IBM A50 User manual

ThinkCentre
™
User Guide
Ty pe s 8084, 8085, 8126, 8147
Ty pe s 8148, 8149, 8174, 8175
Ty pe s 8176, 8177, 8178, 8179


ThinkCentre
™
User Guide
Ty pe s 8084, 8085, 8126, 8147
Ty pe s 8148, 8149, 8174, 8175
Ty pe s 8176, 8177, 8178, 8179


Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the “Important safety information” on page v and
Appendix E, “Notices,” on page 95.
Third Edition (May 2004)
© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2004. All rights reserved.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.

Contents
Important safety information . . . . . .v
Conditions that require immediate action . . . . .v
General safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . .vi
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vi
Power cords and power adapters . . . . . .vi
Extension cords and related devices . . . . . vii
Plugs and outlets . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Heat and product ventilation . . . . . . . viii
CD and DVD drive safety . . . . . . . . viii
Additional safety information . . . . . . . .ix
Lithium battery notice . . . . . . . . . . .x
Modem safety information . . . . . . . . . .x
Laser compliance statement . . . . . . . . .xi
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Information resources . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Identifying your computer . . . . . . . . . xiv
Chapter 1. Types 8149, 8177, and 8178 .1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Available options . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Tools required . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Handling static-sensitive devices . . . . . . . .5
Installing external options . . . . . . . . . .6
Locating the connectors on the front of your
computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Locating the connectors on the rear of your
computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Obtaining device drivers . . . . . . . . .8
Removing the cover . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Locating components . . . . . . . . . . .10
Identifying parts on the system board . . . . .10
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Installing adapters . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Installing internal drives . . . . . . . . . .14
Drive specifications . . . . . . . . . . .14
Installing a drive . . . . . . . . . . .15
Installing security features . . . . . . . . .18
Identifying security locks . . . . . . . . .19
Rope clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Integrated cable lock . . . . . . . . . .21
Password protection . . . . . . . . . .21
Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . .21
Erasing a lost or forgotten password (clearing
CMOS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Replacing the cover and connecting the cables . . .23
Chapter 2. Types 8126, 8174, 8175, and
8176 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Available options . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Tools required . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Handling static-sensitive devices . . . . . . .29
Installing external options . . . . . . . . .30
Locating the connectors on the front of your
computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Locating the connectors on the rear of your
computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Obtaining device drivers . . . . . . . . .33
Removing the cover . . . . . . . . . . .34
Locating components . . . . . . . . . . .35
Identifying parts on the system board . . . . .35
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Installing adapters . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Installing internal drives . . . . . . . . . .39
Drive specifications . . . . . . . . . . .40
Installing a drive . . . . . . . . . . .41
Installing security features . . . . . . . . .43
Identifying security locks . . . . . . . . .44
Rope clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Integrated cable lock . . . . . . . . . .46
Password protection . . . . . . . . . .46
Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . .46
Erasing a lost or forgotten password (clearing
CMOS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Replacing the cover and connecting the cables . . .48
Chapter 3. Types 8084, 8085, 8147,
8148, and 8179 . . . . . . . . . . .51
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Available options . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Tools required . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Handling static-sensitive devices . . . . . . .55
Installing external options . . . . . . . . .56
Locating the connectors on the front of your
computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Locating the connectors on the rear of your
computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Obtaining device drivers . . . . . . . . .59
Removing the cover . . . . . . . . . . .60
Locating components . . . . . . . . . . .61
Identifying parts on the system board . . . . .61
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Installing adapters . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Installing internal drives . . . . . . . . . .65
Drive specifications . . . . . . . . . . .65
Installing a drive . . . . . . . . . . .66
Installing security features . . . . . . . . .69
Identifying security locks . . . . . . . . .70
Rope clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Integrated cable lock . . . . . . . . . .72
Password protection . . . . . . . . . .72
Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . .72
Erasing a lost or forgotten password (clearing
CMOS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Replacing the cover and connecting the cables . . .74
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 iii

