Read the safety notices and important tips in the
included manuals before using your computer.
Page 2
Notes
• Before using the product, be sure to read Lenovo Safety and General
Information Guide first.
• Some instructions in this guide may assume that you are using
®
Windows
8.1. If you are using another Windows operating system,
some operations may be slightly different. If you are using other
operating systems, some operations may not apply to you.
• The features described in this guide are common to most models. Some
features may not be available on your computer or your computer may
include features that are not described in this user guide.
• The illustrations used in this manual are from Lenovo S41 unless
otherwise stated.
• The illustrations in this manual may differ from the actual product.
Please refer to the actual product.
Regulatory Notice
• For details, refer to Guides & Manuals at http://support.lenovo.com
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. GS-35F-05925.
Page 3
Contents
Chapter 1. Getting to know your computer ......................................... 1
Top view ......................................................................................................................1
Note: The dashed areas indicate parts that are not visible externally.
Attention:
• Do not open the display panel beyond 180 degrees. When closing the display panel, be
careful not to leave pens or any other objects in between the display panel and the
keyboard. Otherwise, the display panel may be damaged.
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Chapter 1. Getting to know your computer
a Integrated
Use the camera for video communication.
camera (on select
models)
b Built-in
microphones
c Computer display
d Wireless LAN
antennas
e Power button
f Touch pad
Note: You can enable/disable the touch pad by pressing F6 ().
Capture sound which can be used for video conferencing,
voice narration, or audio recording.
The LCD display with LED backlight provides brilliant
visual output.
Connect to a wireless LAN adapter to send and receive
wireless radio signals.
Press this button to turn on the computer.
The touch pad functions as a conventional mouse.
Touch pad: To move the pointer on the screen, slide your
fingertip over the pad in the direction in which you want
the pointer to move.
Touch pad buttons: The functions of the left/right side
correspond to those of the left/right mouse button on a
conventional mouse.
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Chapter 1. Getting to know your computer
Using the keyboard
Hotkeys
You can access certain system settings quickly by pressing the appropriate
hotkeys.
Mutes/unmutes the
:
sound.
Decreases the volume
:
level.
Increases the volume level.
:
Closes the currently active
:
window.
Refreshes the desktop or
the currently active
:
window.
Enables/disables the touch
:
pad.
Note: If you changed the Hotkey Mode from Enabled to Disabled in the BIOS setup utility,
you will need to press the Fn key in combination with the appropriate hotkey.
Enables/disables Airplane
:
mode.
Displays all currently
:
active apps.
Turns on/off the backlight
:
of the LCD screen.
Toggles the display
between the computer and
:
an external device.
Decreases display
:
brightness.
Increases display
:
brightness.
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Chapter 1. Getting to know your computer
Function key combinations
Through the use of the function keys, you can change operational features
instantly. To use this function, press and hold Fn a; then press one of the
function keys b.
a
The following describes the features of each function key.
Attach a security lock (not supplied) here to help protect
your computer from theft and unauthorized use.
You can attach a security lock to your computer to help
prevent it from being removed without your permission.
For details on installing the security lock, please refer to
the instructions shipped with the security lock that you
have purchased.
Connects to the AC power adapter.
jack
c USB 2.0 port
Note: For details, see “Connecting USB devices” on page 7.
d Memory card slot
Note: For details, see “Using memory cards (not supplied)” on page 8.
e Combo audio
Connects to USB devices.
Insert memory cards (not supplied) here.
Connects to headsets.
jack
Notes:
• The combo audio jack does not support conventional microphones.
• The recording function may not be supported if third-party headphones or headsets are
connected, due to different industry standards.
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Chapter 1. Getting to know your computer
f Battery status
indicator
g Power status
indicator
IndicatorIndicator statusMeaning
On (solid white)The battery has more than 20% charge.
Solid amberThe battery has between 5% and 20%
charge.
Fast blinking amberThe battery has less than 5% charge.
Battery
status
indicator
Power status
indicator
Slow blinking amberThe battery is being charged. When
battery charge reaches 20%, the blinking
color changes to white.
Slow blinking whiteThe battery has between 20% and 80%
charge and is still charging. When the
battery reaches 80% charge the light will
stop blinking, but charging will continue
until the battery is fully charged.
On (solid white)The computer is powered on.
BlinkingThe computer is in sleep mode.
OffThe computer is powered off.
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Chapter 1. Getting to know your computer
Connecting USB devices
You can connect a USB device to your computer by inserting its USB plug
(Type A) into the USB port on your computer.
