IBM ThinkPad 380XD User manual

1

2IBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD User's Guide

IBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD
User's Guide

IBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD
User's Guide
IBM

Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under “Safety
Information” on page viii, “Using Your Computer Comfortably and Safely” on page 31, and “Notices” on
page 189.
First Edition (November 1997)
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 of 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 1997. 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 380XD or 385XD Computer
We at IBM have developed this ThinkPad 380XD or 385XD
computer to meet
both your technical requirements and your high quality
expectations.
iii

Functional Highlights
Welcome to the world of IBM ThinkPad computers!
This powerful, all-in-one notebook computer includes a number of
advanced technologies and user-friendly functions to make your
computing experience more productive and pleasurable. Several of
these functions are highlighted below. For additional details and
functions, refer to the respective chapters in this book.
High-speed processor
The Intel Pentium 233 or 266 MHz (with MMX technology)
processor provides high-speed data processing and advanced
performance.
Large-capacity hard disk drive
The large-capacity hard disk drive provides for your demanding data
storage needs. Since it is user-replaceable, it can be optionally
upgraded, or you may choose to have a secondary hard disk drive.
Large SVGA color LCD
The 12.1-inch SVGA liquid crystal display (LCD) offers beautiful and
clear pictures. Two models are provided, a TFT (thin-film transistor)
model and a fast-response, high-brightness, and high-contrast HPA
(high performance addressing) model.
Advanced CD-ROM drive
The advanced 10–24X data-reading-speed CD-ROM drive augments
the computer's multimedia capabilities.
Lithium-ion battery pack
The large-capacity lithium-ion battery pack further extends the
operating time of the computer.
Audio features
The computer has internal audio record and playback capabilities
including 3D (three-dimensional) stereo sound from three
speakers—two high quality stereo speakers and a subwoofer. The
computer also supports DOS Sound Blaster Pro** games.
iv IBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD User's Guide

PC Card support
The computer provides two PC Card slots that accept a 16-bit PC
Card, CardBus Card, and Zoomed Video Card.
Infrared communication
The infrared communication technology allows wireless point-to-point
communication at up to 4 megabits per second with any other
ThinkPad computer or system equipped with an infrared port.
v

About This Book This book contains information that will help you operate the IBM
ThinkPad 380XD or 385XD computer. Be sure to read the ThinkPad
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. “Operating Your Computer,” provides information
on installing options and using your computer's high-technology
features.
Chapter 3. “Using Battery Power,” describes how to operate
your computer with the battery pack and provides power
management information.
Chapter 4. “Protecting Your Computer,” provides information
on using passwords, identifying yourself with the Personalization
Editor, and using locks.
Chapter 5. “Solving Computer Problems,” 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.
Chapter 6. “Getting Service,” describes various options of
IBM's support and service.
Appendix A. “Features and Specifications,” describes the
features and specifications associated with your computer,
including information on power cords.
Appendix B. “Product Warranties and Notices,” contains the
warranty statements for your computer and notices for this book.
The glossary defines terms appearing in this book. The book
concludes with an index.
vi IBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD User's Guide

Icons Used in This Book
For procedures or information unique to the operating system
installed in your computer:
Information for IBM
Operating System/2
(OS/2) users.
Information for IBM DOS
users.
Information for
Microsoft Windows
3.11 users.
Information for Microsoft
Windows NT users.
Information for Microsoft
Windows 95 users.
vii

Safety Information
DANGER
Electrical current from power, telephone, and
communication 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.
Turn everything OFF.
Turn everything OFF.
First, attach all cables to devices. First, remove the power cord from
the outlet.
Attach the signal cables to
receptacles.
Remove signal cables from
receptacles.
Attach the power cord to an outlet.
Remove all cables from devices.
Turn the device ON.
To Connect To Disconnect
viii IBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD User's Guide

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
Do not disassemble, 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.
CAUTION:
The lithium battery can be replaced only by your dealer or an
IBM service representative. It contains lithium and can explode
if not properly used, handled, or disposed of. Do not: (1) throw
or immerse into water, (2) heat to more than 100°C (212°F), or
(3) repair or disassemble. 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,
immediately wash the affected areas with water for at least 15
minutes; then get medical care if any symptoms are present
after washing.
ix

