Lenovo ThinkCentre A35 User manual

Quick Reference
Inside
-Important safety information
-Warranty and other notices
-Computer setup
-Software recovery
-Troubleshooting and diagnostics
-Help and service

Quick Reference

Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the
following:
v“Important safety information” on page v
vAppendix A, “Lenovo Statement of Limited Warranty,” on page 27
vAppendix C, “Notices,” on page 51
Eighth Edition (July 2005)
©Copyright Lenovo 2005.
Portions ©Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2005.
All rights reserved.
U.S. GOVERNMENT USERS –RESTRICTED RIGHTS: Our products and/or services are
provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government
is subject to the GSA ADP Schedule contract with Lenovo Group Limited, if any, or the
standard terms of this commercial license, or if the agency is unable to accept this
Program under these terms, then we provide this Program under the provisions set forth
in Commercial Computer Software–Restricted Rights at FAR 52.227-19, when applicable,
or under Rights in Data-General, FAR 52.227.14 (Alternate III).

Contents
Important safety information ................v
Conditions that require immediate action.............v
General safety guidelines ..................vi
Additional safety information ................xi
Lithium battery notice ...................xi
Modem safety information ................. xii
Laser compliance statement ................. xii
Power supply statement .................. xiii
Additional help.....................xv
Chapter 1. Arranging your workspace .............1
Comfort ........................1
Chapter 2. Setting up your computer .............3
Turning on power ....................7
Finishing the software installation ...............7
Completing important tasks .................7
Updating your operating system................8
Installing other operating systems ...............8
Updating your antivirus software ...............8
Starting the CMOS Setup Utility ................8
Shutting down the computer .................9
Recording your computer information ..............9
Chapter 3. Recovering software ...............11
Creating and using product recovery discs ............11
Backup and recovery ...................12
Using the rescue and recovery workspace ............13
Solving recovery problems .................15
Creating and using rescue media ...............16
Creating and using aRecovery Repair diskette ..........16
Recovering or installing device drivers .............17
Setting arescue device in the startup sequence ..........18
Chapter 4. Troubleshooting and diagnostics ..........19
Basic troubleshooting ...................19
Error codes ......................21
POST beep codes ....................22
Chapter 5. Getting information, help, and service.........23
Getting information ...................23
©Copyright Lenovo 2005. ©Portions Copyright IBM Corp. 2005. iii

Getting help and service ..................23
Purchasing additional services ................25
Appendix A. Lenovo Statement of Limited Warranty........27
Part 1-General Terms...................27
Part 2-Country-unique Terms ................31
Part 3-Warranty Information ................44
Guarantee supplement for Mexico ...............47
Appendix B. Customer Replacement Units (CRUs) ........49
Appendix C. Notices ...................51
Television output notice ..................52
Trademarks ......................52
Electronic emissions notices .................53
Power cord notice ....................56
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cable and cord notice ..........58
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) notice .......58
iv Quick Reference

Important safety information
Note
Please read important safety information first.
This information can help you safely use your ThinkCentre
® or ThinkPad ®
personal computer. Follow and retain all information included with your
computer. The information in this document does not alter the terms of your
purchase agreement or the Lenovo
™ Statement of Limited Warranty.
Customer safety is important. Our products are developed to be safe and
effective. However, personal computers are electronic devices. Power cords,
power adapters, and other features can create potential safety risks that can
result in physical injury or property damage, especially if misused. To reduce
these risks, follow the instructions included with your product, observe all
warnings on the product and in the operating instructions, and review the
information included in this document carefully. By carefully following the
information contained in this document and provided with your product, you
can help protect yourself from hazards and create asafer computer work
environment.
Note: This information includes references to power adapters and batteries. In
addition to mobile personal computers, some products (such as speakers
and monitors) ship with external power adapters. If you have such a
product, this information applies to your product. In addition, your
computer product may contain acoin-sized internal battery that
provides power to your system clock even when the machine is
unplugged, so the battery safety information applies to all computers.
Conditions that require immediate action
Products can become damaged due to misuse or neglect. Some product
damage is serious enough that the product should not be used again until it
has been inspected and, if necessary, repaired by an authorized servicer.
As with any electronic device, pay close attention to the product when it is
turned on. On very rare occasions, you might notice an odor or see apuff of
smoke or sparks vent from your machine. Or you might hear sounds like
popping, cracking or hissing. These conditions might merely mean that an
internal electronic component has failed in asafe and controlled manner. Or,
they might indicate apotential safety issue. However, do not take risks or
attempt to diagnose the situation yourself.
©Copyright Lenovo 2005. ©Portions Copyright IBM Corp. 2005. v

