IBM ThinkPad 600X? User manual

i
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
all-guides.com

Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under “Safety
information” on page xii and “Notices” on page 165.
Note for using your computer in Japan
If you are using a modem in Japan, specify the country as “Japan” in the “Dialing Properties” window under
the “Modem Properties” window. Using the modem functions with another setting is a violation of the
Japanese Telecommunication Business Law.
The AC Adapter complies with the Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law of Japan.
Rating: Input ac 100 V 50/60 Hz
Output dc 16 V
Certificate numbers ( ): 91-53393
91-56010
91-56011
91-56012
91-56055
91-56271
91-56887
First Edition (October 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 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 1999. All rights reserved. Note to U.S. 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.
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Thank You for Selecting
an IBM  ThinkPad  600X Computer
We have developed this ThinkPad computer to meet
both your technical requirements and your high
expectations. To help us continue to build products
that address your needs for mobile computing,
please take a moment to complete the ThinkPad Registration
in the Setup Guide .
SS
iii
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Functional highlights
Compact design with core technology
The slim, lightweight, and portable design of the ThinkPad 600X
makes traveling with your computer much easier. Your computer is
available wherever and whenever you need it.
High-speed processor
The Intel high-speed processor enables high-speed data
processing and provides advanced performance.
Large-capacity hard disk drive
The large-capacity hard disk drive can respond to a wide variety of
your business demands.
Large color LCD
The large TFT (thin-film transistor) display provides clear and
brilliant text and graphics.
Lithium-ion battery pack
The large-capacity lithium-ion battery pack extends the operating
time of your computer, further enhancing its portability.
Audio with 3D stereo sound
Your computer is equipped with internal audio record and playback
capabilities, including 3D (three-dimensional) audio from just two
speakers. When you enable the 3D stereo feature, sounds will
appear to be generated all around you, even though only two
speakers are used.
The audio feature supports the following:
Wave audio recording and playback of up to 16 bits, stereo,
and 44-KHz sampling.
DOS games using the Sound Blaster interface.
To use the audio function Online User's Guide .
iv IBM ThinkPad 600X User's Reference
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Mini-PCI modem
The integrated modem enables you to send or receive data and
faxes over a telephone line. Supporting V.90 protocol and data
rates of up to 56 Kbps, the modem makes communication easy
and efficient when you are away from your office.
To use the modem function 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. The
center button converts the TrackPoint into a scroll-controlling device
or a magnifying glass on the screen.
To use the TrackPoint “TrackPoint” on page 8.
PC Card support
Your computer provides two PC Card slots that accept a 16-bit PC
Card, CardBus Card, or Zoomed Video Card.
To install a PC Card “Installing a PC Card” on page 75.
v
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

vi IBM ThinkPad 600X User's Reference
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
all-guides.com

