IBM ThinkPad 755CX User manual

i
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Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under
Appendix E, “Product Warranties and Notices” on page 255.
First Edition (March 1995)
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
disclaimer 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 and the programs described in this publication at any time.
It is possible that this publication may contain references to, or information about, IBM products (machines and
programs), programming, or services that are not announced in your country. Such references or information must not
be construed to mean that IBM intends to announce such IBM products, programming, or services in your country.
Requests for technical information about IBM products should be made to your IBM authorized dealer or your IBM
marketing representative.
IBM may have patents or pending patent applications covering subject matter in this document. The furnishing of this
document does not give you any license to these patents. You can send license inquiries, in writing, to the IBM
Director of Licensing, IBM Corporation, 500 Columbus Avenue, Thornwood, NY 10594, U.S.A.
Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1995. 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.
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Thank You for Selecting
an IBM ThinkPad 755CX Computer
The IBM ThinkPad 755CX
is one of the most advanced and versatile notebook computers.
With such innovative features as audio, telephony,
infrared ports, a long-life battery,
and a brilliant color display,
the ThinkPad 755CX will satisfy
all of your mobile computing needs.
iii
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Distinctive System Features
Config
Restart
TrackPoint III
TFT Color LCD Screen
Security Features
Fn Key Function
Power Management
ThinkPad Features
Program
PCMCIA Support
Long-Life Battery Pack
Easy-Setup
Mwave DSP Audio, Telephony, and
Data/Fax Modem Features
Thinkpad Features
1
8
2
6
4
10
11
9
3
7
5
Infrared Communication
Support
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1Mwave DSP audio, telephony, and fax/modem features
The ThinkPad Mwave digital signal processor (DSP) provides high-quality audio, telephony and modem/fax
functions. With a built-in speaker and a microphone, they complete your multimedia computing solution.
(See page 75.)
Note: In some countries, the Mwave telephony functions are available only after the DAA/Telephony Kit
option is installed.
2Infrared communication support
Two infrared ports supplied with your computer make wireless serial communication possible.
(See page 72.)
3ThinkPad Features program
The ThinkPad Features program allows you to set various parameters either with a graphical user interface
or with commands. (See page 35.)
4 Power management
Power management sets the computer to different modes to save battery power when you are not using the
computer. It also provides a resume function, which quickly returns you to your previous operation. (See
page 50.)
5 Security features
The computer provides security passwords for the computer and hard disk drive. Lock security and a
personalization utility are also provided. (See Chapter 5.)
6Fn key function
The combination of this Fn key and a function key controls display modes, battery power-saving modes, or
other functions. (See page 48.)
7TFT color LCD screen
A brilliant TFT color LCD screen supports 65536 colors with the following display resolution for each model:
The 755CX SVGA model supports SVGA (800-by-600 resolution) video mode besides VGA (640-by-480)
mode.
The 755CX VGA model supports VGA (640-by-480) mode.
8 Easy-Setup
The built-in system programs in Easy-Setup makes the basic setup of your computer easy.
(See page 42.)
9 TrackPoint III
With TrackPoint III, pointing, selecting, and dragging all become part of a single process without your lifting
your hands from the keyboard. (See page 23.)
1 PCMCIA** support
The computer provides two Personal Computer Memory Card Association (PCMCIA) slots. PCMCIA
software is also provided, so that you can use PC Card** more easily and conveniently. (See page 61.)
11 Long-life battery pack
The operating time of the computer is extended with the long-life battery pack.
(See page 20.)
v
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vi IBM ThinkPad 755CX User's Guide
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About This Book
This User's Guide contains information that will help you operate the
IBM ThinkPad 755CX computer (hereafter called 755CX or
computer ).
Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” describes the Product Map and
explains how to set up your computer.
Chapter 2, “Getting Familiar with Your Computer,” acquaints you
with additional features of your computer.
Chapter 3, “Operating Your Computer,” explains how to use the
various features of your computer.
Chapter 4, “Using Battery Power,” provides battery information
and describes how to operate your computer with the battery pack.
Chapter 5, “Protecting Your Computer,” provides information on
how you can secure your computer and internal devices against
unauthorized use.
Chapter 6, “Installing and Removing Options,” describes how to
install or remove IBM options.
Chapter 7, “Installing Software,” explains how to install operating
systems, device drivers, and other support software.
