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IBM ThinkPad i Series 1800 Troubleshooting Manual

English - a21e(2655) service and troubleshooting guide
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  • Page 1: Thinkpad A21E

    ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...
  • Page 2 Note Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under “Appendix A. Important safety instructions” on page 39 and “Appendix B. Product warranties and notices” on page 45 . DANGER v To avoid electric shock hazard, connect and disconnect cables appropriately when installing, moving or opening the covers of this product or attached devices.

  • Page 3: Finding Information With Access Thinkpad

    Finding information with Access ThinkPad Join an interactive community of ThinkPad users to access mobile resources, read tips and true stories, and share your own advice. Customize your ThinkPad with accessories, software and services. A one-click guide to service on the Web for your ThinkPad. Your gateway into a comprehensive help system, offering information about all of your ThinkPad computer hardware and software features.
  • Page 4 Whenever you have a question about your computer, or wish to view IBM Web sites, simply press the ThinkPad button to open Access ThinkPad. Click one of the Internet buttons to join an interactive ThinkPad Web community, or to directly access information about accessories and software updates, small business offerings, and help and support.
  • Page 5 Some of the topics in your help system contain brief video clips that show you how to perform certain tasks, such as replacing your battery, inserting a PC card, or upgrading your memory. Use the controls shown to play, pause, and rewind the video clip.
  • Page 6 ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Contents Finding information with Access ThinkPad Getting help on the Web . . 34 Getting help by fax . 35 Calling IBM . . 35 Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer . Your ThinkPad at a glance Appendix A. Important safety instructions Features .
  • Page 8 viii ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1. Overview Of Your New Thinkpad Computer

    Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer Your ThinkPad at a glance Specifications . Features . Caring for your ThinkPad computer . © Copyright IBM Corp. 2000...

  • Page 10: Your Thinkpad At A Glance

    Your ThinkPad at a glance Your ThinkPad at a glance ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 11: Features

    Features Features Processor v Intel ® ™ Celeron processor Memory v Built-in: 64 MB v Maximum: 256 MB Storage device v 2.5-inch hard disk drive: 20 GB Display The color display uses TFT technology: v Size: 12.1, 13.3, or 14.1 inch, depending on the model v Resolution: –...
  • Page 12 Features External interface v Serial connector (EIA-RS232D) v Parallel connector (IEEE 1284A) v External-monitor connector v PC Card slot ( Type I, Type II, or Type III PC Card) v Headphone jack v Line-in jack v Microphone jack v Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector v RJ11 telephone connector (available if the modem Mini-PCI Card or the Combo Mini-PCI Card is installed) v RJ45 Ethernet connector (available if the Ethernet Mini-PCI Card or the...

  • Page 13: Specifications

    Specifications Specifications Size v Width: 304.8 mm (12.0 in.) v Depth: 254.0 mm (10.0 in.) v Height: 35.6 mm (1.4 in.) Environment v Maximum altitude without pressurization: 3048 m (10,000 ft) v Temperature – At altitudes up to 2438 m (8000 ft) - Operating with no diskette: 5°...

  • Page 14: Caring For Your Thinkpad Computer

    Caring for your ThinkPad computer Caring for your ThinkPad computer Though your computer is designed to function reliably in normal work environments, you need to use common sense in handling it. By following these important tips, you will get the most use and enjoyment out of your computer.
  • Page 15 Caring for your ThinkPad computer v Use a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushion and protection. Do not pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag. Handle storage media and drives properly v If your computer comes with a diskette drive, avoid inserting diskettes at an angle and attaching multiple or loose diskette labels, as these can lodge in the drive.
  • Page 16 Caring for your ThinkPad computer v Only an authorized IBM ThinkPad repair technician should disassemble and repair your computer. v Do not modify or tape the latches to keep the display open or closed. v Take care not to turn your computer over while the ac adapter is plugged in.