Frequently inspect your computer and its components for damage or wear or
signs of danger. If you have any question about the condition of a
component, do not use the product. Contact the Customer Support Center or
the product manufacturer for instructions on how to inspect the product and
have it repaired, if necessary. For alist of Service and Support phone
numbers, see “Worldwide Telephone List for Customers and Business
Partners” on page 46.
In the unlikely event that you notice any of the conditions listed below, or if
you have any safety concerns with your product, stop using the product and
unplug it from the power source and telecommunication lines until you can
speak to the Customer Support Center for further guidance.
vPower cords, plugs, power adapters, extension cords, surge protectors, or
power supplies that are cracked, broken or damaged.
vSigns of overheating, smoke, sparks or fire.
vDamage to abattery (such as cracks, dents, creases), discharge from a
battery, or abuildup of foreign substances on the battery.
vAcracking, hissing or popping sound, or strong odor that comes from the
product.
vSigns that liquid has been spilled or an object has fallen onto the computer
product, the power cord or power adapter.
vThe computer product, the power cord or power adapter has been exposed
to water.
vThe product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
vThe product does not operate normally when you follow the operating
instructions.
Note: If you notice these conditions with aproduct (such as an extension cord)
that is not manufactured for or by Lenovo, stop using that product until
you can contact the product manufacturer for further instructions, or
until you get asuitable replacement.
General safety guidelines
Always observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury and
property damage.
Service
Do not attempt to service aproduct yourself unless instructed to do so by the
Customer Support Center. Use only aservice provider who is approved to
repair your particular product.
Note: Some parts can be upgraded or replaced by the customer. These parts
are referred to as Customer Replaceable Units, or CRUs. Lenovo
vi Quick Reference

expressly identifies CRUs as such, and provides documentation with
instructions when it is appropriate for customers to replace those parts.
You must closely follow all instructions when performing such
replacements. Always make sure that the power is turned off and that
the product is unplugged from any power source before you attempt the
replacement. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the
Customer Support Center.
Although there are no moving parts in your computer after the power cord has
been disconnected, the following warnings are required for proper UL
certification.
Danger
Hazardous moving parts. Keep fingers and other body parts away.
Attention
Before replacing any CRUs, turn off the computer and wait three to
five minutes to let the computer cool before opening the cover.
Power cords and power adapters
Use only the power cords and power adapters supplied by the product
manufacturer.
Never wrap apower cord around the power adapter or other object. Doing so
can stress the cord in ways that can cause the cord to fray, crack or crimp. This
can present asafety hazard.
Always route power cords so that they will not be walked on, tripped over, or
pinched by objects.
Important safety information vii