Chapter 8, “Solving Computer Problems,” describes what to do if
you detect a problem.
Appendix A, “Avoiding Hardware Conflicts,” describes how you
can avoid problems when you add or remove options.
Appendix B, “Advanced Information for PC Cards,” provides
advanced technical information when using PC Cards.
Appendix C, “Additional Information for Mwave DSP Features,”
provides technical information about the ThinkPad Mwave DSP
functions, audio, and telephony.
Appendix D, “Features and Specifications,” describes the
features and specifications associated with your computer.
Appendix E, “Product Warranties and Notices,” contains the
warranty statements of your computer and notices for this book.
“Glossary,” includes terms appearing in this User's Guide and their
definitions.
Copyright IBM Corp. 1995 vii
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Information Notices
This User's Guide contains notices that relate to specific information or text.
Usild Lke Sejk
Providing Power
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sakjeoialkfsdoiueksafdlkjefasdoiy:
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1
109Chapter2. YoekfBlksdLekjf
Warning:
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Danger:
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lksadf diylekj assfa dfoiuasf.
Note:
Rlkefldsksokdfskj
Nkfjelkaselkdsfi,
kjfadslkejfsa.
Tjhasfladkeaoiufsaleaf.Easdjek:
-Lkjesalkiaoue.
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Tlkelkjrlijrfoijeljcoijf,lekjrsoifeijfs
lkjf aliejlksf. Hlkj lkjerasf iejrlksfj
lksf leifjaselk,oirlkejfasifj.
Provides important hints,
tips, guidance, or advice.
Note:
Caution:
Danger:
Warning:
Indicates possible damage
to programs, devices,
system, or data. It appears
before the related instruction
or situation in which possible
damage could occur.
Indicates situations that
are potentially hazardous
to you. It appears in text
before the instruction or
situation that could be
hazardous.
Indicates situations that
are potentially lethal or
extremely hazardous to you.
It is indicated by the
symbol and appears
in text before the instruction
or situation that could be
dangerous.
Treatment of Icons
This User's Guide contains the following icons (symbols) representing procedures or information unique
to the operating system installed in your computer, or pointing you to other information.
OS/2 Information for IBM Operating
System/2 (OS/2) users. DOS Information for DOS users.
WIN Information for Microsoft**
Windows** users. Where to go for other information.
viii IBM ThinkPad 755CX User's Guide
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Electrical Safety Notice
DANGER:
The power cord must be used with a properly grounded outlet.
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communication
cable 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 the devices.
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.
Note: In the U.K., by law, the
telephone line cable must be
connected after the power cord.
Note: In the U.K., by law, the
power cord must be disconnected
after the telephone line cable.
To Connect To Disconnect
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CAUTION:
Do not disassemble, incinerate, or short-circuit the rechargeable
battery pack. Do not put it in refuse that is disposed of in
landfills. Dispose of it as required by local ordinances or
regulations.
CAUTION:
The lithium battery (IBM P/N 84G6426, UL** recognized
component—File No. MH12210), attached by the speaker under
the keyboard can be replaced only by your IBM authorized
reseller or IBM marketing 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 nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery attached under
the diskette drive, can be replaced only by your IBM authorized
reseller or IBM marketing representative. Do not disassemble,
incinerate, or short-circuit it. The battery can cause burns or
release toxic chemicals. Do not put it in refuse that is disposed
of in landfills. Dispose of it as required by local ordinances and
regulations.
CAUTION:
The fluorescent lamp in the liquid crystal display (LCD) contains
mercury. Do not put it in refuse 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.