The first time you plug a USB device into a particular USB port on your
computer, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After the
driver has been installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device
without performing any additional steps.
Note: Typically, Windows detects a new device after it has been connected, and then installs
the driver automatically. However, some devices may require you to install the driver
before connecting. Check the documentation provided by the device’s manufacturer
before connecting the device.
Before disconnecting a USB storage device, make sure your computer has
finished transferring data to that device. Click the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon in the Windows notification area to remove the device
before disconnecting.
Note: If your USB device uses a power cord, connect the device to a power source before
connecting it. Otherwise, the device may not be recognized.
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Chapter 1. Getting to know your computer
Using memory cards (not supplied)
Your computer supports the following types of memory cards:
• Secure Digital (SD) card
• Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) card
• SD eXtended Capacity (SDXC) card
• MultiMediaCard (MMC)
Notes:
• Insert only one card in the slot at a time.
• This card reader does not support SDIO devices (e.g., SDIO Bluetooth, etc.).
Inserting a memory card
Insert the memory card until it touches the bottom of the slot.
Removing a memory card
Gently pull the memory card out of the memory card slot.
Note: Before removing the memory card, disable it by using the Windows safely remove
hardware and eject media utility to avoid data corruption.
Charms are navigation buttons that let you control your Windows® 8.1
experience. Charms include: Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings. The
charms bar is the menu that contains the charms.
The five charms provide new and faster ways to perform many basic tasks,
and are always available regardless of whichever app you are currently in.
To display the charms, do one of the following:
• Move the cursor to the upper-right or lower-right corner until the charms
bar is displayed.
• Press the Windows key + C.
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Chapter 2. Starting to use Windows 8.1
Search charm
The Search charm is a powerful new way to find what you are looking for,
including settings, files, Web images, Web videos, etc.
Share charm
The Share charm lets you send links, photos, and more to your friends and
social networks without leaving the app you are in.
Start charm
The Start charm is a fast way to go to the Start screen.
Devices charm
The Devices charm allows you to connect or send files to any external
devices, including the devices to play, print, and project.
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Chapter 2. Starting to use Windows 8.1
Settings charm
The Settings charm lets you perform basic tasks, such as setting the volume
or shutting down the computer. Also, you can get to the Control Panel
through the Settings charm when on the Desktop screen.
When you have finished working with your computer, you can put it to sleep
or shut it down.
Putting your computer to sleep
If you will be away from your computer for only a short time, put the
computer to sleep.
When the computer is in sleep mode, you can quickly wake it to resume use,
bypassing the startup process.
To put the computer to sleep, do one of the following:
• Close the display lid.
• Press the power button.
• Open the charms bar and then select Settings → Power→ Sleep.
Note: Put your computer to sleep before you move it. Moving your computer while the hard
disk drive is spinning can damage the hard disk, causing loss of data.
To wake the computer, do the following:
• Press the power button.
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Chapter 2. Starting to use Windows 8.1
Shutting down the computer
If you are not going to use your computer for a long time, shut it down.
To shut down your computer, do one of the following:
• Open the charms bar and then select Settings → Power→ Shut
down.
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Chapter 2. Starting to use Windows 8.1
• Right-click the Start button in the lower-left corner and select Shut down or
sign out → Shut down.
• On the Start screen, click and select Shut down.
Note: This operation depends on your BIOS settings. Please refer to the actual product.
To enable wireless functions, do one of the following:
• Press to disable airplane mode.
• Open the charms bar and select Settings → to open the network
configuration page. Then toggle the airplane mode switch to Off.
Connecting to a wireless network
After wireless has been enabled, the computer will automatically scan for
available wireless networks and display them in the wireless network list. To
connect to a wireless network, click the network name in the list, and then
click Connect.
Note: Some networks require a network security key or passphrase for connection. To
connect to one of those networks, ask the network administrator or the Internet service
provider (ISP) for the security key or passphrase.
If you have a problem with the operating system, see the Windows Help and
Support file. To open the Windows Help and Support file, do one of the
following:
• Select Settings charm, then select Help.
• Press Fn + 1 (depending on your keyboard layout)
You can read the Windows Help and Support file on your computer. You can
also get online help and support by clicking on one of the two links listed
under More to explore.
Note: Windows 8.1 also provides an app, Help+Tips. You can find it on the Start screen, to
learn more information on new features of Windows 8.1.
