Lenovo ThinkCentre A61e 6418 User manual

ThinkCentre
User Guide
Machine Types 6417, 6418, 6449, 6453

ThinkCentre User Guide

Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the Safety and Warranty Guide that came with this
product and Appendix B, “Notices,” on page 53.
First Edition (August 2007)
©Copyright Lenovo 2005, 2007.
Portions ©Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2005.
All rights reserved.
LENOVO products, data, computer software, and services have been developed exclusively at private expense and
are sold to governmental entities as commercial items as defined by 48 C.F.R. 2.101 with limited and restricted
rights to use, reproduction and disclosure.
LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If products, data, computer software, or services are delivered
pursuant aGeneral Services Administration ″GSA″contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions
set forth in Contract No. GS-35F-05925.

Contents
Introduction .............v
Chapter 1. Important safety information 1
Chapter 2. Arranging your workspace ..3
Comfort ................3
Glare and lighting ............3
Air circulation ..............4
Electrical outlets and cable lengths .......4
Chapter 3. Setting up your computer ..5
Connecting your computer .........5
Turning on computer power .........9
Finishing the software installation .......10
Completing important tasks .........10
Updating your operating system .......10
Installing other operating systems .......11
Updating your antivirus software .......11
Shutting down the computer ........11
Installing external options .........11
Features ...............11
Specifications ..............13
Chapter 4. Software overview .....15
Software provided with your Windows operating
system ................15
Software provided by Lenovo .......15
PC-Doctor for Windows, PC-Doctor for Windows
PE ................16
Adobe Acrobat Reader..........16
Chapter 5. Using the Setup Utility ...17
Starting the Setup Utility program.......17
Viewing and changing settings ........17
Changing the language setting for the BIOS ...17
Using passwords ............17
Password considerations .........18
User Password ............18
Administrator or Supervisor Password ....18
Setting, changing, and deleting apassword...18
Selecting astartup device..........18
Selecting atemporary startup device .....19
Selecting or changing the boot device sequence 19
Exiting from the Setup Utility program .....19
Chapter 6. Updating system programs 21
Using system programs ..........21
Updating (flashing) BIOS from adiskette or
CD-ROM ...............21
Changing settings using the utility diskette ....22
Updating (flashing) BIOS from your operating
system ................22
Recovering from aPOST/BIOS update failure ...22
Chapter 7. Troubleshooting and
diagnostics .............25
Basic troubleshooting ...........25
Diagnostic programs ...........26
PC-Doctor for Windows .........27
PC-Doctor for DOS ...........27
PC-Doctor for Windows PE ........29
Cleaning the mouse ...........29
Optical mouse ............29
Non-optical mouse ...........30
Chapter 8. Recovering software ....33
Creating and using the Product Recovery disc ...33
Performing backup and recovery operations ...34
Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace ....35
Creating and using rescue media .......36
Creating and using aRecovery Repair diskette ..37
Recovering or installing device drivers .....38
Setting arescue device in the startup sequence ..39
Solving recovery problems .........39
Chapter 9. Getting information, help,
and service .............41
Information resources ...........41
Online Books folder ..........41
ThinkVantage Productivity Center ......41
Access Help .............42
Safety and Warranty ..........42
www.lenovo.com ...........42
Help and service ............42
Using the documentation and diagnostic
programs ..............43
Calling for service ...........43
Using other services ..........44
Purchasing additional services .......44
Appendix A. Manual modem
commands .............45
Basic AT commands ...........45
Extended AT commands ..........47
MNP/V.42/V.42bis/V.44 commands ......48
Fax Class 1commands ..........49
Fax Class 2commands ..........49
Voice commands.............50
Appendix B. Notices .........53
Television output notice ..........54
Trademarks ..............54
Index ...............55
©Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions ©IBM Corp. 2005. iii