  • Page 17: Chapter 2. Solving Computer Problems

    Chapter 2. Solving computer problems Diagnosing problems . . 10 Computer screen problems . . 21 Troubleshooting . . 11 Battery problems . . 22 Error messages . . 11 Hard disk drive problems . . 23 Errors without messages . .

  • Page 18: Diagnosing Problems

    Solving computer problems Diagnosing problems If you have a problem with your computer, you can test it by using PC-Doctor for Windows. To run PC-Doctor for Windows, do as follows: 1. Click Start. 2. Move the cursor to Programs and then to PC-Doctor for Windows. 3.

  • Page 19: Troubleshooting

    Solving computer problems Troubleshooting If you do not find your problem here, refer to access ThinkPad, your on-board help system. Open Access ThinkPad by pressing the ThinkPad button. The following section only describes problems that might prevent you from accessing this help system. Error messages Note: 1.
  • Page 20 Solving computer problems Message Cause and action 0220: Monitor type error The monitor type does not match the type specified in CMOS. Run the IBM BIOS Setup Utility to make sure that your monitor type matches the type specified in the utility. 0230: Shadow RAM error The shadow RAM failed.
  • Page 21 Solving computer problems Message Cause and action 1801: Attached docking The computer is attached to a docking station that is not supported by station is not supported ThinkPad A21e. Shut down the system and detach it from the docking – shut down computer station.

  • Page 22: Errors Without Messages

    Solving computer problems Message Cause and action UNSUPPPORTED The size of the installed memory module is over capacity for the system. MEMORY ThinkPad A21e supports a memory size of equal or less than 256MB. Shut CONFIGURATION: down the system and remove the installed DIMM. Maximum memory size 256MB.

  • Page 23: Password Problems

    Solving computer problems Problem: When I turn on the machine, only a white cursor appears on a blank screen. Solution: First, reboot your system by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del. If that does not work, hold down the power switch for more than 4 seconds. If this does not resolve the problem, you may need to reinstall your operating system.

  • Page 24: Trackpoint Problems

    Solving computer problems Problem: Some or all keys on the keyboard do not work. Solution: If the problem occurred immediately after the computer returned from standby mode, enter the power-on password if one has been set. If an external keyboard is connected to the computer via a ThinkPad Port Replicator, the numeric keypad on your computer does not work.

  • Page 25: Standby Or Hibernation Problems

    Solving computer problems Problem: The mouse or pointing device does not work. Solution: Make sure that the pointing-device cable is enabled in the ThinkPad Configuration Program. Make sure that the mouse or pointing-device cable is securely connected to the computer via the ThinkPad Port Replicator. Try using the TrackPoint.
  • Page 26 Solving computer problems If these items are correct, have the computer serviced. Problem: The message appears, and the computer immediately turns off. Solution: The battery power is getting low. Connect the ac adapter to the computer, or replace the battery pack with a fully charged one. Problem: The computer display remains blank after you take action to return from a sleep mode.
  • Page 27 Solving computer problems For Windows NT: 1. Double-click the System icon in the Control Panel. 2. Select Intel EtherExpress PRO Adapter, and click Startup... 3. Select Disabled. 4. Click OK. 5. Click Close. 6. Close all windows. 7. Restart the computer by powering it off and on again. Problem: Your computer does not enter standby or hibernation mode.
  • Page 28 Solving computer problems For Windows NT: If you have enabled the CD-ROM AutoRun feature, the computer does not enter standby mode through the timer . To enable the timer in this situation, edit the configuration information in the registry as follows: Problem: The Fn+F12 key combination does not make the computer enter hibernation mode.

  • Page 29: Computer Screen Problems

    Solving computer problems Computer screen problems Problem: The screen is blank. Solution: Press Fn+Home key to make the screen brighter. If the problem persists, do the “Solution” in the problem below. Problem: The screen is unreadable or distorted. Solution: Make sure that: v The display device driver is installed correctly.