Protect the cord and power adapters from liquids. For instance, do not leave
your cord or power adapter near sinks, tubs, toilets, or on floors that are
cleaned with liquid cleansers. Liquids can cause ashort circuit, particularly if
the cord or power adapter has been stressed by misuse. Liquids can also cause
gradual corrosion of the power cord terminals and/or the connector terminals
on the adapter which can eventually result in overheating.
Always connect power cords and signal cables in the correct order and ensure
that all power cord connectors are securely and completely plugged into
receptacles.
Do not use any power adapter that shows corrosion at the ac input pins
and/or shows signs of overheating (such as deformed plastic) at the ac input
or anywhere on the power adapter.
Do not use any power cords where the electrical contacts on either end show
signs of corrosion or overheating or where the power cord appears to have
been damaged in any way.
Extension cords and related devices
Ensure that extension cords, surge protectors, uninterruptible power supplies,
and power strips that you use are rated to handle the electrical requirements of
the product. Never overload these devices. If power strips are used, the load
should not exceed the power strip input rating. Consult an electrician for more
information if you have questions about power loads, power requirements, and
input ratings.
Plugs and outlets
If areceptacle (power outlet) that you intend to use with your computer
equipment appears to be damaged or corroded, do not use the outlet until it is
replaced by aqualified electrician.
Do not bend or modify the plug. If the plug is damaged, contact the
manufacturer to obtain areplacement.
Some products are equipped with athree-pronged plug. This plug fits only
into agrounded electrical outlet. This is asafety feature. Do not defeat this
safety feature by trying to insert it into anon-grounded outlet. If you cannot
insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician for an approved outlet
adapter or to replace the outlet with one that enables this safety feature. Never
overload an electrical outlet. The overall system load should not exceed 80
percent of the branch circuit rating. Consult an electrician for more information
if you have questions about power loads and branch circuit ratings.
viii Quick Reference

Be sure that the power outlet you are using is properly wired, easily accessible,
and located close to the equipment. Do not fully extend power cords in away
that will stress the cords.
Carefully connect and disconnect the equipment from the electrical outlet.
Batteries
All personal computers manufactured by Lenovo contain anon-rechargeable
coin cell battery to provide power to the system clock. In addition many
mobile products such as ThinkPad notebook PCs utilize arechargeable battery
pack to provide system power when in portable mode. Batteries supplied by
Lenovo for use with your product have been tested for compatibility and
should only be replaced with approved parts.
Never attempt to open or service any battery. Do not crush, puncture, or
incinerate batteries or short circuit the metal contacts. Do not expose the
battery to water or other liquids. Only recharge the battery pack strictly
according to instructions included in the product documentation.
Battery abuse or mishandling can cause the battery to overheat, which can
cause gasses or flame to “vent” from the battery pack or coin cell. If your
battery is damaged, or if you notice any discharge from your battery or the
buildup of foreign materials on the battery leads, stop using the battery and
obtain areplacement from the battery manufacturer.
Batteries can degrade when they are left unused for long periods of time. For
some rechargeable batteries (particularly Lithium Ion batteries), leaving a
battery unused in adischarged state could increase the risk of abattery short
circuit, which could shorten the life of the battery and can also pose asafety
hazard. Do not let rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries completely discharge or
store these batteries in adischarged state.
Heat and product ventilation
Computers generate heat when turned on and when batteries are charging.
Notebook PCs can generate asignificant amount of heat due to their compact
size. Always follow these basic precautions:
vDo 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 produces some heat during
normal operation. Extended contact with the body could cause discomfort
or, potentially, askin burn.
vDo not operate your computer or charge the battery near flammable
materials or in explosive environments.
vVentilation slots, fans and/or heat sinks are provided with the product for
safety, comfort, and reliable operation. These features might inadvertently
Important safety information ix

become blocked by placing the product on abed, sofa, carpet, or other
flexible surface. Never block, cover or disable these features.
You should inspect your desktop computer for dust accumulation at least once
every three months. Before inspecting your computer, turn off the power and
unplug the computer’s power cord from the electrical outlet; then remove any
dust from vents and perforations in the bezel. If you notice external dust
accumulation, you should also examine and remove dust from the inside of the
computer including heat sink inlet fins, power supply vents, and fans. Always
turn off and unplug the computer before opening the cover. If possible, avoid
operating your computer within 2feet of high-traffic areas. If you must operate
your computer in or near ahigh-traffic area, you should inspect and, if
necessary, clean your computer more frequently.
For your safety and to maintain optimum computer performance, always
follow these basic precautions with your desktop computer:
vKeep the cover closed whenever the computer is plugged in.
vRegularly inspect the outside of the computer for dust accumulation.
vRemove dust from vents and any perforations in the bezel. More frequent
cleanings might be required for computers in dusty or high-traffic areas.
vDo not block or restrict airflow into the front of the computer.
vDo not block the airflow vents on the back of the computer.
vDo not store or operate your computer inside furniture, as this might
increase the risk of overheating.
vAirflow temperatures into the computer should not exceed 35° C(95° F).
vDo not use non-ThinkCentre air filtration devices.
CD and DVD drive safety
CD and DVD drives spin discs at ahigh speed. If aCD or DVD is cracked or
otherwise physically damaged, it is possible for the disc to break apart or even
shatter when the CD drive is in use. To protect against possible injury due to
this situation, and to reduce the risk of damage to your machine, do the
following:
vAlways store CD/DVD discs in their original packaging
vAlways store CD/DVD discs out of direct sunlight and away from direct
heat sources
vRemove CD/DVD discs from the computer when not in use
vDo not bend or flex CD/DVD discs, or force them into the computer or their
packaging
vCheck CD/DVD discs for cracks before each use. Do not use cracked or
damaged discs
xQuick Reference