Chapter 4. Using the IBM Setup Utility
program . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Starting the IBM Setup Utility program . . . . .77
Viewing and changing settings . . . . . . . .77
Exiting from the IBM Setup Utility program . . .77
Using passwords . . . . . . . . . . . .77
User password . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Administrator password . . . . . . . . .78
Setting, changing, and deleting a password . . .78
Using Security Profile by Device . . . . . . .78
Selecting a startup device . . . . . . . . . .78
Selecting a temporary startup device . . . . .79
Changing the startup sequence . . . . . . .79
Advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Appendix A. Updating system
programs . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
System programs . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Updating (flashing) BIOS from a diskette . . .81
Updating (flashing) BIOS from your operating
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Recovering from a POST/BIOS update failure . . .82
Appendix B. Cleaning the mouse . . .83
Cleaning an optical mouse . . . . . . . . .83
Cleaning a mouse with a ball . . . . . . . .83
Appendix C. Manual modem
commands . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Basic AT commands . . . . . . . . . . .85
Extended AT commands . . . . . . . . . .87
MNP/V.42/V.42bis/V.44 commands . . . . . .88
Fax Class 1 commands . . . . . . . . . .89
Fax Class 2 commands . . . . . . . . . .89
Voice commands . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Appendix D. Customer replaceable unit
(CRU) parts list . . . . . . . . . . .93
Appendix E. Notices . . . . . . . . .95
Television output notice . . . . . . . . . .96
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
iv User Guide

Important safety information
This information can help you safely use your IBM
®
personal computer. Follow
and retain all information included with your IBM computer. The information in
this document does not alter the terms of your purchase agreement or the IBM
Statement of Limited Warranty.
Customer safety is important to IBM. Our products are developed to be safe and
effective. However, personal computers are electronic devices. Power cords, power
adapters, and other features can create potential safety risks that can result in
physical injury or property damage, especially if misused. To reduce these risks,
follow the instructions included with your product, observe all warnings on the
product and in the operating instructions, and review the information included in
this document carefully. By carefully following the information contained in this
document and provided with your product, you can help protect yourself from
hazards and create a safer computer work environment.
Note: This information includes references to power adapters and batteries. In
addition to mobile personal computers, IBM ships some products (such as speakers
or monitors) with external power adapters. If you have such a product, this
information applies to your product. In addition, your computer product may
contain a coin-sized internal battery that provides power to your system clock even
when the machine is unplugged, so the battery safety information applies to all
computers.
Conditions that require immediate action
Products can become damaged due to misuse or neglect. Some product damage
is serious enough that the product should not be used again until it has been
inspected and, if necessary, repaired by an authorized servicer.
As with any electronic device, pay close attention to the product when it is
turned on. On very rare occasions, you might notice an odor or see a puff of
smoke or sparks vent from your machine. Or you might hear sounds like
popping, cracking or hissing. These conditions might merely mean that an
internal electronic component has failed in a safe and controlled manner. Or,
they might indicate a potential safety issue. However, do not take risks or
attempt to diagnose the situation yourself.
Frequently inspect your computer and its components for damage or wear or
signs of danger. If you have any question about the condition of a component,
do not use the product. Contact the IBM Support Center or the product
manufacturer for instructions on how to inspect the product and have it
repaired, if necessary.
In the unlikely event that you notice any of the conditions listed below, or if
you have any safety concerns with your product, stop using the product and
unplug it from the power source and telecommunication lines until you can
speak to the IBM Support Center for further guidance.
v Power cords, plugs, power adapters, extension cords, surge protectors, or power
supplies that are cracked, broken or damaged.
v Signs of overheating, smoke, sparks or fire.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 v

v Damage to a battery (such as cracks, dents, creases), discharge from a battery, or
a buildup of foreign substances on the battery.
v A cracking, hissing or popping sound, or strong odor that comes from the
product.
v Signs that liquid has been spilled or an object has fallen onto the computer
product, the power cord or power adapter.
v The computer product, the power cord or power adapter has been exposed to
water.
v The product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
v The product does not operate normally when you follow the operating
instructions.
Note: If you notice these conditions with a non-IBM product (such as an extension
cord), stop using that product until you can contact the product manufacturer for
further instructions, or until you get a suitable replacement.
General safety guidelines
Always observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury and property
damage.
Service
Do not attempt to service a product yourself unless instructed to do so by the IBM
Support Center. Use only an IBM authorized service provider who is approved to
repair your particular product.
Note: Some parts can be upgraded or replaced by the customer. These parts are
referred to as Customer Replaceable Units, or CRUs. IBM expressly identifies CRUs
as such, and provides documentation with instructions when it is appropriate for
customers to replace those parts. You must closely follow all instructions when
performing such replacements. Always make sure that the power is turned off and
that the product is unplugged from any power source before you attempt the
replacement. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the IBM Support
Center.
Power cords and power adapters
Use only the power cords and power adapters supplied by the product
manufacturer.
Never wrap a power cord around the power adapter or other object. Doing so can
stress the cord in ways that can cause the cord to fray, crack or crimp. This can
present a safety hazard.
Always route power cords so that they will not be walked on, tripped over, or
pinched by objects.
Protect the cord and power adapters from liquids. For instance, do not leave your
cord or power adapter near sinks, tubs, toilets, or on floors that are cleaned with
liquid cleansers. Liquids can cause a short circuit, particularly if the cord or power
adapter has been stressed by misuse. Liquids can also cause gradual corrosion of
the power cord terminals and/or the connector terminals on the adapter which can
eventually result in overheating.
vi User Guide