  • Page 30: Battery Problems

    Solving computer problems Problem: Incorrect characters appear on the screen. Solution: Did you install the operating system or application program correctly? If they are installed and configured correctly, have the computer serviced. Problem: The screen stays on even after you turn off your computer. Solution: Press and hold the power switch for 4 seconds or over to turn off your computer.

  • Page 31: Hard Disk Drive Problems

    Solving computer problems Problem: Your computer shuts down before the battery status indicator shows empty, -or- Your computer operates after the battery status indicator shows empty. Solution: Discharge and recharge the battery. Problem: The operating time for a fully charged battery is short. Solution: Discharge and recharge the battery.

  • Page 32: Other Problems

    Solving computer problems Other problems Problem: The computer locks or does not accept input. Solution: Your computer may lock when it enters standby mode during a communication operation. Disable the standby timer when you are working on the network. To turn off the computer, press and hold the power switch for 4 seconds or more.

  • Page 33: Starting Bios Setup Utility

    Solving computer problems Starting BIOS Setup Utility Your computer provides a program, called IBM BIOS Setup Utility, that enables you to select various setup parameters. The panels in this utility are as follows: v Config: Change the configuration of your computer. v Date/Time: Set the date and time.

  • Page 34: Recover Pre-Installed Software

    Solving computer problems Recover pre-installed software If the data on your hard disk drive is damaged or accidentally erased, you can restore the software that was shipped with your computer. This software includes your pre-installed operating system, applications, and device drivers. To restore your pre-installed software, you can use either the Product Recovery program or a Recovery CD.
  • Page 35 Solving computer problems 6. Restart the system by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del or by turning the computer off and then on again. Your computer will restart with the pre-installed operating system, drivers, and software. Note: Network drivers are not automatically restored with Windows NT 4.0;...
  • Page 36 Solving computer problems To create a Recovery Repair diskette The Recovery Repair diskette is used to recover the prompt that is needed to access the Product Recovery program, if the prompt does not appear. Make a Recovery Repair diskette and save it for future use. To make a Recovery Repair diskette: 1.

  • Page 37: Upgrading The Hard Disk Drive

    Upgrading the hard disk drive Upgrading the hard disk drive You can increase the storage capacity of your computer by replacing the hard disk drive with one of greater capacity. You can purchase a new hard disk drive from your IBM reseller or IBM marketing representative. Note: Replace the hard disk drive only if you upgrade it or have it repaired.
  • Page 38 Upgrading the hard disk drive 5. Open the computer display; then stand the computer on its side and remove the hard disk drive by pulling the cover away from the computer. 6. Detach the cover from the hard disk drive. 7.

  • Page 39: Replacing The Battery

    Replacing the battery Replacing the battery To replace the battery, do as follows: 1. Turn off the computer, or enter hibernation mode. Then disconnect the ac adapter and all cables from the computer. Note: If you are using a PC Card, the computer may not be able to enter hibernation mode.

  • Page 40: Replacing The Battery

    Replacing the battery ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 41: Chapter 3. Getting Help And Service From Ibm

    Chapter 3. Getting help and service from IBM Getting help and service . . 34 Getting help by fax . 35 Getting help on the Web . . 34 Calling IBM . . 35 © Copyright IBM Corp. 2000...

  • Page 42: Getting Help And Service

    Getting help and service Getting help and service If you need help, service, technical assistance, or just want more information about IBM products, you will find a wide variety of sources available from IBM to assist you. This section contains information about where to go for additional information about IBM and IBM products, what to do if you experience a problem with your computer, and whom to call for service should it be necessary.