Contents
Functional highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
About this book ............................ x
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Laser compliance statement ................... xv
Handling the ThinkPad computer ................. xvii
ThinkPad don'ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii
ThinkPad do's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
Cleaning your computer .................... xix
Carrying your computer ..................... xx
Extending the life of your computer's battery ......... xx
Chapter 1. Getting familiar with your computer ....... 1
Identifying the hardware features .................. 2
System-status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Functions of your computer ..................... 8
Keyboard functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
UltraslimBay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ThinkPad Utility programs .................... 16
Online User's Guide ........................ 29
Backing up your system ....................... 30
Recovering lost or damaged software ............. 30
ConfigSafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ThinkPad Web site ........................ 35
Replacing the battery pack ..................... 36
Getting service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Help at the ThinkPad Web site ................. 38
Help by telephone ......................... 39
Recording sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Chapter 2. Extending the features of your computer .... 43
Customizing the TrackPoint ..................... 44
Increasing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Installing the DIMM ........................ 50
Removing the DIMM ....................... 54
Upgrading the hard disk drive ................... 55
 Copyright IBM Corp. 1999 vii
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Attaching an external mouse, keypad, or keyboard ....... 59
Attaching an external mouse or numeric keypad ....... 59
Attaching an external keyboard and mouse .......... 61
Enabling the TrackPoint ..................... 63
Attaching an external monitor .................... 64
Attaching a television to your computer ............ 68
Using the dual display function ................. 71
Installing a PC Card ......................... 75
Removing the PC Card ...................... 77
Using a docking station ....................... 78
Cold docking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Cold undocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Hot or warm docking ....................... 81
Hot or warm undocking ...................... 82
Presetting a device to avoid a resource conflict ........ 83
Enabling the IDE drive on the docking station ......... 84
Replacing an UltraslimBay device ................. 88
Warm-swapping a device in the UltraslimBay ......... 89
Attaching the diskette drive externally ............... 91
Removing the diskette drive from the enclosure ....... 92
Chapter 3. Protecting your computer ............. 93
Using passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Entering a password ....................... 96
Setting a password ........................ 96
Changing or removing a password ............... 99
Using the Personalization Editor ................. 105
Entering your personal data .................. 105
Deleting the personalization window ............. 108
Using locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Using the security screw ..................... 110
Chapter 4. Solving computer problems ........... 111
Hints and tips ............................ 112
Using a docking station ..................... 114
Using the USB connector ................... 114
Using the DVD-ROM drive ................... 115
Using a PC Card ........................ 115
Using a second CardBus card ................. 116
Using a microphone ....................... 116
Troubleshooting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
viii IBM ThinkPad 600X User's Reference
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Troubleshooting charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Error codes or messages ................... 119
No error codes or messages ................. 125
Input problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Suspend or hibernation problems ............... 127
LCD problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Indicator problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Battery problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
A hard-disk-drive problem ................... 133
CD-ROM drive problems .................... 134
DVD drive problems ...................... 135
Infrared communication problems ............... 137
Audio or telephony problems ................. 138
A universal serial bus (USB) problem ............ 139
PC Card or PCI modem problems .............. 139
Other PC Card problems .................... 141
Docking station or port replicator problems ......... 143
A printer problem ........................ 147
External monitor problems ................... 147
A television problem ...................... 151
Other option problems ..................... 152
Software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Other problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Testing your computer ....................... 155
Appendix A. Features and specifications .......... 157
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
IBM power cords .......................... 160
Appendix B. Product warranty and notices ......... 163
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Year 2000 readiness and instructions ............ 165
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Electronic emission notices .................. 167
Telecommunication notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Product notice requirements .................. 172
Notice for Australia ....................... 172
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Contents ix
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

About this book
This book contains information that will help you operate the IBM ThinkPad 600X computer.
Before using the computer, be sure to read the ThinkPad Setup Guide and Chapter 1 of this book.
Chapter 1,
"Getting familiar
with your computer,"
acquaints you with the basic features
of your computer.
Chapter 1,
"Getting familiar
with your computer,"
Chapter 2,
"Extending the features of your
computer,"
provides information on installing
options and using your computer's
high-technology features.
Chapter 2,
"Extending the features of your
computer,"
Chapter 3,
"Protecting your computer,"
provides information on using passwords,
identifying yourself with the
Personalization Editor, and using locks.
Chapter 3,
"Protecting your computer,"
Chapter 4, "Solving computer problems,"
describes what to do if you have a computer problem. The chapter includes a
troubleshooting guide.
Chapter 4, "Solving computer problems,"
Appendix A, "Features and specifications," describes the features and specifications
associated with your computer, including information on power cords.
Appendix B, "Product warranty and notices," contains the warranty statement for your
computer and notices for this book.
The book concludes with an index.
xIBM ThinkPad 600X User's Reference
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Icons used in this book
For procedures or information unique to the operating system
installed in your computer:
WIN
98
Information for Microsoft
Windows 98 users WIN
NT
Information for Microsoft
Windows NT users
WIN
95
Information for Microsoft
Windows 95 users
For information about using Windows 3.1, OS/2 Warp,
or DOS http://www.ibm.com/thinkpad/
Contents xi
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
all-guides.com

Safety information
These are important safety instructions.
DANGER
Electric 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.
Attach all cables to devices. 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
xii IBM ThinkPad 600X User's Reference
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