Always connect power cords and signal cables in the correct order and ensure that
all power cord connectors are securely and completely plugged into receptacles.
Do not use any power adapter that shows corrosion at the ac input pins and/or
shows signs of overheating (such as deformed plastic) at the ac input or anywhere
on the power adapter.
Do not use any power cords where the electrical contacts on either end show signs
of corrosion or overheating or where the power cord appears to have been
damaged in any way.
Extension cords and related devices
Ensure that extension cords, surge protectors, uninterruptible power supplies, and
power strips that you use are rated to handle the electrical requirements of the
product. Never overload these devices. If power strips are used, the load should
not exceed the power strip input rating. Consult an electrician for more
information if you have questions about power loads, power requirements, and
input ratings.
Plugs and outlets
If a receptacle (power outlet) that you intend to use with your computer
equipment appears to be damaged or corroded, do not use the outlet until it is
replaced by a qualified electrician.
Do not bend or modify the plug. If the plug is damaged, contact the manufacturer
to obtain a replacement.
Some products are equipped with a three-pronged plug. This plug fits only into a
grounded electrical outlet. This is a safety feature. Do not defeat this safety feature
by trying to insert it into a non-grounded outlet. If you cannot insert the plug into
the outlet, contact an electrician for an approved outlet adapter or to replace the
outlet with one that enables this safety feature. Never overload an electrical outlet.
The overall system load should not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating.
Consult an electrician for more information if you have questions about power
loads and branch circuit ratings.
Be sure that the power outlet you are using is properly wired, easily accessible,
and located close to the equipment. Do not fully extend power cords in a way that
will stress the cords.
Connect and disconnect the equipment from the electrical outlet carefully
Batteries
All IBM personal computers contain a non-rechargeable coin cell battery to provide
power to the system clock. In addition many mobile products such as Thinkpad
notebook PCs utilize a rechargeable battery pack to provide system power when in
portable mode. Batteries supplied by IBM for use with your product have been
tested for compatibility and should only be replaced with IBM approved parts.
Never attempt to open or service any battery. Do not crush, puncture, or incinerate
batteries or short circuit the metal contacts. Do not expose the battery to water or
other liquids. Only recharge the battery pack strictly according to instructions
included in the product documentation.
Important safety information vii

Battery abuse or mishandling can cause the battery to overheat, which can cause
gasses or flame to “vent” from the battery pack or coin cell. If your battery is
damaged, or if you notice any discharge from your battery or the buildup of
foreign materials on the battery leads, stop using the battery and obtain a
replacement from the battery manufacturer.
Batteries can degrade when they are left unused for long periods of time. For some
rechargeable batteries (particularly Lithium Ion batteries), leaving a battery unused
in a discharged state could increase the risk of a battery short circuit, which could
shorten the life of the battery and can also pose a safety hazard. Do not let
rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries completely discharge or store these batteries in a
discharged state.
Heat and product ventilation
Computers generate heat when turned on and when batteries are charging.
Notebook PCs can generate a significant amount of heat due to their compact size.
Always follow these basic precautions:
v Do not leave the base of your computer in contact with your lap or any part of
your body for an extended period when the computer is functioning or when
the battery is charging. Your computer produces some heat during normal
operation. Extended contact with the body could cause discomfort or, potentially,
a skin burn.
v Do not operate your computer or charge the battery near flammable materials or
in explosive environments.
v Ventilation slots, fans and/or heat sinks are provided with the product for safety,
comfort, and reliable operation. These features might inadvertently become
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, carpet, or other flexible surface.
Never block, cover or disable these features.
CD and DVD drive safety
CD and DVD drives spin discs at a high speed. If a CD or DVD is cracked or
otherwise physically damaged, it is possible for the disc to break apart or even
shatter when the CD drive is in use. To protect against possible injury due to this
situation, and to reduce the risk of damage to your machine, do the following:
v Always store CD/DVD discs in their original packaging
v Always store CD/DVD discs out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat
sources
v Remove CD/DVD discs from the computer when not in use
v Do not bend or flex CD/DVD discs, or force them into the computer or their
packaging
v Check CD/DVD discs for cracks before each use. Do not use cracked or
damaged discs
viii User Guide