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Contents
About This Book ........................... vii
Information Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Treatment of Icons .......................... viii
Electrical Safety Notice ........................ ix
Chapter 1. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About the Product Map ........................ 2
Checking Your Items .......................... 2
Other Symbols on the Product Map ................. 4
Setting Up Your Computer ...................... 6
Chapter 2. Getting Familiar with Your Computer ...... 11
Locations and Functions ....................... 12
System-Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Providing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Car Battery Adapter ........................ 22
Operating with the TrackPoint III .................. 23
Changing the Cap ......................... 25
Operating the Numeric Keypad ................... 26
Using the Display ........................... 27
Using a DOS Application with Your 755CX SVGA Model .. 28
Using the Online Book ........................ 29
Starting for OS/2 or Windows .................. 29
Starting for DOS .......................... 29
Keeping the Computer from Being Damaged ........... 30
Carrying the Computer ........................ 31
Chapter 3. Operating Your Computer ............. 33
What Happens When Power Is Turned On? ........... 34
Using the ThinkPad Features Program .............. 35
Using the Program for OS/2 and Windows .......... 36
Using the PS2 Program ..................... 41
Using Easy-Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Starting Easy-Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Using the Selectable Drive-Startup Sequence ......... 47
Using the Fn Key Function ..................... 48
Using Power Management ..................... 50
Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Suspend Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Hibernation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Using PC Cards ........................... 61
About PC Cards .......................... 61
Limitations of Operation during Suspend and Hibernation
Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
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Using the PC Card Director Program .............. 62
Using the Infrared Communication Feature ............ 72
Considerations for Communication ............... 74
Using the Mwave DSP Features .................. 75
Using the Audio Function .................... 78
Using the Telephony Function .................. 84
Chapter 4. Using Battery Power ................. 91
Operating Time with the Battery Pack ............... 92
Charging the Battery Pack ..................... 92
Charging with the AC Adapter .................. 93
Charging with the Travel Quick Charger ............ 94
Replacing the Battery Pack ..................... 95
Monitoring the Battery-Power Status ................ 96
Using the Battery-Power Status Indicator ........... 96
Using the Fuel-Gauge Program ................. 98
Preserving Battery-Pack Life .................... 103
Maximizing Battery-Powered Operation .............. 104
Using Advanced Power Management ............. 104
Decreasing LCD Brightness ................... 105
Using Power-Saving Modes ................... 106
Chapter 5. Protecting Your Computer ............. 109
Using Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Power-On Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Hard-Disk Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Supervisor Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Using the Hard-Disk and Power-On Passwords ........ 122
Using the Supervisor and Hard-Disk Passwords ....... 122
Using Several Hard Disk Drives with the Supervisor
Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Using the Personalization Utility Program ............. 125
Using Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Using the Lock on the Hard Disk Drive ............. 130
Using the Security Lock ..................... 131
Using the PC Card Lock ..................... 132
Chapter 6. Installing and Removing Options ......... 133
Installing and Removing PC Cards ................. 134
Inserting the PC Card ....................... 134
Removing the PC Card ...................... 136
Increasing Memory Capacity .................... 137
Installing an IC DRAM Card and DIMM ............ 138
Removing the IC DRAM Card and DIMM ........... 143
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive ................... 148
Installing Options in the Diskette Drive Compartment ...... 150
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Reinstalling the Option Cover and Front Bezel ........ 153
Installing the DAA/Telephony Kit .................. 155
Attaching an External Numeric Keypad or a Mouse ....... 159
Using the Mouse and Other Pointing Devices ......... 160
Using a Mouse on the IBM ThinkPad Space Saver Keyboard 161
Attaching an External Keyboard .................. 163
Attaching a Printer .......................... 164
Attaching an External Display .................... 165
Changing the Display Mode ................... 166
Setting the Monitor Type and the Display Driver ....... 167
Connecting the External Display to the Computer ...... 169
Changing the Screen Resolution or Color Depth ....... 170
Using SVGA Display Drivers ................... 171
Attaching the IBM Dock I or Dock II ................ 172
Chapter 7. Installing Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
What You Need for Your Computer ................ 174
Installing the Operating System .................. 176
IBM OS/2 Warp or Version 2.11 ................ 176
IBM DOS Version 7.0 or Later .................. 176
Microsoft Windows Version 3.11 or Later ........... 177
Installing the ThinkPad Features Program ............ 180
Installing for OS/2 ......................... 180
Installing for DOS ......................... 181
Installing for Windows ...................... 182
Installing the PCMCIA Device Driver ................ 183
Installing for OS/2 ......................... 185
Installing for DOS ......................... 186
Installing for Windows ...................... 187
Installing the ThinkPad Display Driver ............... 188
Installing for OS/2 Warp ..................... 189
Installing for OS/2 V.2.11 ..................... 189
Installing for Windows ...................... 191