Additional safety information
Danger
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communication cables is
hazardous.
To avoid ashock hazard:
vDo not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installation,
maintenance, or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm.
vConnect all power cords to aproperly wired and grounded electrical
outlet.
vConnect to properly wired outlets any equipment that will be attached to
this product.
vWhen possible, use one hand only to connect or disconnect signal cables.
vNever turn on any equipment when there is evidence of fire, water, or
structural damage.
vDisconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems,
networks, and modems before you open the device covers, unless
instructed otherwise in the installation and configuration procedures.
vConnect and disconnect cables as described in the following table when
installing, moving, or opening covers on this product or attached devices.
To connect:
1. Turn everything OFF.
2. First, attach all cables to devices.
3. Attach signal cables to connectors.
4. Attach power cords to outlet.
5. Turn device ON.
To disconnect:
1. Turn everything OFF.
2. First, remove power cords from outlet.
3. Remove signal cables from connectors.
4. Remove all cables from devices.
Lithium battery notice
Caution
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
When replacing the battery, use only Part Number 33F8354 or an equivalent
type battery recommended by the manufacturer. The battery contains lithium
and can explode if not properly used, handled, or disposed of.
Important safety information xi

Do not:
vThrow or immerse into water
vHeat to more than 100°C (212°F)
vRepair or disassemble
Dispose of the battery as required by local ordinances or regulations.
Modem safety information
Caution
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunication line cord.
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or injury when using telephone
equipment, always follow basic safety precautions, such as:
vNever install telephone wiring during alightning storm.
vNever install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically
designed for wet locations.
vNever touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone
line has been disconnected at the network interface.
vUse caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
vAvoid using atelephone (other than acordless type) during an electrical
storm. There may be aremote risk of electric shock from lightning.
vDo not use the telephone to report agas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
Laser compliance statement
Some personal computer models are equipped from the factory with a
CD-ROM drive or aDVD-ROM drive. CD-ROM drives and DVD-ROM drives
are also sold separately as options. CD-ROM drives and DVD-ROM drives are
laser products. These drives are 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 Jfor Class 1laser products.
Elsewhere, these drives are certified to conform to the requirements of the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 825 and CENELEC EN 60 825
for Class 1laser products.
When aCD-ROM drive or aDVD-ROM drive is installed, note the following
handling instructions.
xii Quick Reference

Caution
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein might result in hazardous radiation
exposure.
Removing the covers of the CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive could result in
exposure to hazardous laser radiation. There are no serviceable parts inside the
CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive. Do not remove the drive covers.
Some CD-ROM drives and DVD-ROM drives contain an embedded Class 3A
or Class 3B laser diode. Note the following statement.
Danger
Laser radiation when open. Do not stare into the beam, do not view
directly with optical instruments, and avoid direct exposure to the
beam.
Power supply statement
Never remove the cover on apower supply or any part that has the following
label attached.
Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present inside any
component that has this label attached. There are no serviceable parts inside
these components. If you suspect aproblem with one of these parts, contact a
service technician.
Important safety information xiii

