system with a Microsoft account.

To create a Microsoft account, go to the Microsoft sign-up page at screen instructions.

With a Microsoft account, you can:

• Enjoy one-time signing in if you are using other Microsoft services, such as OneDrive, Skype, and Outlook. com.

• Sync personalized settings across other Windows-based devices.

https://signup.live.com and follow the on-

Set up face recognition

If your computer includes a Windows Hello-compatible infrared camera, you can set up face recognition to sign in with your face.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings ➙ Accounts ➙ Sign-in options.

Note: If you are using a local account, the account must be password protected. Otherwise, you cannot set face recognition.

2. Under Face Recognition, select Set up ➙ Get started.

3. Follow on-screen instructions to finish face recognition.

It is recommended that you create a PIN when prompted. A PIN can be used to sign in to Windows in cases when face recognition does not work.

Windows user interface

12 IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

1. Account

Change account settings, lock the computer, or sign out from the current account.

2. Settings

3. Power

4. Start button

5. Windows Search

6. Task View

7. Windows notification area

8. Network icon

9. Action center

Launch Settings.

Shut down, restart, or put the computer into sleep mode.

Open the Start menu.

Type what you are looking for in the search box and get search results from your computer and the Web.

Display all opened apps and switch among them.

Display notifications and status of some features.

Connect to an available wireless network and display the network status. When connected to a wired network, the icon changes to

Display the latest notifications from apps and provide quick access to some features.

Open the Start menu

• Click the Start button.

• Press the Windows logo key on the keyboard.

Open the Start context menu

Right-click the Start button.

Access Control Panel

• Open the Start menu and click Windows System ➙ Control Panel.

• Use Windows Search.

Launch an app

• Open the Start menu and select the app you want to launch.

• Use Windows Search.

Connect to networks

Your computer helps you connect to the world through a wired or wireless network.

Connect to the wired Ethernet

Connect your computer to a local network through the Ethernet connector on your computer with an Ethernet cable.

Connect to Wi-Fi networks

1. Click the network icon in the Windows notification area. A list of available wireless networks is displayed.

2. Select a network to connect. Provide required information, if needed.

Lenovo Vantage and Lenovo PC Manager

Lenovo Vantage and Lenovo PC Manager is software developed by Lenovo. Using the software, you can:

• View product information

Chapter 2. Get started with your computer 13

• View warranty and support information

• Run hardware scan and diagnose problems

• Change hardware settings

• Update Windows, drivers, and UEFI/BIOS

Lenovo Vantage or PC Manager may be pre-installed on your computer. To open it, enter the software name in Windows Search and select the matched result.

Note: If Lenovo Vantage is not pre-installed, you can download it from Microsoft Store.

Use the multi-touch screen

If your computer display supports the multi-touch function, you can navigate the screen with simple touch gestures.

Note: Some gestures might not be available depending on the app you use.

Tap once

• From the Start menu: Open an app or item.

• From the desktop: Select an app or item.

• In an open app: Perform an action such as Copy Delete, depending on the app.

, Save, and

Tap twice quickly

Open an app or item from the desktop.

14 IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Tap and hold

Open a shortcut menu.

Slide

Scroll through items, such as lists, pages, and photos.

Drag an item to the location you want

Move an object.

Move two fingers closer together

Zoom out.

Chapter 2. Get started with your computer 15

Move two fingers farther apart

Zoom in.

Swipe in from the right edge

Open the action center to see your notifications and quick actions.

Swipe in from the left edge

View all your open windows in task view.

• Swipe downwards shortly from the top edge (for full-screened

app or when your computer is in the tablet mode)

Show a hidden title bar.

• Swipe in from the top edge to the bottom edge (when your

computer is in the tablet mode)

Close the current app.

16 IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Tips

• Turn off the computer before cleaning the multi-touch screen.

• Use a dry, soft, and lint-free cloth or a piece of absorbent cotton to remove fingerprints or dust from the multi-touch screen. Do not apply solvents to the cloth.

