IBM ThinkPad 240 User manual

i

Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under
“Safety information” on page vii, “Ergonomics information” on page 40, and “Notices” on page 143.
First Edition (June 1999)
The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any country where such provisions are
inconsistent with local law:
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE LIMITED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow
disclaimers or express or implied warranties in certain transactions; therefore, this statement may not apply to you.
This publication could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the
information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements
or changes in the products or the programs described in this publication at any time.
Requests for technical information about IBM products should be made to your IBM Authorized Dealer or your IBM
Marketing Representative.
 Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1999. All rights reserved. Note to US Government
Users — Documentation related to restricted rights — Use, duplication, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth
in GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

Thank you for selecting an IBM ThinkPad 240 computer
We at IBM have developed this ThinkPad computer to meet both your technical requirements and your high expec-
tations. To help us continue to build products that address your mobile computing needs, please take a moment to
complete the ThinkPad registration.
ThinkPad
 Copyright IBM Corporation 1999 iii

Functional highlights
Functional highlightsHigh-speed processor The Intel high-speed processor enables
high-speed data processing and provides advanced per-
formance.
Large-capacity hard disk drive The large-capacity hard disk drive
can respond to a wide variety of your business demands.
Color LCD The TFT (thin-film transistor) display provides clear and
brilliant text and graphics.
Audio Your computer is equipped with internal audio record and
playback capabilities.
The audio feature supports wave audio recording and
playback of up to 16 bits, stereo, and 48 KHz sampling.
For more information on using the audio function
Online User's Guide.
ThinkPad Modem The ThinkPad modem enables you to send or
receive data and faxes over a telephone line.
For more information on using the ThinkPad modem
Online User's Guide.
TrackPoint with Enhanced Controls Your computer has an
enhanced TrackPoint function that enables you to make
selections merely by pressing on the TrackPoint.
For more information on using the TrackPoint
“TrackPoint” on page 9.
PC Card Support Your computer provides one PC Card slot that
accepts a 16–bit PC Card and CardBus Card.
For more information on installing PC Cards
“Inserting a PC Card” on page 68.
iv

About this book
About this book This book contains information that will help you operate the IBM
ThinkPad 240 computer. Be sure to read the ThinkPad 240 Setup
Guide and Chapter 1 of this book before using the computer.
Chapter 1. "Getting Familiar with
Your Computer," acquaints you
with the basic features of your computer
Chapter 2. "Extending the
Features ofYour Computer,"
provides information on installing
options and using your computer's
high-technology features.
Chapter 3. "Protecting
Your Computer,"
provides information on using
passwords, and using locks.
Chapter 4. "Solving Computer Problems,"
Chapter 5. "Getting Service,"
describes what to do when
you have a computer problem. The chapter includes a troubleshooting
guide and information on how to recover lost or damaged software.
describes various options of IBM's suppport and service.
Appendix A, Features and specifications describes the features
and specifications associated with your computer, including informa-
tion on power cords.
Appendix B, Product warranties and notices contains the war-
ranty statements for your computer and notices for this book.
The glossary defines terms appearing in this book. The book con-
cludes with an index.
v

About this book
Icons Used in This Book
For procedures or information unique to the operating system
installed in your computer:
Information for Microsoft Windows
98 users.
Information for Microsoft Windows
NT users.
Information for Microsoft Windows
95 users.
Indicates situations that are
potentially lethal or extremely haz-
ardous to you.
vi

Safety information
Safety information
Electrical safety notice
DANGER
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communi-
cation cables is hazardous. To avoid shock hazard,
connect and disconnect cables as shown below when
installing, moving, or opening the covers of this product
or attached devices. The 3–pin power cord must be used
with a properly grounded outlet.
To Connect
Turn everything OFF.
First, attach all cables to devices.
Attach the signal cables to the
receptacles.
Attach the power cord to an
outlet.
Turn the device ON.
To Disconnect
Turn everything OFF.
First, remove the power cord from
the outlet.
Remove the signal cables from
the receptacles.
Remove all cables from device.
vii