  • Page 43: Getting Help By Fax

    Getting help and service Getting help by fax If you have a touch-tone telephone and access to a fax machine, in the U.S. and Canada you can receive by fax marketing and technical information on many topics, including hardware, operating systems, and local area networks (LANs).
  • Page 44 Getting help and service If possible, be near your computer when you make your call in case the technical assistance representative needs to help you resolve a computer problem. Please ensure that you have downloaded the most current drivers and system updates, run diagnostics, and recorded information before you call.
  • Page 45 Getting help and service Country or region Language Telephone Number Hong Kong Cantonese 2825-6900 Ireland English 01-815 9202 Italy Italian 02-482 9202 Japan Japanese 0120-887-870 Luxembourg French 298-977 5063 Mexico Spanish 01-800-426-1000 387-5991 Netherlands Dutch 020-504 0501 New Zealand English 0800-446-149 Norway Norwegian...
  • Page 46 Getting help and service ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 47: Appendix A. Important Safety Instructions

    Appendix A. Important safety instructions 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.
  • Page 48 DANGER Reduce the risk of fire and electric shock by always following basic safety precautions, including the following: v Do not use your computer in or near water. v During electrical storms: – Do not use your computer with the telephone cable connection. –...

  • Page 49: Modem Safety Information

    DANGER Follow the instruction below when installing or reconfiguring the Mini PCI option. To avoid shock hazard, disconnect all the cables and the ac adapter when you install the Mini PCI option or open the covers of the system or attached devices. Electrical current from power, telephone, and communication cables in hazardous.

  • Page 50: Laser Compliance Statement

    Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak. Laser compliance statement The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, which can be installed in the IBM ThinkPad computer is a laser product.
  • Page 51 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. Save these instructions. Appendix A. Important safety instructions...
  • Page 52 ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 53: Appendix B. Product Warranties And Notices

    Appendix B. Product warranties and notices Warranty Statements The warranty statements consist of two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 varies by country. Part 2 is the same for both statements. Be sure to read both the Part 1 that applies to your country and Part 2. v United States, Puerto Rico and Canada (Z125-4753-05 11/97)(Part 1 —...
  • Page 54 During the warranty period IBM or your reseller, if approved by IBM to provide warranty service, will provide repair and exchange service for the Machine, without charge, under the type of service designated for the Machine and will manage and install engineering changes that apply to the Machine.
  • Page 55 IBM or your reseller provides certain types of repair and exchange service, either at your location or at a service center, to keep Machines in, or restore them to, conformance with their Specifications. IBM or your reseller will inform you of the available types of service for a Machine based on its country of installation.

  • Page 56: Ibm Statement Of Warranty Worldwide Except Canada, Puerto Rico, Turkey And United States (Part 1- General Terms)

    Neither IBM nor your reseller is responsible for any of your confidential, proprietary or personal information contained in a Machine which you return to IBM or your reseller for any reason. You should remove all such information from the Machine prior to its return. Production Status Each IBM Machine is manufactured from new parts, or new and used parts.
  • Page 57 subsequently or otherwise. Unless IBM specifies otherwise, the following warranties apply only in the country where you acquire the Machine. Nothing in this Statement of Warranty affects any statutory rights of consumers that cannot be waived or limited by contract. If you have any questions, contact IBM or your reseller. Machine - IBM ThinkPad A21e and the Battery Pack Warranty Period* -One Year *Elements and accessories are warranted for three months.
  • Page 58 EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN THAT EVENT, SUCH WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD. NO WARRANTIES APPLY AFTER THAT PERIOD. Items Not Covered by Warranty IBM does not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation of a Machine. Unless specified otherwise, IBM provides non-IBM machines WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND.
  • Page 59 a. follow the problem determination, problem analysis, and service request procedures that IBM or your reseller provides, b. secure all programs, data, and funds contained in a Machine, c. provide IBM or your reseller with sufficient, free, and safe access to your facilities to permit them to fulfill their obligations, and d.