DANGER
Reduce the risk of fire and electric shock by always
following basic safety precautions, including the
following:
Do not use your computer in or near water.
During electrical storms:
– Do not use your computer with the telephone
cable connection.
– Do not connect the cable to or disconnect it
from the telephone outlet on the wall.
DANGER
There is a danger of an explosion if the rechargeable
battery pack is incorrectly replaced. The battery pack
contains a small amount of harmful substances. To
avoid possible injury:
Replace only with a battery of the type
recommended by IBM, or an equivalent.
Keep the battery pack away from fire.
Do not expose it to water or rain.
Do not attempt to disassemble it.
Do not short-circuit it.
Keep it away from children.
Do not put the battery pack in trash that is disposed of
in landfills. When disposing of the battery, comply
with local ordinances or regulations and your
company's safety standards. In the United States, call
IBM at 1-800-IBM-4333 for information on disposal.
Contents xiii
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

DANGER
There is a danger of an explosion if the backup battery
is incorrectly replaced.
The lithium battery (IBM P/N 02K6502 UL–recognized
component [file no. MH12210]) contains lithium and can
explode if it is not properly handled or disposed of.
Replace only with a battery of the same type.
To avoid possible injury or death, do not: (1) throw or
immerse the battery into water, (2) allow it to heat to
more than 100°C (212°F), or (3) attempt to repair or
disassemble it. Dispose of it as required by local
ordinances or regulations and your company's safety
standards.
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; if any symptoms are present after washing, get
medical care.
CAUTION:
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger
(thicker) telephone cable.
xiv IBM ThinkPad 600X User's Reference
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Laser compliance statement
The CD-ROM or DVD drive, which can be installed in the IBM
ThinkPad 600X, is a laser product. The drive's classification label
(shown below) is on the surface of the drive.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LASER KLASSE 1
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1
KLASS 1 LASER APPARAT
The 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.
DANGER
Do not open the CD-ROM or DVD drive unit; 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 1 laser products are not considered hazardous. The design
of the laser system and the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive ensures
that there is no exposure to laser radiation above a Class 1 level
during normal operation, user maintenance, or servicing.
Contents xv
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Some drives contain an embedded Class 3A laser diode. Note this
warning:
DANGER
Emits visible and invisible laser radiation when open.
Avoid direct eye exposure. Do not stare into the beam
or view it directly with optical instruments.
xvi IBM ThinkPad 600X User's Reference
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
all-guides.com

Handling the ThinkPad computer
By using common sense and by following these handling tips, you
will get the most use and enjoyment out of your computer for a
long time to come.
This section provides tips for handling notebook computers in
general. Some descriptions might not suit your situation. Check
your shipping checklist to confirm the items you get with your
computer.
Notebook computers are precision machines that require careful
handling. Though your computer is designed and tested to be a
durable notebook computer that functions reliably in normal work
environments, you need to use some common sense in handling it.
ThinkPad don'ts
Do not subject your computer to physical punishment, such as
dropping or bumping.
Do not place heavy objects on your computer.
Do not spill or allow liquids into your computer.
Do not use your computer in or near water (to avoid the danger
of electrical shock).
Do not pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag.
Your LCD might be damaged.
Do not disassemble your computer. Only an authorized IBM
ThinkPad repair technician should disassemble and repair your
computer.
Do not scratch, twist, hit, or push the surface of your computer
display.
Do not place any objects between the display and the keyboard
or under the keyboard.
A scratchlike marking on your LCD might be a stain transferred
from the keyboard (including from the TrackPoint stick) when
the cover was pressed from the outside. Wipe such a stain
gently with a dry soft cloth. If the stain remains, moisten the
cloth with LCD cleaner and wipe the stain again. Be sure to
dry the LCD before closing it.
Contents xvii
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Do not pick up or hold your computer by the display. When
picking up your open computer, hold it by the bottom
(keyboard) half.
Do not modify or tape the latches to keep the display open or
closed.
Do not turn your computer over while the AC Adapter is
plugged in. This could break the adapter plug.
Do not move the computer when the hard disk drive is
accessing data (when the indicator is blinking).
Do not use or store your computer where the temperature is
below 5° C or above 35° C (41° F and 95° F).
Do not place your computer closer than 13 cm (5 in.) from any
electrical appliance that generates a strong magnetic field, such
as a motor, a magnet, a TV, a refrigerator, or large audio
speakers.
Do not put an operating cellular phone on the computer. The
phone might cause a computer system malfunction.
Do not hard-mount your computer in a vehicle or anywhere that
it is subject to strong vibration.
Do not crush, drop, or physically punish the external or
removable hard disk, diskette, or CD-ROM drive when it is
outside your computer.
Do not press on the middle part of the diskette drive or the
CD-ROM drive.
Do not insert a diskette at an angle. Not inserting the diskette
straight into the drive can damage the drive.
Do not place more than one label on a diskette, and do not
allow the label to be loose. Multiple or loose labels can detach
or tear and then lodge in the drive.
Do not touch the lens on the CD-ROM tray.
Do not close the CD-ROM tray until you hear the CD-ROM
click into the center pivot of the CD-ROM drive.
Do not touch the surface of a compact disc; handle the
compact disc only by its edges.
Do not connect the modem to a PBX (private branch exchange)
or other digital telephone extension line. Your computer can
use only a public-switched telephone network (PSTN). Use
of a phone line other than PSTN can damage your modem. If
you are not sure which kind of phone line you are using,
contact your telephone company. Many hotels or office
xviii IBM ThinkPad 600X User's Reference
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