Laser Compliance Statement
The CD-ROM drive in the IBM ThinkPad 380XD or 385XD is a laser
product. The CD-ROM drive's classification label (shown below) is
located on the top of the drive.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LASER KLASSE 1
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1
KLASS 1 LASER APPARAT
The CD-ROM drive is certified in the U.S. to conform to the
requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services 21
Code of Federal Regulations (DHHS 21 CFR) Subchapter J for Class
I laser products.
In other countries, the drive is certified to conform to the
requirements of EN60825.
CAUTION:
Do not open the CD-ROM drive; no user adjustments or
serviceable parts are inside.
Use of controls, adjustments, or the performance of procedures
other than those specified might result in hazardous radiation
exposure.
Class I (1) laser products are not considered to be hazardous. The
CD-ROM drive has an internal, Class I (1), 0.5-milliwatt, aluminum
gallium-arsenide laser that operates at a wavelength of 760 to 810
nanometers. The design of the laser system and the CD-ROM drive
ensures that there is no exposure to laser radiation above a Class I
(1) level during normal operation, user maintenance, or servicing
conditions.
xIBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD User's Guide

xi

xii IBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD User's Guide

Contents
Functional Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
About This Book ............................ vi
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Laser Compliance Statement ................... x
Chapter 1. Getting Familiar with Your Computer ....... 1
Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
System-Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ThinkPad Distinctive Functions ................... 10
Keyboard Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CD-ROM Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ThinkPad Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Online Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Backing Up Your System ...................... 30
Recovery CD (Windows 95 Only) ................ 30
Diskette Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Using Your Computer Comfortably and Safely .......... 31
Handling Your ThinkPad Computer ............... 31
Cleaning Your Computer ..................... 33
Carrying Your Computer ..................... 33
Extending Your Computer's Battery Life ............ 34
Ergonomics Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Ruggedized Mobile Computers ................. 36
For More Information ....................... 36
Chapter 2. Operating Your Computer ............. 39
Increasing Memory Capacity .................... 40
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive ................... 44
Using an External Pointing Device ................. 48
Disabling the TrackPoint III ................... 51
Switching between the LCD and an External Monitor ...... 52
Attaching the Monitor ....................... 52
Using SVGA Video Mode .................... 56
Using a PC Card ........................... 58
Installing the PC Card ...................... 59
Installing the PC Card Modem .................. 63
Using CardWorks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Self-Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
PC Card Information ....................... 68
Stopping the PC Card ...................... 72
Copyright IBM Corp. 1997 xiii

Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Using the Audio Features ...................... 73
Using the 3D Sound Retrieval System (SRS) Function ... 74
Using Infrared Communication ................... 77
Using a Port Replicator ....................... 80
Attaching Your Computer to the Port Replicator ....... 80
Detaching Your Computer from the Port Replicator ..... 84
Chapter 3. Using Battery Power ................. 87
Using the Battery Pack ....................... 88
Charging the Battery Pack .................... 88
Monitoring the Battery Status .................. 88
Saving Battery Power ........................ 93
Using the Power Management Modes ............. 93
Customizing Power Management ................ 99
Considerations When Using a Power Management Mode .. 102
Using Other Battery-Saving Methods .............. 108
Replacing the Battery Pack ..................... 109
Chapter 4. Protecting Your Computer ............. 111
Using Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Entering a Password ....................... 112
Setting a Password ........................ 113
Changing or Removing a Password .............. 117
Using the Personalization Editor .................. 123
Using Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Chapter 5. Solving Computer Problems ............ 129
Frequently Asked Questions .................... 130
Hints, Tips, and Limitations ..................... 135
Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Troubleshooting Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Error Codes or Screen Messages ................ 138
No Error Codes or Screen Messages ............. 142
Input Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Suspend or Hibernation Problems ............... 144
LCD Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
An Indicator Problem ....................... 148
Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
CD-ROM Drive Problems .................... 149
xiv IBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD User's Guide

Infrared Communication Problems ............... 150
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) Problem ............. 151
PC Card Problems ........................ 151
A Printer Problem ......................... 155
External Monitor Problems .................... 155
Port Replicator Problems ..................... 157
Other Option Problems ...................... 159
Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Other Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Testing Your Computer ....................... 163
Recovering Lost or Damaged Software .............. 165
Using the Diskette Factory .................... 165
Using the Recovery CD (Windows 95 Only) .......... 167
Chapter 6. Getting Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Information on Your Computer ................... 171
Option List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Identification Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Problem Recording Sheet .................... 172
HelpWare Customer Support and Service ........... 173
Help by Telephone ........................ 173
ThinkPad EasyServ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Getting Help around the World ................. 174
Fax Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Electronic Support Services ................... 175
Purchasing Additional Services ................... 177
Enhanced PC Support Line ................... 177
Client Support Line ........................ 178
Network and Server Support Line ................ 178
Ordering Support Line Services ................. 178
Warranty and Repair Services .................. 179
Obtaining IBM Operating System Updates ............ 180
Getting Update Diskettes ..................... 180
Ordering Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Appendix A. Features and Specifications ........... 181
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
IBM Power Cords ........................... 184
Contents xv

Appendix B. Product Warranties and Notices ........ 187
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Electronic Emission Notice ..................... 190
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
xvi IBM ThinkPad 380XD/385XD User's Guide