Installing the Mwave Support Software .............. 192
Installing for OS/2 ......................... 192
Installing for DOS ......................... 194
Installing for Windows ...................... 195
Installing the Infrared Device Driver ................ 196
Installing for OS/2 ......................... 196
Installing for Windows ...................... 197
Chapter 8. Solving Computer Problems ............ 199
Commonly Asked Problems and Actions ............. 200
Testing the Computer ........................ 202
Troubleshooting Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
LCD Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
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Screen Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
General Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
What If Testing Cannot Find the Problem? ............ 211
Battery Power Problems ..................... 211
Diskette Drive Problems ..................... 213
Mwave DSP Feature Problems ................. 213
Infrared Communication Problems ............... 214
Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Option Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Keyboard, External Numeric Keypad, and Pointing Device
Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
External Display Problems .................... 218
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Listing Installed Options ....................... 221
Recording Identification Numbers ................. 222
Getting Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
The IBM HelpClub: Another Great Choice (for European
Countries) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Appendix A. Avoiding Hardware Conflicts .......... 227
Appendix B. Advanced Information for PC Cards ...... 231
Auto Configurator for the PC Card Director Program ...... 231
Example When a Modem Card Is Used ............ 232
Example When the Auto Configurator Is Not Used ...... 232
Example of the Memory Area for the Card Services and 3270 233
Operational Considerations for PCMCIA ............. 234
Software Considerations for OS/2 ................ 234
Software Considerations for DOS ................ 235
Software Considerations for Windows ............. 242
Appendix C. Additional Information for Mwave DSP
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Audio Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Mwave MIDI Overview ...................... 244
Telephony Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Appendix D. Features and Specifications ........... 249
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
IBM Power Cords ........................... 252
Diskette Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
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Appendix E. Product Warranties and Notices ........ 255
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Electronic Emission Notice ..................... 263
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
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xvi IBM ThinkPad 755CX User's Guide
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Chapter 1. Getting Started
Welcome to the world of ThinkPad computers!
The IBM ThinkPad 755CX is one of the most advanced computers
for your mobile computing needs. It can used both inside and
outside your office.
This chapter describes the Product Map and the steps for setting up
the computer.
About the Product Map ........................ 2
Checking Your Items .......................... 2
Other Symbols on the Product Map ................. 4
Setting Up Your Computer ...................... 6
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Getting Started
About the Product Map
The Product Map is a foldout diagram that you will see first when
you unpack the computer. Using the Map will help you become
familiar with your computer. When you physically place the shipping
items and options on the Map, you will be able to check that all items
were shipped to you.
Checking Your ItemsRemove the Product Map from the box and spread it on a desk or
flat surface. Next, remove each item and place it on the Map in the
position indicated by the numbers in the following figure. If any item
is missing or damaged, contact your place of purchase.
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Getting Started
1
The keyboard template shows
function-key assignments when
placed on the keyboard.
2
The power cord connects the AC
Adapter to the electrical outlet.
3
The AC Adapter plugs into an
electrical outlet and supplies power
to the computer.
4
The User's Guide is this book. It
provides the installing and operating
information about your computer.
5
The battery pack supplies power to
the computer for mobile operation.
6 †
The Utility Diskette contains the
various system programs.
7 †
The PCMCIA Features
Diskette contains the
programs for the PCMCIA
function.
The Video Features Diskette
for OS/2 and Video Features
Diskette for Windows
contain the video system
programs for the different
operating systems.
The Infrared Features
Diskette contains the infrared
communication support
programs.
The Mwave DSP Features
Diskettes contain the DSP
(digital signal processor)
support programs.
8
Miscellaneous items are supplied
in an envelope that contains:
Spare caps for TrackPoint III
Wallet for telephone cable
PCMCIA slot cover with cable
opening
PC Card lock
Adhesive strap
Application envelope (for some
countries)
Other items
†For some countries, the shipment contains
no diskettes.
Therefore, you cannot place items on the diskette icons when checking the items shipped with your computer.
You can either create the diskettes yourself or you can purchase them. You can create diskettes with the Diskette Factory program, which is
preinstalled in your computer. Follow the prompts that appear when the computer is turned on for the first time. You can also purchase the
diskettes; call 1-800-772-2227 for purchasing information in the U.S., or contact your IBM authorized reseller or IBM marketing representative.
Follow the instructions on “Building System Diskettes” in the
Preload Guide .
Chapter 1. Getting Started 3
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Getting Started
Other Symbols on the Product Map
This section describes the slots, connectors, and options that are
shown on the Product Map. To install options, refer to Chapter 6.
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