iv User Guide

Introduction
This User Guide contains the following information:
vChapter 1, “Important safety information,” on page 1provides information about
where to find safety information for this product.
vChapter 2, “Arranging your workspace,” on page 3provides information about
setting up your computer for comfort and the impact of light sources, air
circulation, and electrical outlets.
vChapter 3, “Setting up your computer,” on page 5provides information about
setting up your computer and software and operating system installation.
vChapter 4, “Software overview,” on page 15 describes the software that was
installed on your machine at the factory.
vChapter 5, “Using the Setup Utility,” on page 17 provides instructions on how to
view and change the configuration settings of your computer.
vChapter 6, “Updating system programs,” on page 21 provides information about
updating POST/BIOS and how to recover from aPOST/BIOS update failure.
vChapter 7, “Troubleshooting and diagnostics,” on page 25 provides information
about basic troubleshooting and diagnostic tools for your computer.
vChapter 8, “Recovering software,” on page 33 provides instructions on how to
use the ThinkVantage®Rescue and Recovery™program to create product
recovery disks, back up data, recover software, and restore the entire contents of
your hard disk to apreviously saved state.
vChapter 9, “Getting information, help, and service,” on page 41 provides
information about the wide variety of helpful resources available from Lenovo.
vAppendix A, “Manual modem commands,” on page 45 provides commands for
manually programming your modem.
vAppendix B, “Notices,” on page 53 provides notices and trademark information.
©Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions ©IBM Corp. 2005. v

vi User Guide

Chapter 1. Important safety information
CAUTION:
Before using this manual, it is important that you read and understand all the
related safety information for this product. Refer to the Safety and Warranty Guide
that you received with this product for the latest safety information. Reading
and understanding this safety information reduces the risk of personal injury
and or damage to your product.
If you no longer have acopy of the Safety and Warranty Guide,you can obtain one
online from the Lenovo Support Web site at:
http://www.lenovo.com/support.
©Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions ©IBM Corp. 2005. 1

2User Guide

Chapter 2. 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 can also 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. The backrest and
seat of your chair 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 acomfortable position. Use alight touch on the keyboard and your hands and
fingers relaxed. 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 amouse,
within easy reach.
Glare and lighting
Position the monitor to minimize glare and reflections from overhead lights,
windows, and other light sources. Reflected light from shiny surfaces can cause
annoying reflections on your monitor screen. Place the monitor at right 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 can adjust
the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor as the room lighting changes
throughout the day.
©Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions ©IBM Corp. 2005. 3

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 anonabrasive 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 amalfunction
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, 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, refer to the Safety and Warranty Guide
that was provided with your computer.
4User Guide

Chapter 3. Setting up your computer
Read and understand the Safety and Warranty Guide before you set up your
computer. Reading and understanding the safety information reduces the risk of
personal injury and or damage to your product.
Set up your computer in the best possible work area that suits your needs and
habits. For more information, see Chapter 2, “Arranging your workspace,” on page
3.
Connecting your computer
Use the following information when connecting your computer.
vLook for the small connector icons on the back of your computer. Match the
connectors to the icons.
vIf your computer cables and connector panel have color-coded connectors, match
the color of the cable end with the color of the connector. For example, match a
blue cable end with ablue connector or ared cable end with ared connector.
Note: Depending on your model type, your computer might not have all of the
connectors that are described in this section.
1. Check the position of the voltage-selection switch on the rear of the computer.
Use aballpoint pen to slide the switch, if necessary.
Note: Some computers do not have avoltage switch. These computers
automatically control the voltage.
vIf the voltage supply range is 100–127 Vac, set the switch to 115 V.
vIf the voltage supply range is 200–240 Vac, set the switch to 230 V.
115
2. Connect the keyboard cable to the appropriate keyboard connector, either the
standard keyboard connector 1 or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector
2.
©Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions ©IBM Corp. 2005. 5

Note: Some models will have keyboards with afingerprint reader. After you
set up and turn on your computer, refer to the Access Help online help
system for information about your fingerprint reader. See “Access
Help” on page 42 for instructions on how to open the online help
system.
3. Connect the USB mouse cable to the USB connector.
4. Connect the monitor cable to the monitor connector on the computer.
vIf you have aVideo Graphics Array (VGA) Standard monitor, connect the
cable to the connector as shown.
Note: If your model has two monitor connectors, be sure to use the
connector on the graphics adapter.
vIf you have adigital video interface (DVI) monitor, your computer must
have an adapter installed that supports the DVI monitor. Connect the cable
to the connector as shown.
6User Guide