• The multi-touch screen is a glass panel covered with a plastic film. Do not apply pressure or place any metallic object on the screen, which might damage the touch panel or cause it to malfunction.

• Do not use fingernails, gloved fingers, or inanimate objects for input on the screen.

• Regularly calibrate the accuracy of the finger input to avoid a discrepancy.

Use multimedia

Use your computer for business or entertainment with the devices (such as a camera, a monitor, or speakers).

Use audio

To enhance the audio experience, connect speakers, headphones, or a headset to the audio connector.

Adjust the volume

1. Click the volume icon in the Windows notification area on the taskbar.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust the volume. Click the speaker icon to mute the audio.

Change the sound settings

1. Go to Control Panel and view by category.

2. Click Hardware and Sound ➙ Sound.

3. Change the settings as you prefer.

Use the camera

You can use the camera to take photos or record videos.

To take photos or record a video:

1. Open the Start menu and click Camera. You also can type Camera in the search box.

2. To take a photo, click the camera icon. If you want to record video, click the video icon to switch to video mode.

If you use other programs that provide features such as photographing, video capturing, and video conference, the camera starts automatically when you enable the camera-required feature.

To configure the camera settings:

1. Open the Start menu and click Lenovo Vantage ➙ Hardware Settings ➙ Audio/Visual.

2. Locate the Camera section and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Connect to an external display

Connect your computer to a projector or a monitor to give presentations or expand your workspace.

Connect to a wired display

1. Connect the external display to an appropriate video connector on your computer, such as the HDMIout connector.

Chapter 2. Get started with your computer 17

2. Connect the external display to an electrical outlet.

3. Turn on the external display.

If your computer cannot detect the external display, right-click an empty area of the desktop, and then click

Display settings ➙ Detect.

Connect to a wireless display

To use a wireless display, ensure that both your computer and the external display support the Miracast

feature.

• Open the Start menu, and then click Settings ➙ Devices ➙ Bluetooth & other devices ➙ Add Bluetooth or other device. In the Add a device window, click Wireless display or dock. Then, follow the instructions on the screen.

• Click the action center icon

in the Windows notification area and click Connect. Select the wireless

display and follow the on-screen instructions.

Set the display mode

Right-click a blank area on the desktop and select Display settings

. Then, select a display mode of your

preference from the Multiple displays menu.

• Duplicate these displays: Displays the same video output on both your computer screen and an external display.

• Extend these displays: Extends the video output from your computer display to an external display. You can drag and move items between the two displays.

• Show only on 1: Displays the video output only on your computer screen.

• Show only on 2: Displays the video output only on an external display.

If you show programs using DirectDraw or Direct3D

in full-screen mode, only the main display shows the

video output.

Change display settings

1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop and select Display settings

2. Select the display that you want to configure.

3. Change display settings of your preference.

You can change the settings for both the computer display and the external display. For example, you can define which one is the main display and which one is the secondary display. You also can change the resolution and orientation.

Note: If you set a higher resolution for the computer display than the external display, only part of the screen can be displayed on the external display.

IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Chapter 3. Explore your computer

Manage power

Use the information in this section to achieve the best balance between performance and power efficiency.

Set power button behaviors

You can define what the power button does according to your preference. For example, by pressing the power button, you can turn off the computer or put the computer to sleep or hibernation mode.

To change what the power button does:

1. Go to Control Panel and view by large icons or small icons.

2. Click Power Options ➙ Choose what the power buttons do.

3. Change the settings as you prefer.

Set the power plan

For ENERGY STAR® compliant computers, the following power plan takes effect when your computers have been idle for a specified duration:

Table 1. Default power plan (when plugged into ac power)

• Turn off the display: After 10 minutes

• Put the computer to sleep: After 25 minutes

To awaken the computer from Sleep mode, press any key on your keyboard.

