Lenovo Thinkpad A275 User manual

A275 User Guide

Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, ensure that you read and understand the
following:
• Safety and Warranty Guide
• Setup Guide
• “ mportant safety information” on page v
Lenovo makes constant improvement on the documentation of your computer, including this User Guide. To
get all the latest documents, go to:
https://support.lenovo.com
Depending on the version of operating systems, some user interface instructions might not be applicable to
your computer.
Third Edition (September 2018)
© Copyright Lenovo 2017, 2018.
L M TED AND RESTR CTED R GHTS NOT CE: f data or software is delivered pursuant to a General Services
Administration “GSA” contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS-
35F-05925.

Contents
mportant safety information . . . . . . v
Read this first. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
mportant information about using your computer . . v
Conditions that require immediate action . . . . . . vii
Service and upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Power cords and power adapters . . . . . . . . . ix
Extension cords and related devices. . . . . . . . ix
Plugs and outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Power supply statement . . . . . . . . . . . . x
External devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
General battery notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Notice for removable rechargeable battery . . . . . xi
Notice for built-in rechargeable battery. . . . . . . xii
Notice for non-rechargeable coin-cell battery . . . . xii
Heat and product ventilation . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Electrical current safety information . . . . . . . xiv
Liquid crystal display (LCD) notice . . . . . . . . xv
Using headphones or earphones . . . . . . . . . xv
Choking hazard notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
Plastic bag notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
Glass parts notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
Chapter 1. Product overview . . . . . . 1
Computer controls, connectors, and indicators . . . 1
Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Left-side view. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Right-side view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Bottom view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
mportant product information . . . . . . . . . . 7
Machine type and model label . . . . . . . . 7
FCC D and C Certification number . . . . . . 7
Labels for the Windows operating systems . . . 9
Computer features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Computer specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Operating environment . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Lenovo programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Accessing Lenovo programs . . . . . . . . 12
An introduction to Lenovo programs . . . . . 12
Chapter 2. Using your computer . . . 15
Registering your computer . . . . . . . . . . 15
Frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . 15
Getting help about the Windows operating
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using the multi-touch screen . . . . . . . . . 16
Using the special keys . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using the ThinkPad pointing device . . . . . . . 20
ThinkPad pointing device overview . . . . . 20
Using the TrackPoint pointing device. . . . . 21
Using the trackpad. . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using the trackpad touch gestures . . . . . 23
Customizing the ThinkPad pointing device . . 24
Replacing the cap on the pointing stick . . . . 24
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using the ac power adapter . . . . . . . . 25
Using the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Managing the battery power . . . . . . . . 27
Power-saving modes . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Cabled Ethernet connections . . . . . . . . . 28
Wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using the wireless-LAN connection . . . . . 28
Using the wireless-WAN connection . . . . . 29
Using the Bluetooth connection. . . . . . . 30
Using the Airplane mode . . . . . . . . . 30
Using audio features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Using the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using a media card or a smart card . . . . . . . 32
Using an external display . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Traveling with your computer . . . . . . . . . 35
Finding ThinkPad options . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Chapter 3. Accessibility, ergonomic,
and maintenance information . . . . . 37
Accessibility information . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Ergonomic information . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Cleaning and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 40
Chapter 4. Security . . . . . . . . . . 43
Using passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Passwords introduction . . . . . . . . . . 43
Setting, changing, or removing a password . . 44
Hard disk security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Setting the security chip . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Using the fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . 46
Deleting data from your storage drive . . . . . . 48
Using firewalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Protecting data against viruses . . . . . . . . . 49
Chapter 5. Advanced
configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
nstalling a new operating system . . . . . . . . 51
nstalling a Windows 7 operating system . . . 51
nstalling a Windows 10 operating system. . . 52
© Copyright Lenovo 2017, 2018 i

nstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Using the ThinkPad Setup program . . . . . . . 54
Configuring ThinkPad Setup . . . . . . . . 54
Changing the startup sequence . . . . . . . 55
Updating the UEF B OS. . . . . . . . . . 55
B OS menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Using system management . . . . . . . . . . 66
Chapter 6. Troubleshooting
computer problems . . . . . . . . . . 69
General tips for preventing problems . . . . . . 69
Diagnosing problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Computer stops responding . . . . . . . . 70
Spills on the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . 71
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Beep errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Memory module problems . . . . . . . . . 74
Ethernet problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Wireless-LAN problem . . . . . . . . . . 75
Wireless-WAN problem . . . . . . . . . . 75
Bluetooth problem . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
ThinkPad pointing device problems . . . . . 76
Keyboard problems . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Computer screen problems . . . . . . . . 77
External monitor problems . . . . . . . . . 79
Audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Fingerprint reader problems . . . . . . . . 82
Battery problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
ac power adapter problem. . . . . . . . . 82
Power problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Power button problem . . . . . . . . . . 83
Boot problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Sleep and hibernation problems . . . . . . 84
Hard disk drive problems . . . . . . . . . 84
Solid-state drive problem . . . . . . . . . 85
Software problem . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
USB problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Chapter 7. Recovery information . . . 87
Recovery information for the Windows 7 operating
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Creating and using recovery media . . . . . 87
Reinstalling preinstalled programs and device
drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Recovery information for the Windows 10
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Resetting your computer . . . . . . . . . 89
Using advanced startup options . . . . . . 89
Recovering your operating system if Windows
10 fails to start . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Creating and using a recovery USB drive . . . 89
Chapter 8. Replacing devices . . . . . 91
Customer Replaceable Units. . . . . . . . . . 91
Static electricity prevention . . . . . . . . . . 91
Disabling the built-in battery . . . . . . . . . . 92
Replacing the removable battery . . . . . . . . 92
Replacing the micro S M card . . . . . . . . . 94
Replacing the base cover assembly . . . . . . . 95
Replacing the wireless-WAN card. . . . . . . . 97
Replacing a memory module. . . . . . . . . . 98
Replacing the internal storage drive . . . . . . . 100
Replacing the dc-in cable . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Chapter 9. Getting support . . . . . . 111
Before you contact Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . 111
Getting help and service . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Lenovo Support Web site . . . . . . . . . 112
Calling Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Purchasing additional services . . . . . . . . . 113
Appendix A. Regulatory
information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Certification-related information . . . . . . . . 115
Wireless-related information . . . . . . . . . . 115
Wireless interoperability. . . . . . . . . . 115
Usage environment and your health . . . . . 115
Locating the UltraConnect wireless
antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Wireless-radio compliance information . . . . 116
Locating wireless regulatory notices . . . . . 116
TCO certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Export classification notice . . . . . . . . . . 117
Electromagnetic emission notices. . . . . . . . 117
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity . . . . . 117
ndustry Canada Class B emission
compliance statement . . . . . . . . . . 117
European Union conformity . . . . . . . . 118
German Class B compliance statement. . . . 118
Japan VCC Class B compliance
statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Japan compliance statement for products
which connect to the power mains with rated
current less than or equal to 20 A per
phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Japan notice for ac power cord . . . . . . . 119
Lenovo product service information for Taiwan . . 119
Taiwan precautionary vision statement . . . . . . 119
Eurasian compliance mark . . . . . . . . . . 119
Brazil audio notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
ii A275 User Guide

Appendix B. WEEE and recycling
statements of countries and
regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
General recycling information . . . . . . . . . 121
mportant WEEE information . . . . . . . . . . 121
Japan recycling statements . . . . . . . . . . 122
Recycling information for Brazil. . . . . . . . . 122
Battery recycling information for the European
Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Battery recycling information for Taiwan . . . . . 124
Battery recycling information for the United States
and Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Recycling information for China . . . . . . . . 124
Appendix C. Restriction of
Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive
of countries and regions . . . . . . . . 125
Appendix D. Notices. . . . . . . . . . 129
Appendix E. Trademarks . . . . . . . 131
© Copyright Lenovo 2017, 2018 iii