5. If you have amodem, connect the modem using the following information.
LINE
PHONE
PHONE
LINE
PHONE
LINE
PHONE
LINE
1 This illustration shows the two connections on the back of the computer that are
needed to set up your modem.
2 In the United States and other countries or regions that use the RJ-11 telephone
outlet, attach one end of the telephone cable to the telephone and the other end to
the telephone connector on the back of the computer. Attach one end of the modem
cable to the modem connector on the back of the computer and the other end to the
telephone outlet.
3 In countries or regions that do not use RJ-11 telephone outlets, asplitter or converter
is required to attach the cables to the telephone outlet, as shown at the top of the
illustration. You also can use the splitter or converter without the telephone, as
shown at the bottom of the illustration.
6. If you have audio devices, attach them using the following instructions. For
more information about speakers, see steps 7and 8on page 8.
1 Audio line-in This connector receives audio signals from an external audio device,
such as astereo system.
2 Audio line-out This connector sends audio signals from the computer to external
devices, such as powered stereo speakers.
3 Microphone Use this connector to attach amicrophone to your computer when
you want to record sound or if you use speech-recognition software.
4 Headphone Use this connector to attach headphones to your computer when you
want to listen to music or other sounds without disturbing anyone.
This connector might be located on the front of the computer.
Chapter 3. Setting up your computer 7

7. If you have powered speakers with an ac adapter:
a. Connect the cable that runs between the speakers, if necessary. On some
speakers, this cable is permanently attached.
b. Connect the ac adapter cable to the speaker.
c. Connect the speakers to the computer.
d. Connect the ac adapter to the ac power source.
8. If you have unpowered speakers with no ac adapter:
a. Connect the cable that runs between the speakers, if necessary. On some
speakers, this cable is permanently attached.
b. Connect the speakers to the computer.
9. Connect any additional devices that you have. Your computer might not have
all connectors that are shown.
1394
1394
8User Guide

1 USB Use this connector to attach adevice that requires aUSB connection,
such as akeyboard, mouse, scanner, printer, or personal digital
assistant (PDA).
2 Serial Use this connector to attach an external modem, serial printer, or
other device that uses a9-pin serial connector.
3 S-video Use this connector to attach atelevision set that has an S-Video
connector. This connector is present on some high-performance video
adapters.
4 Parallel Use this connector to attach aparallel printer or any other device that
requires a25-pin parallel connection.
5 Ethernet Use this connector to attach the computer to an Ethernet-type local
area network or to acable modem.
Important: To operate the computer within FCC limits when it is
connected to an Ethernet network, use aCategory 5Ethernet cable.
6 IEEE 1394 This connector is sometimes called Firewire because it transmits data
rapidly. There are two types of IEEE 1394 connectors: the 4-pin and
the 6-pin. IEEE 1394 offers connection to several types of consumer
electronics, including digital audio devices and scanners.
10. Connect the power cords to properly grounded electrical outlets.
Note: For more information about connectors, refer to the Access Help online help
system. See “Access Help” on page 42 for instructions on how to open the
online help system.
Turning on computer power
Turn on the monitor and other external devices first, and then turn on the
computer. When the power-on self-test (POST) is finished, the logo window closes.
If your computer has preinstalled software, the software installation program
starts. If your computer does not have apreinstalled operating system, go to
“Installing other operating systems” on page 11.
If you experience any problems during startup, see Chapter 7, “Troubleshooting
and diagnostics,” on page 25. For additional help, refer to Chapter 9, “Getting
information, help, and service,” on page 41. You can get help and information by
telephone through the Customer Support Center. Refer to the safety and warranty
information that is provided with your computer for the Service and Support
worldwide telephone list.
Chapter 3. Setting up your computer 9