To reset the power plan to achieve the best balance between performance and power saving:

1. Go to Control Panel and view by large icons or small icons.

2. Click Power Options, and then choose or customize a power plan of your preference.

Transfer data

Quickly share your files using the built-in Bluetooth technology among devices with the same features. You also can install a disc or media card to transfer data.

Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device

You can connect all types of Bluetooth-enabled devices to your computer, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a smartphone, or speakers. The devices must be within a short distance, usually 10 meters (33 feet), from the computer.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on the computer. a. Open the Start menu, and then click Settings ➙ Devices ➙ Bluetooth & other devices. b. Turn on the Bluetooth switch.

2. Click Add Bluetooth or other device ➙ Bluetooth.

3. Select a Bluetooth device, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Your Bluetooth device and computer will automatically connect the next time if the two devices are in range of each other with Bluetooth turned on. You can use Bluetooth for data transfer or remote control and communication.

Use the optical drive

If your computer has an optical drive, read the following information.

Know the type of your optical drive

1. Right-click the Start button to open the Start context menu.

2. Click Device Manager. Type the administrator password or provide confirmation, if prompted.

Install or remove a disc

1. With the computer on, press the eject/close button on the optical drive. The tray slides out of the drive.

2. Insert a disc into the tray or remove a disc from the tray, and then press the eject/close button again to close the tray.

Note: If the tray does not slide out of the drive when you press the eject/close button, turn off the computer. Then, insert a straightened paper clip into the emergency-eject hole adjacent to the eject/close button. Use the emergency eject only in an emergency.

Record a disc

1. Insert a recordable disc into the optical drive that supports recording.

2. Do one of the following:

• Open the Start menu, and then click Settings ➙ Devices ➙ AutoPlay. Select or turn on Use

AutoPlay for all media and devices.

• Open Windows Media Player.

• Double-click the ISO file.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Use a media card

Install a media card

1. Locate the SD-card slot.

2. Ensure that the metal contacts on the card are facing that in the SD-card slot. Insert the card firmly into the SD-card slot until it is secured in place.

Remove a media card Attention: Before removing a media card, eject the card from the Windows operating system first.

Otherwise, data on the card might get corrupted or lost.

1. Click the triangular icon in the Windows notification area to show hidden icons. Then, right-click the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon.

2. Select the corresponding item to eject the card from the Windows operating system.

3. Press the card and remove it from your computer. Store the card safely for future use.

IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Chapter 4. Troubleshooting and recovery

This chapter provides solutions to resolve the computer problems. Use the basic procedure as a starting point for resolving computer problems.

Basic procedure for resolving computer problems

Prerequisite

Before you start, read Appendix A “Important safety information” on page 45 and print the following instructions.

1. Check that: a. The cables for all connected devices are connected correctly and securely. b. All components have been reassembled correctly. c. All connected devices that require ac power are connected to properly grounded and working

electrical outlets.

d. All connected devices are enabled in UEFI BIOS.

2. Use an antivirus program to see if the computer has been infected by a virus. If the program detects a virus, remove the virus.

3. Go to “Troubleshooting” on page 21 and follow the instructions for the type of problem you are experiencing.

4. Run the diagnostic program.

5. Recover your operating system. See “Recovery” on page 29.

6. If the problem persists, contact Lenovo. See Chapter 6 “Help and support” on page 41.

Troubleshooting

Use the troubleshooting information to find solutions to problems that have definite symptoms.

Startup problems

Problem Solution

• Ensure that the power cord is correctly connected to the rear of the computer and to a working electrical outlet.

The computer does not start up when you press the power button.

The operating system does not start up from the correct storage drive or fails to start up

• If the computer has a secondary power switch on the rear of the computer, ensure that it is switched on.

• The power indicator on the front of the computer is on.

• The computer voltage matches the voltage available at the electrical outlet for your country or region.

• Ensure that all storage drive signal cables and power cables are connected correctly.