xiv Quick Reference

Additional help
This Quick Reference provides the information for installing your computer and
starting the operating system. This publication also includes basic
troubleshooting information, software recovery procedures, help and service
information, and warranty information.
The User Guide for your computer has information about installing optional
hardware. This Portable Document Format (PDF) file is available through the
Access IBM
® program on your computer desktop. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader
to view your User Guide or print it before installing optional hardware.
The Access IBM program also provides information to help you learn more
about the following topics:
vUsing your computer
vInstalling hardware options
vConnecting communication cables
vTroubleshooting common problems
vRegistering your computer
You can start the Access IBM program by clicking the icon on your desktop, or
by clicking Start -> Access IBM.
If you have Internet access, the most current information for your computer is
available from the World Wide Web at
http://www.lenovo.com/think/support.
You can find the following information on this Web site:
vCRU removal and installation instructions
vPublications
vTroubleshooting information
vParts information
vDownloads and drivers
vLinks to other useful sources of information
vPhone support list
©Copyright Lenovo 2005. ©Portions Copyright IBM Corp. 2005. xv

xvi Quick Reference

Chapter 1. Arranging your workspace
To get the most from your computer, arrange both the equipment you use and
your work area to suit your needs and the kind of work you do. Your comfort
is of foremost importance, but light sources, air circulation, and the location of
electrical outlets also can affect the way you arrange your workspace.
Comfort
Although no single working position is ideal for everyone, here are afew
guidelines to help you find aposition that suits you best.
Sitting in the same position for along time can cause fatigue. Agood chair can
make abig difference. The backrest and seat should adjust independently and
provide good support. The seat should have acurved front to relieve pressure
on the thighs. Adjust the seat so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and
your feet are either flat on the floor or on afootrest.
When using the keyboard, keep your forearms parallel to the floor and your
wrists in aneutral, comfortable position. Try to keep alight touch on the
keyboard and your hands and fingers relaxed. You can change the angle of the
keyboard for maximum comfort by adjusting the position of the keyboard feet.
Viewing Distance
Lower
Back
Support
Seat
Height
Adjust the monitor so the top of the screen is at, or slightly below, eye level.
Place the monitor at acomfortable viewing distance, usually 51 to 61 cm (20 to
24 in.), and position it so you can view it without having to twist your body.
Also position other equipment you use regularly, such as the telephone or a
mouse, within easy reach.
Glare and lighting
Position the monitor to minimize glare and reflections from overhead lights,
windows, and other light sources. Even reflected light from shiny surfaces can
cause annoying reflections on your monitor screen. Place the monitor at right
©Copyright Lenovo 2005. ©Portions Copyright IBM Corp. 2005. 1

angles to windows and other light sources, when possible. Reduce overhead
lighting, if necessary, by turning off lights or using lower wattage bulbs. If you
install the monitor near awindow, use curtains or blinds to block the sunlight.
You might have to adjust the Brightness and Contrast controls on the monitor
as the room lighting changes throughout the day.
Where it is impossible to avoid reflections or to adjust the lighting, an antiglare
filter placed over the screen might be helpful. However, these filters might
affect the clarity of the image on the screen; try them only after you have
exhausted other methods of reducing glare.
Dust buildup compounds problems associated with glare. Remember to clean
your monitor screen periodically using asoft cloth moistened with a
nonabrasive liquid glass cleaner.
Air circulation
Your computer and monitor produce heat. The computer has afan that pulls in
fresh air and forces out hot air. The monitor lets hot air escape through vents.
Blocking the air vents can cause overheating, which might result in a
malfunction or damage. Place the computer and monitor so that nothing blocks
the air vents; usually, 51 mm (2 in.) of air space is sufficient. Also, make sure
the vented air is not blowing on someone else.
Electrical outlets and cable lengths
The location of electrical outlets and the length of power cords and cables that
connect to the monitor, printer, and other devices might determine the final
placement of your computer.
When arranging your workspace:
vAvoid the use of extension cords. When possible, plug the computer power
cord directly into an electrical outlet.
vKeep power cords and cables neatly routed away from walkways and other
areas where they might get kicked accidentally.
For more information about power cords, see “Power cord notice” on page 56
of this book.
2Quick Reference