Finishing the software installation
Important
Read the license agreements carefully before using the programs on this
computer. These agreements detail your rights, obligations, and warranties for
the software on this computer. By using these programs, you accept the terms
of the agreements. If you do not accept the agreements, do not use the
programs. Instead, promptly return the entire computer for afull refund.
The first time you start your computer, follow the instructions on the screen to
complete the software installation. If you do not complete the software installation
the first time the computer is turned on, unpredictable results might occur. When
the installation is complete, refer to the Access Help online help system to learn
more about your computer. See “Access Help” on page 42 for instructions on how
to open the online help system.
Note: Some models might have amultilingual version of Microsoft®Windows®
operating system preinstalled. If your computer has the multilingual
version, you will be prompted to choose alanguage during the installation
process.
Completing important tasks
After you have set up your computer, perform the following tasks:
vCreate adiagnostic CD image, diagnostic diskettes, or rescue media. Diagnostic
programs are used to test hardware components of your computer and report
operating-system-controlled settings that can cause hardware failures. Making a
diagnostic CD image, diagnostic diskettes, or rescue media ahead of time assures
that you will be able to run diagnostics if the Rescue and Recovery workspace
becomes inaccessible. For more information, see “PC-Doctor for DOS” on page
27, “PC-Doctor for Windows PE” on page 29, and “Creating and using rescue
media” on page 36.
vRecord your computer machine type, model, and serial number. If you need
service or technical support, you will probably be asked for this information. For
further information, refer to the safety and warranty information that is
provided with your computer.
Updating your operating system
Microsoft makes updates available for various operating systems through the
Microsoft Windows Update Web site. The Web site automatically determines what
Windows updates are available for your specific computer and lists those updates
only. Updates could include security fixes, new versions of Windows components
(such as media player), fixes to other portions of the Windows operating system,
or enhancements.
For more information about updating your operating system, refer to the Access
Help online help system .See “Access Help” on page 42 for instructions on how to
open the online help system.
10 User Guide

Installing other operating systems
If you install your own operating system, follow the instructions that come with
your operating system CDs or diskettes. Remember to install all device drivers
after you install your operating system. Installation instructions are usually
provided with the device drivers.
The DOS Proof of Entitlement that was included with your computer provides
information required to receive acopy of DOS. Mail the Proof of Entitlement form
to receive your copy of IBM PC DOS. The form requires the following information:
your contact information; computer machine type and model; computer serial
number; copy of purchase receipt.
Updating your antivirus software
If your computer has apreloaded Microsoft Windows operating system, it comes
with antivirus software that you can use to detect and eliminate viruses. Lenovo
provides afull version of antivirus software on your hard disk with afree 90-day
subscription. After 90 days, you must get anew virus definition.
For more information about updating your antivirus software, refer to the Access
Help online help system .See “Access Help” on page 42 for instructions on how to
open the online help system.
Shutting down the computer
When you turn off your computer, always follow the shutdown procedure for your
operating system. This prevents the loss of unsaved data or damage to your
software programs. To shut down the Microsoft Windows operating system, open
the Start menu from the Windows desktop, click Shut Down.Select Shut Down
from the drop down menu and click OK.
Installing external options
For information about installing external options for your computer, Refer to "
Installing external options" in the Hardware Installation and Replacement Guide.
Features
This section provides an overview of the computer features and preinstalled
software.
System information
The following information covers avariety of models. For information for
your specific model, use the Setup Utility. See Chapter 5, “Using the Setup
Utility,” on page 17.
Microprocessors
Depending on your model, you have one of the following microprocessors:
vAMD™Sempron
vAMD Athlon™
Chapter 3. Setting up your computer 11

Memory
v1small outline dual-inline memory module (SODIMM) (512 Mb DDR2 memory;
1open slot) (some models)
v1SODIMM (1024 Mb DDR2 memory; 1open slot) (some models)
Connectivity
v10/100 Mbps Ethernet controller (some models)
v10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet controller (some models)
Optical drive
Internal drives
vSerial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) internal hard disk drive
vSATA optical drive
Video subsystem
vAn integrated graphics controller for aVideo Graphics Array (VGA) monitor
Audio subsystem
vLine in and line out connectors on the rear panel
vMono internal speaker
System management features
vPreboot Execution Environment (PXE) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP)
vWake on LAN®
vAutomatic power-on startup
vSystem Management BIOS
vAbility to store power-on self-test (POST) hardware test results
Input/output features
v6USB connectors (2 in front, 4in rear)
vEthernet connector
vVGA monitor connector
vTwo audio connectors (microphone and headphone) on front panel
vTwo audio connectors (line in and line out) on rear panel
vAdditional microphone on rear panel (some models)
12 User Guide