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Chapter 3. Lenovo OneKey Recovery system
The Lenovo OneKey Recovery system is software designed to back up and
restore your computer. You can use it to restore the system partition to its
original status in case of a system failure. You can also create user backups
for easy restoration as required.
Notes:
• If your computer is preinstalled with a GNU/Linux operating system, OneKey Recovery
system is not available.
• To utilize the features of the OneKey Recovery system, your hard disk already includes a
hidden partition by default to store the system image file and the OneKey Recovery
system program files. This default partition is hidden for security reasons, which explains
why the available disk space is less than the stated capacity.
Backing up the system partition
You can back up the system partition to an image file. This image file can be
used to restore the system partition. To back up the system partition:
1 In Windows, press the Novo button or double-click OneKey Recovery
icon to start the Lenovo OneKey Recovery system.
2 Click System Backup.
3 Select a back-up location and click Next to start the backup.
Notes:
• You can choose a back-up location on the local hard disk drive or an external storage
device.
• Remove the removable hard disk drive before starting the Lenovo OneKey Recovery
system. Otherwise, data from the removable hard disk drive might be lost.
• The back-up process may take a while.
• The back-up process is only available when Windows can be started normally.
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Chapter 3. Lenovo OneKey Recovery system
Restoring
You can choose to restore the system partition to its original status or to a
previously created back-up point. To restore the system partition:
1 In Windows, press the Novo button or double-click OneKey Recovery
icon to start the Lenovo OneKey Recovery system.
2 Click System Recovery. The computer will restart to the recovery
environment.
3 Follow the on-screen instructions to restore the system partition to its
original status or to a previously created back-up point.
Notes:
• The recovery process is irreversible. Make sure to back up any data you wish to save on
the system partition before starting the recovery process.
• The recovery process may take a while. So be sure to connect the AC power adapter to
your computer during the recovery process.
• The above instructions should be followed when Windows can be started normally.
If Windows cannot be started, then follow the steps below to start the Lenovo
OneKey Recovery system:
1 Shut down the computer.
2 Press the Novo button. From the Novo Button Menu, select System
This section lists frequently asked questions by category.
Finding information
What safety precautions should I follow when using my computer?
The Lenovo Safety and General Information Guide which came with your
computer contains safety precautions for using your computer. Read and
follow all the precautions when using your computer.
Where can I find the hardware specifications for my computer?
You can find hardware specification for your computer on the printed
flyers which came with your computer.
Where can I find warranty information?
For the warranty applicable to your computer, including the warranty
period and type of warranty service, see the Lenovo limited warranty flyer
that came with your computer.
Drivers and preinstalled software
Where are the installation discs for Lenovo preinstalled software (desktop
software)?
Your computer did not come with installation discs for Lenovo preinstalled
software. If you need to reinstall any preinstalled software, you can find
the installation program on the C partition of your hard disk. If you cannot
find the installation program there, you can also download it from the
Lenovo consumer support website.
Where can I find drivers for the various hardware devices of my computer?
If your computer is preinstalled with a Windows operating system, Lenovo
provides drivers for all the hardware devices that you need on the C
partition of your hard disk. You can also download the latest device drivers
from the Lenovo consumer support website.
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Chapter 4. Troubleshooting
Lenovo OneKey Recovery system
Where are the recovery discs?
Your computer did not come with recovery discs. Use the Lenovo OneKey
Recovery system if you need to restore the system to its factory status.
What can I do if the back-up process fails?
If you can start the backup but it fails during the back-up process, try the
following steps:
1 Close all open programs, and then restart the back-up process.
2 Check to see if the destination media is damaged. Select another path
and then try again.
When do I need to restore the system to its factory status?
Use this feature when the operating system fails to start up. If there is
critical data on the system partition, back it up before starting recovery.
BIOS setup utility
What is the BIOS setup utility?
The BIOS setup utility is ROM-based software. It displays basic computer
information and provides options for setting boot devices, security,
hardware mode, and other preferences.
How can I start the BIOS setup utility?
To start the BIOS setup utility:
1 Shut down the computer.
2 Press the Novo button and then select BIOS Setup.
How can I change the boot mode?
There are two boot modes: UEFI and Legacy Support. To change the boot
mode, start the BIOS setup utility and set boot mode to UEFI or Legacy Support on the boot menu.
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Chapter 4. Troubleshooting
When do I need to change the boot mode?
The default boot mode for your computer is UEFI mode. If you need to
install a legacy operating system, such as Windows, Linux or Dos, etc (that
is, any operating system before Windows 8) on your computer, you must
change the boot mode to Legacy Support. The legacy operating system,
such as Windows, Linux or Dos, etc cannot be installed if you don't change
the boot mode.