Safety information
Note: In the U.K., by law:
The telephone line cable must be connected after the
power cord.
The power cord must be disconnected after the telephone
line cable.
DANGER
The lithium battery contains lithium and can explode if
not properly used, handled, or disposed of. Do not dis-
assemble, incinerate, or short-circuit the rechargeable
battery pack. Do not put it in trash that is disposed of in
landfills. Dispose of it as required by local ordinances or
regulations. In the United States, call IBM at
1-800-IBM-4333 for information on disposal.
Do not: (1) throw or immerse into water, (2) heat to more
than 100°C (212°F), or (3) attempt to repair or disas-
semble. Dispose of it as required by local ordinances or
regulations.
CAUTION:
The fluorescent lamp in the liquid crystal display (LCD) contains
mercury. Do not put it in trash that is disposed of in landfills.
Dispose of it as required by local ordinances or regulations.
The LCD is made of glass, and rough handling or dropping the
computer can cause the LCD to break. If the LCD breaks and
the internal fluid gets into your eyes or on your hands, imme-
diately wash the affected areas with water for at least 15
minutes; then get medical care if any symptoms are present
after washing.
viii

Contents
Thank you for selecting an IBM ThinkPad 240 computer .. iii
Functional highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
About this book ............................. v
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Electrical safety notice ....................... vii
Chapter 1. Getting familiar with your computer ........ 1
Identifying the hardware features ................... 2
Front view of the computer ..................... 2
Rear view of the computer ..................... 4
Bottom view of the computer ................... 6
System status indicators ........................ 7
Distinctive functions of your computer ................ 9
Keyboard functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ThinkPad utility programs .................... 16
Online User's Guide ........................ 31
Backing up your system ....................... 32
ThinkPad Software Selection CD ................ 32
Recovery CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
ConfigSafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
ThinkPad Web site or bulletin board .............. 33
Replacing the battery pack ..................... 34
Attaching the Large Battery pack ................ 35
Handling your computer ....................... 36
ThinkPad don'ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
ThinkPad do's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Cleaning your computer ..................... 38
Carrying the computer ...................... 38
Maximizing battery-powered operation ............. 39
Ruggedized mobile computers ................. 39
Ergonomics information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
For more information ....................... 42
Chapter 2. Extending the features of your computer .... 43
Customizing the TrackPoint ..................... 44
Using the Press-to-Select page ................. 45
 Copyright IBM Corporation 1999 ix

Using the Sensitivity page .................... 46
Increasing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Upgrading the memory ...................... 47
Attaching an external mouse, keypad or keyboard ....... 53
Attaching an external mouse or numeric keypad ....... 53
Attaching an external keyboard and mouse .......... 55
Disabling the TrackPoint ..................... 56
Attaching the external FDD drive .................. 58
Attaching the external CD-ROM drive ............... 59
Connecting the CD-ROM to the ThinkPad 240 ........ 59
Installing the CD-ROM device driver .............. 60
Attaching an external monitor .................... 63
Display output location ...................... 64
Display modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Attaching a printer .......................... 67
Inserting a PC Card ......................... 68
Removing the PC Card ...................... 69
Chapter 3. Protecting your computer ............. 71
Using passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Entering a password ....................... 73
Setting a password ........................ 74
Changing or removing a password ............... 75
Using locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Chapter 4. Solving computer problems ............ 77
Frequently asked questions ..................... 78
Hints, tips and limitations ...................... 86
USB connector considerations .................. 86
Using an external condenser microphone ........... 86
Troubleshooting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Troubleshooting charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Error codes or messages .................... 89
No error codes or messages .................. 92
Input problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Suspend or hibernation problems ................ 95
LCD problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Indicator problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Battery problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
HDD problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Infrared communication problems ................ 98
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