Chapter 11. Additional Service Information; Security Features; Hardware-Controlled Passwords; Operating System Password - Lenovo ThinkStation Hardware Maintenance Manual

Chapter 11. Additional service information

This chapter provides additional information that the service representative might find helpful.

Security features

Security features in this section include the following:
• Passwords

• Vital Product Data

• Management Information Format (MIF)

Hardware-controlled passwords

Hardware-controlled passwords are set using the Setup Utility program. For more information about
passwords, see "Using passwords" on page 37.

Operating system password

An operating system password is very similar to a power-on password and denies access to the computer
by an unauthorized user when the password is activated. The computer is unusable until the password is
entered and recognized by the computer.
Vital product data
Each computer has a unique Vital Product Data (VPD) code stored in the nonvolatile memory on the system
board. After you replace the system board, the VPD must be updated. To update the VPD, see "Updating
(flashing) the BIOS" on page 229.

BIOS levels

An incorrect level of BIOS can cause false errors and unnecessary FRU replacement. Use the following
information to determine the current level of BIOS installed in the computer, the latest BIOS available for the
computer, and where to obtain the latest level of BIOS.
• To determine the current Level of BIOS:
– Start the Setup Utility program.
• Sources for obtaining the latest level BIOS available
1. Lenovo support web site: http://www.lenovo.com/support
2. Lenovo Customer Support Center
3. Levels 1 and 2 Support
To update (flash) the BIOS, see "Updating (flashing) the BIOS" on page 229.

Updating (flashing) the BIOS

This section provides instructions on how to update the BIOS for your computer.

Updating (flashing) the BIOS from a disc

This section provides instructions on how to update (flash) the BIOS from a disc.
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