  • Page 60: Part 2 - Worldwide Country-Unique Terms

    OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. Part 2 - Worldwide Country-Unique Terms ASIA PACIFIC AUSTRALIA: The IBM Warranty for Machines: The following paragraph is added to this Section: The warranties specified in this Section are in addition to any rights you may have under the Trade Practices Act 1974 or other legislation and are only limited to the extent permitted by the applicable legislation.
  • Page 61 Guarantees Act 1993 will not apply in respect of any goods which IBM provides, if you require the goods for the purposes of a business as defined in that Act. Limitation of Liability: The following is added to this Section: Where Machines are not acquired for the purposes of a business as defined in the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the limitations in this Section are subject to the limitations in that Act.
  • Page 62 2. as to any other actual direct damages, IBM’s liability will be limited to the total amount you paid for the Machine that is the subject of the claim. Applicability of suppliers and resellers (unchanged). FRANCE: Limitation of Liability: The following replaces the second sentence of the first paragraph of this Section: In such instances, regardless of the basis on which you are entitled to claim damages from IBM, IBM is liable for no more than: (items 1 and 2...
  • Page 63 The following sentence is added to the end of the first paragraph of item 2: IBM’s liability under this item is limited to the violation of essential contractual terms in cases of ordinary negligence. IRELAND: Extent of Warranty: The following is added to this Section: Except as expressly provided in these terms and conditions, all statutory conditions, including all warranties implied, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing all warranties implied by the Sale of Goods Act...
  • Page 64 Unless otherwise provided by mandatory law, IBM and your reseller are not liable for any of the following: (items 1 and 2 unchanged) 3) indirect damages, even if IBM or your reseller is informed of their possibility. SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA, LESOTHO AND SWAZILAND: Limitation of Liability: The following is added to this Section: IBM’s entire liability to you for actual damages arising in all situations involving nonperformance by IBM in respect of the subject matter of this...

  • Page 65: Notices

    Notices This publication was developed for products and services offered in the U.S.A. IBM may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in other countries. Consult your local IBM representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area. Any reference to an IBM product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that IBM product, program, or service may be used.

  • Page 66: Electronic Emission Notices

    Web sites. The materials at those Web sites are not part of the materials for this IBM product, and use of those Web sites is at your own risk. Electronic emission notices Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement ThinkPad A21e, machine type 2655 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

  • Page 67: Telecommunication Notices

    Industry Canada Class B Emission Compliance Statement This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Avis de conformité à la réglementation d’Industrie Canada Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conform à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. European Community Directive Conformance Statement This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EU Council Directive 89/336/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electro-magnetic compatibility.
  • Page 68 3. The REN is useful to determine the quantity of devices you may connect to your telephone line and still have those devices ring when your number is called. In most, but not all, areas, the sum of the RENs of all devices should not exceed five (5.0).

  • Page 69: Industry Canada Requirements

    Industry Canada requirements Notice The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets certain telecommunications networks protective, operational, and safety requirements. The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction. Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company.

  • Page 70: Notice For Australia

    Avant d’installer ce matériel, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer qu’il est permis de le raccorder aux installations de l’entreprise locale de télécommunication. Le matériel doit également être installé en suivant une méthode acceptée de raccordement. Dans certains cas, les fils intérieurs de l’entreprise utilisés pour un service individuel à...
  • Page 71 the product by Telecom, nor does it provide any sort of warranty. Above all, it provides no assurance that any item will work correctly in all respects with another item of Telepermitted equipment of a different make or model, nor does it imply that any product is compatible with all of Telecom’s network services.

  • Page 72: Notice For European Union Countries

    Notice for European Union countries Hereby Ambit declares that this ″J07M041.00″ modem is in conformity with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 73: Trademarks

    Trademarks The following terms are trademarks of the IBM Corporation in the United States or other countries or both: ThinkPad HelpCenter TrackPoint PS/2 Ultrabay Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Intel and Celeron are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
  • Page 74 ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 75: Index

    Index storage device, upgrading 29 Access ThinkPad iii telephone, help by 35 testing with PC-Doctor 10 battery ThinkPad Assistant iii problems 22 TrackPoint problems 16 BIOS Setup 25 warranty 45 carrying the computer 6 Web, help by 34 cleaning the computer 8 computer display problems 21 configuration setup 25...
  • Page 76 ® ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide...
  • Page 78 Part Number: 12P1906...

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