buildings use digital telephone extension lines, so check before
connecting the telephone cable in such places.
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 dissipates some heat during normal operation. This
heat is a function of the level of system activity and battery
charge level. Extended contact with your body, even through
clothing, could cause discomfort or, eventually, a skin burn.
ThinkPad do's
Treat your computer like precision electronic machinery.
When installing your hard disk, diskette, or CD-ROM drive,
follow the instructions in this online book and apply pressure
only where needed on the device.
When installing the CD-ROM or diskette drive into the
UltraslimBay, make sure the AC Adapter is disconnected from
your computer.
If you exchange drives in your computer, reinstall the plastic
bezel faces (if supplied).
Store your external and removable hard disk, diskette, and
CD-ROM drives in the appropriate container or packaging when
they are not being used.
Choose a quality carrying case that will protect your computer.
Store packing materials safely out of reach of children to
prevent the risk of suffocation from plastic bags.
Register your ThinkPad products with IBM (refer to the Setup
Guide ). This can help authorities return your computer to you if
it is lost or stolen. Registering your computer also enables IBM
to notify you about possible upgrades.
Check the IBM Web pages (http://www.ibm.com/thinkpad/)
periodically to get current information about your computer.
Cleaning your computer
Occasionally clean your computer as follows:
Use a soft cloth moistened with nonalkaline detergent to wipe
the exterior of the computer.
Don't spray cleaner directly on the display or keyboard.
Gently wipe the LCD with a dry, soft cloth.
Contents xix
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Carrying your computer
When carrying your computer, follow these instructions to prevent
possible damage to your computer and data:
1. Remove any media from the CD-ROM drive or diskette drive.
2. Turn off all attached devices.
3. Power off the computer, or enter suspend or hibernation mode;
then close the LCD. Make sure the suspend indicator is on
when the computer is in suspend mode, or the power indicator
is off when it is powered off or in hibernation mode.
4. Unplug all external cables and cords connected to your
computer.
5. Make sure all computer doors and covers are closed.
6. Use a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushion and
protection.
Do not move the computer when the hard disk drive is accessing
data—that is, when the indicator is blinking. Make sure the
indicator is off before you carry the computer.
Extending the life of your computer's battery
The amount of battery power consumed by your computer depends
on such conditions as the frequency of use, the operating
temperature, and the period in storage (if unused). The following
tips can help you to extend the life of your battery:
Do not charge the battery pack until all of its power is used.
Recharging a battery pack that is not completely discharged
can shorten battery life.
Once you start charging the battery pack, do not use it until it is
fully charged.
Whenever possible, use the ThinkPad battery power-saving
modes:
– Standby
– Suspend
– Hibernation
For more information Online User's Guide .
Decrease the LCD brightness.
Use Advanced Power Management (APM). Each operating
system comes with its own power management.
xx IBM ThinkPad 600X User's Reference
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com