iv A275 User Guide

mportant safety information
Note: Read the important safety information first.
Read this first
This information can help you safely use your notebook 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 Limited Warranty. For more information, see "Warranty nformation" in the Safety and Warranty Guide
that comes with your computer.
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 a safer computer work environment.
Note: This information includes references to power adapters and batteries. n addition to notebook
computers, some products (such as speakers and monitors) ship with external power adapters. f you have
such a product, this information applies to your product. n addition, computer products contain a coin-sized
internal battery that provides power to the system clock even when the computer is unplugged, so the
battery safety information applies to all computer products.
mportant information about using your computer
Ensure that you follow the important tips given here to get the most use and enjoyment out of your computer.
Failure to do so might lead to discomfort or injury, or cause the computer to fail.
Protect yourself from the heat that your computer generates.
When your computer is turned on or the battery is charging, the base, the palm
rest, and some other parts may become hot. The temperature they reach
depends on the amount of system activity and the level of charge in the
battery.
Extended contact with your body, even through clothing, could cause
discomfort or even a skin burn.
• Avoid keeping your hands, your lap, or any other part of your body in
contact with a hot section of the computer for any extended time.
• Periodically take hands from using the keyboard by lifting your hands from
the palm rest.
© Copyright Lenovo 2017, 2018 v

Protect yourself from the heat generated by the ac power adapter.
When the ac power adapter is connected to an electrical outlet and your
computer, it generates heat.
Extended contact with your body, even through clothing, may cause a skin
burn.
• Do not place the ac power adapter in contact with any part of your body
while it is in use.
• Never use it to warm your body.
• Do not wrap the cords around the ac power adapter while in use.
Prevent your computer from getting wet.
To avoid spills and the danger of electrical shock, keep liquids away from your
computer.
Protect the cables from being damaged.
Applying strong force to cables may damage or break them.
Route communication lines, or the cables of an ac power adapter, a mouse, a
keyboard, a printer, or any other electronic device, so that they cannot be
walked on, tripped over, pinched by your computer or other objects, or in any
way subject to treatment that could interfere with the operation of your
computer.
Protect your computer and data when moving it.
Before moving a computer equipped with a hard disk drive, do one of the
following:
• Turn it off.
• Put it in sleep mode.
• Put it in hibernation mode.
This helps to prevent damage to the computer, and possible loss of data.
vi A275 User Guide

Handle your computer gently.
Do not drop, bump, scratch, twist, hit, vibrate, push, or place heavy objects on
your computer, display, or external devices.
Carry your computer carefully.
• Use a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushioning and protection.
• Do not pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag.
• Before putting your computer in a carrying case, make sure that it is off, in sleep
mode, or in hibernation mode. Do not put a computer in a carrying case while it is
turned on.
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 a puff of smoke or sparks vent from your product. Or you
might hear sounds like popping, cracking, or hissing. These conditions might merely mean that an
internal electronic component has failed in a safe and controlled manner. Or, they might indicate a
potential safety issue. However, do not take risks or attempt to diagnose the situation yourself.
Contact the Customer Support Center for further guidance. For a list of Service and Support phone
numbers, see the following Web site:
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/supportphonelist
Frequently inspect your computer and its components for damage or wear or signs of danger. f 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.
n the unlikely event that you notice any of the following conditions, 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.
© Copyright Lenovo 2017, 2018 vii

• Power cords, plugs, power adapters, extension cords, surge protectors, or power supplies that are
cracked, broken, or damaged.
• Signs of overheating, smoke, sparks, or fire.
• Damage to a battery (such as cracks, dents, or creases), discharge from a battery, or a buildup of foreign
substances on the battery.
• A cracking, hissing, or popping sound, or strong odor that comes from the product.
• Signs that liquid has been spilled or an object has fallen onto the computer product, the power cord, or
power adapter.
• The computer product, power cord, or power adapter has been exposed to water.
• The product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
• The product does not operate normally when you follow the operating instructions.
Note: f you notice these conditions with a product (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 a suitable replacement.
Service and upgrades
Do not attempt to service a product yourself unless instructed to do so by the Customer Support Center or
your documentation. Only use a Service Provider who is approved to repair your particular product.
Note: Some computer parts can be upgraded or replaced by the customer. Upgrades typically are referred
to as options. Replacement parts approved for customer installation are referred to as Customer
Replaceable Units, or CRUs. Lenovo provides documentation with instructions when it is appropriate for
customers to install options or replace CRUs. You must closely follow all instructions when installing or
replacing parts. The Off state of a power indicator does not necessarily mean that voltage levels inside a
product are zero. Before you remove the covers from a product equipped with a power cord, always make
sure that the power is turned off and that the product is unplugged from any power source. f 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 your safety.
CAUT ON:
Hazardous moving parts. Keep fingers and other body parts away.
CAUT ON:
Before you open the computer cover, turn off the computer and wait several minutes until the
computer is cool.
viii A275 User Guide