• Ensure that the storage drive the computer starts up from is listed as the first startup device in UEFI BIOS.

• In rare cases, the storage drive with the operating system might get corrupted or damaged. In such cases, you might need to replace the storage drive.

• If the computer is installed with an Optane memory: – Ensure that the Optane memory is not removed.

– Ensure that the Optane memory is not damaged. Check the

Optane memory using diagnostic tools.

The computer beeps multiple times before the operating system starts up.

Ensure that no keys are stuck.

22 IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

Screen problems

Problem Solution

• The computer voltage matches the voltage available at the

electrical outlet for your country or region.

• Press a key to exit the screen saver.

My screen goes blank while the computer is on.

The image appears to be flickering.

• Press the power button to resume the computer from sleep or

hibernation mode.

• The brightness and contrast is set correctly.

• If the screen goes blank when some programs start, install the

device drivers for the programs. Refer to the documentation for the affected program to check whether any device drivers are required.

• The screen might be affected by interference from nearby

equipment. Magnetic fields around other devices, such as transformers, appliances, fluorescent lights, and other monitors, might be causing the problem. Move fluorescent desk lighting or any equipment that produces magnetic fields farther away from the screen. If the problem persists, turn off the computer. Then, adjust the placement of the computer and other devices so that they are at least 305 mm (12 inches) apart. Turn on the computer.

• Reset the refresh rate.

1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop.

2. Click Display settings. On the Display tab, click Advanced

3. Click the Monitor tab, and then reset the refresh rate to be the

display settings ➙ Display adapter properties for Display 1.

highest and noninterlaced.

The image is discolored.

• The screen might be affected by interference from nearby

equipment. Move fluorescent desk lighting or any equipment that produces magnetic fields farther away from the screen.

• Turn off the computer. Then, adjust the placement of the computer

and other devices so that they are at least 305 mm (12 inches) apart. Turn on the computer.

Chapter 4. Troubleshooting and recovery 23

Audio problems

Problem Solution

• If you are using powered external speakers that have an On/Off control, ensure that:

– The On/Off control is set to the On position. – The speaker power cable is connected to a properly grounded,

• If your external speakers have a volume control, ensure that the volume is not set too low.

• Click the volume icon in the Windows notification area on the taskbar. Check the speaker and volume settings. Do not mute the speaker or set the volume at a very low level.

• If your computer has a front audio panel, ensure that the volume is not set too low.

The audio cannot be heard on the Windows operating system.

• Ensure that your external speakers (and headphones, if used) are connected to the correct audio connector on the computer. Most speaker cables are color-coded to match the audio connector.

Note: When external-speaker or headphone cables are connected to the audio connector, the internal speaker, if present, is disabled. In most cases, if an audio adapter is installed in one of the expansion slots, the audio function built into the system board is disabled. Therefore, you must use the audio connectors on the audio adapter.

• Ensure that the program you are running is designed for use in the Microsoft Windows operating system. If the program is designed to run in DOS, the program does not use the Windows sound feature. The program must be configured to use SoundBlaster Pro or SoundBlaster emulation.

• Ensure that the audio device drivers are correctly installed.

functional ac electrical outlet.

The sound does not come from the headset or headphones.

The sound comes from one of the external speakers.

1. Exit the application that uses the sound device (for example, Windows Media Player).

2. Right-click the volume icon in the Windows notification area on the taskbar.

3. Click Playback devices.

4. Select the headset or headphones, and then click Set Default.

5. Click OK.

• Ensure that the speaker cable is inserted completely into the connector on the computer.

• Ensure that the cable that connects the left speaker to the right speaker is securely connected.

• Ensure that the balance settings are set correctly.

1. Right-click the volume icon in the Windows notification area on the taskbar. Then, click Open Volume Mixer and select the desired speaker.

2. Click the speaker icon on top of the volume control, and then click the Levels tab.

24 IdeaCentre A540 Series User Guide

+ 95 hidden pages