IBM THINKPAD A20M User manual

Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under “Safety
information” on page v and “Notices” on page 41.
First Edition (January 2000)
The following paragraph does not apply in the United Kingdom or any other 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 2000. 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.

Contents
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Laser compliance statement .................... viii
Handling the ThinkPad computer ................. xi
ThinkPad don'ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
ThinkPad do's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Cleaning your computer ..................... xiii
Carrying your computer ..................... xiv
Extending the life of your computer's battery ......... xiv
Chapter 1. System overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Using your online user's guide .................... 6
Starting BIOS Setup Utility ...................... 7
Chapter 2. Protecting your computer .............. 9
Using password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Power-on password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Screen saver password ..................... 10
Hard-disk passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Windows password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Supervisor password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Network password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Passwords and standby mode .................. 12
Using the locks and the security screw .............. 13
Attaching the mechanical lock .................. 13
Using the security screw ..................... 13
Using the Asset RF ID feature ................... 14
Chapter 3. Solving computer problems ............ 15
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Error codes or messages .................... 16
No error codes or messages .................. 19
A power switch problem ..................... 20
Input problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Standby or hibernation problems ................ 22
LCD problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Battery problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Hard-disk-drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
 Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 iii

Other problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Testing your computer ........................ 30
Backing up your system ....................... 30
Backing up your system configuration ............. 30
Backing up your data ....................... 31
Recovering lost or damaged software ............. 32
Getting service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ThinkPad Web site ........................ 36
Recording sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Appendix A. Product warranty and notices .......... 39
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Year 2000 readiness and instructions ............. 41
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Electronic emission notices ................... 43
Telecommunication notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Industry Canada requirements .................. 47
Product notice requirements ................... 49
Notice for European Union countries .............. 49
iv IBM ThinkPad A20 User's Reference

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
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.
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
 Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 v

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
If the rechargeable battery pack is incorrectly replaced,
there is danger of an explosion. 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.
vi IBM ThinkPad A20 User's Reference

DANGER
There is a danger of an explosion if the backup battery
is incorrectly replaced.
The lithium battery (IBM P/N 02K6541 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 batter 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.
Safety information vii

Laser compliance statement
The CD-ROM or DVD drive, which can be installed in the IBM
ThinkPad A20, 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.
viii IBM ThinkPad A20 User's Reference

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.
Safety information ix

xIBM ThinkPad A20 User's Reference

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.
Do not pick up or hold your computer by the display. When
picking up your open computer, hold it by the bottom (keyboard)
half.
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.
 Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 xi

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.) to 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 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
xii IBM ThinkPad A20 User's Reference

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 Web
pages: http://www.pc.ibm.com/register). 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.
Handling the ThinkPad computer xiii

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 recharge 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:
– Screen blank
– Standby
– Hibernation
For more information, refer to the online user's guide:
Decrease the LCD brightness.
Use power management. Each operating system comes with its
own power management.
xiv IBM ThinkPad A20 User's Reference

If the internal serial devices—the modem, the serial port, and the
infrared port—are not in use, stop the supply of power to them.
If you will not be using the computer for a long period, remove
the battery pack and keep it in a cool place.
Handling the ThinkPad computer xv

xvi IBM ThinkPad A20 User's Reference

Chapter 1. System overview
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Using your online user's guide .................... 6
Starting BIOS Setup Utility ...................... 7
 Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 1

Features and specifications
Features Processor
Intel Mobile Pentium III processor
or
Intel Celeron processor
Memory
Built-in: 64 MB or 128 MB
Maximum: 320 MB or 384 MB
Storage device
2.5-inch hard disk drive
Display
The color display uses TFT technology:
Resolution:
– LCD: Up to 1400-by-1050, depending on the model
– External monitor: Up to 1600-by-1200
– Brightness control
Keyboard
84-key, 85-key, or 89-key
TrackPoint
Fn key function
2IBM ThinkPad A20 User's Reference

Features and specifications
Diskette drive
To get the best performance from your diskette drives, use
high-quality diskettes (such as IBM diskettes) that meet or exceed
the following standards:
1-MB, 3.5-inch, unformatted diskette:
– ANSI (American National Standards Institute) X3.137
– ISO (International Standards Organization) 8860
– ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association) 100
2-MB, 3.5-inch, unformatted diskette:
– ANSI X3.171
– ISO 9529
– ECMA 125
External interface
Serial connector (EIA-RS232D)
Parallel connector (IEEE 1284A)
External input-device connector
External-monitor connector
Expansion connector
PC Card slots (two Type I or Type II PC Cards, or one Type III
PC Card)
Headphone jack
Line-in jack
Microphone jack
Infrared port
Universal serial bus (USB) connector
Telephone connector
Ethernet connector (available if the Ethernet Mini-PCI Card or the
Combo Mini-PCI Card is installed)
UltraPort connector to support an optional IBM digital camera (on
some models)
Video-in connector (on some models)
Video-out connector (on some models)
Chapter 1. System overview 3

Specifications
Specifications Size
15-inch LCD model:
– Width: 329 mm (13.0 in.)
– Depth: 267.5 mm (10.5 in.)
– Height: 38.1 mm (1.5 in.) to 44.7 mm (1.8 in.)
14.1-inch LCD model:
– Width: 317 mm (12.5 in.)
– Depth: 267.5 mm (10.5 in.)
– Height: 36.7 mm (1.4 in.) to 43.3 mm (1.7 in.)
12.1-inch LCD model:
– Width: 317 mm (12.5 in.)
– Depth: 267.5 mm (10.5 in.)
– Height: 36.7 mm (1.4 in.) to 43.3 mm (1.7 in.)
Environment
Maximum altitude without pressurization: 3048 m (10,000 ft)
Temperature
– At altitudes up to 2438 m (8000 ft)
- Operating with no diskette: 5° to 35°C (41° to 95°F)
- Operating with a diskette: 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)
- Not operating: 5° to 43°C (41° to 109°F)
– At altitudes above 2438 m (8000 ft)
- Maximum operating temperature, 31.3°C (88° F)
Note: When you charge the battery pack, its temperature must
be at least 10°C (50°F).
Relative humidity:
– Operating with no diskette in the drive: 8% to 95%
– Operating with a diskette in the drive: 8% to 80%
Heat output
56 W (191 Btu/hr) maximum
4IBM ThinkPad A20 User's Reference