Getting help
How can I contact the customer support center?
See “Chapter 3. Getting help and service” in the Lenovo Safety and General
Information Guide.
When I turn on the
computer, nothing appears
on the screen.
When I turn on the
computer, only a white
cursor appears on a blank
screen.
The screen goes blank
while the computer is on.
Sleep problems
The critical low-battery error
message appears, and the
computer immediately turns
off.
The computer enters sleep
mode immediately after
Power-on.
• If the screen is blank, make sure that:
- The AC power adapter is connected to the
computer, and the power cord is plugged into a
working electrical outlet.
- The computer power is on. Press the Power button
again for confirmation.
• If these items are set correctly, and the screen remains
blank, have the computer serviced.
• Restore backed-up files to your Windows
environment or the entire contents of your hard disk
to its original factory contents using the Lenovo
OneKey Recovery system. If you still see only the
cursor on the screen, have the computer serviced.
• Your power management is enabled. Do one of the
following to resume from sleep mode:
- Press any key on the keyboard.
- Press the Power button.
- Press the Windows button.
-Press F9 () to confirm whether the backlight of
the LCD screen has been turned off.
• The battery power is getting low. Connect the AC
power adapter to the computer.
• Make sure that:
- The battery is charged.
- The operating temperature is within the acceptable
range. See “Chapter 2. Use and care Information” in
the Lenovo Safety and General Information Guide.
Note: If the battery is charged and the temperature is within range, have the computer
serviced.
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Chapter 4. Troubleshooting
The computer does not
return from sleep mode and
the computer does not
work.
• If your computer is in sleep mode, connect the AC
power adapter to the computer, then press the
Windows button or the Power button.
• If the system still does not return from sleep mode,
your system has stopped responding, and you cannot
turn off the computer; reset the computer. Unsaved
data may be lost. To reset the computer, press and
hold the Power button for eight seconds or more. If
the computer still does not reset, remove the AC
power adapter.
Display panel problems
The screen is blank. • Do the following:
- If you are using the AC power adapter or the
battery, and the battery status indicator is on, press
F12 () to make the screen brighter.
- If the power indicator is blinking, press the Power
button to resume from sleep mode.
- Press F9 () to confirm whether the backlight of
the LCD screen has been turned off.
- If the problem persists, follow the solution in the
next problem “The screen is unreadable or
distorted.”
The screen is unreadable or
distorted.
Incorrect characters appear
on the screen.
• Make sure that:
- The screen resolution and color quality are correctly
set.
- The monitor type is correct.
• Is the operating system or programs installed
correctly? If they are installed and configured
correctly, have the computer serviced.
Sound problems
No sound can be heard
from the speakers even
when the volume is turned
up.
• Make sure that:
- The Mute function is off.
- The combo audio jack is not being used.
- Speakers are selected as the playback device.
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Battery problems
Your computer shuts down
before the battery status
indicator shows empty.
-or-
Your computer operates
after the battery status
indicator shows empty.
A hard disk drive problem
The hard disk drive does
not work.
Other problems
Your computer does not
respond.
The computer does not
start from a device you
want.
The connected external
device does not work.
Chapter 4. Troubleshooting
• Recharge the battery.
• In the Boot menu in BIOS setup utility, make sure
that the hard disk drive is included in the UEFI
correctly.
• To turn off your computer, press and hold the Power
button for eight seconds or more. If the computer still
does not respond, remove the AC power adapter.
• Your computer might lock when it enters sleep mode
during a communication operation. Disable the sleep
timer when you are working on the network.
• See the Boot menu of the BIOS setup utility. Make
sure that the UEFI in the BIOS setup utility is set so
that the computer starts from the device you want.
• Also make sure that the device from which the
computer starts is enabled. In the Boot menu in the
BIOS setup utility, make sure that the device is
included in the UEFI list.
• While powered-off, press Novo button to select the
device you want the computer starts from.
• Do not connect or disconnect any external device
cables other than USB while the computer power is
on. Otherwise, you might damage your computer.
• When using high power consumption external
devices, such as an external USB optical disk drive,
use an external device power adapter. Otherwise, the
device may not be recognized, or the system may
shut down as a result.
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Trademarks
The following terms are trademarks or registered trademarks of Lenovo in the
United States, other countries, or both.
Lenovo
OneKey
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States, other countries, or both.
Other company, products, or service names may be trademarks or service marks
of others.