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Lenovo ThinkCentre A85 User Manual

Machine types: 0041, 0107, 0163, and 7543
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ThinkCentre

User Guide

Machine Types: 0041, 0107, 0163, and 7543

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Summary of Contents for Lenovo ThinkCentre A85

  • Page 1: User Guide

    ThinkCentre User Guide Machine Types: 0041, 0107, 0163, and 7543...
  • Page 3 ThinkCentre User Guide Machine Types: 0041, 0107, 0163, and 7543...
  • Page 4 First Edition (November 2010) © Copyright Lenovo 2010. 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. 2.101with limited and restricted rights to use, reproduction and disclosure.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Diagnostic programs ... . Integrated cable lock ..Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox ..Padlock ....
  • Page 6 Purchasing additional services ..Lenovo Welcome ... . Appendix A. Notices ..65 Access Help ....

  • Page 7: Important Safety Information

    If you no longer have a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, you can obtain a Portable ® Document Format (PDF) version from theLenovo Support Web site at: http://www.lenovo.com/support © Copyright Lenovo 2010...
  • Page 8 ThinkCentre User Guide...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1. Product Overview

    Chapter 1. Product overview This chapter provides information about the computer features, specifications, software programs provided by Lenovo, and locations of connectors, components, parts on the system board, and internal drives. This chapter contains the following topics: • “Features” on page 1: This section provides information about the computer features.
  • Page 10 • Headphone connector and microphone connector on the front panel • Audio line-in connector, audio line-out connector, and microphone connector on the rear panel • Internal speaker (available in some models) Connectivity 10/100/1000 Mbps integrated Ethernet controller System management features •...

  • Page 11: Specifications

    The operating system(s) listed here are being certified or tested for compatibility at the time this publication goes to press. Additional operating systems might be identified by Lenovo as compatible with your computer following the publication of this manual. This list is subject to change. To determine if an operating system has been certified or tested for compatibility, check the Web site of the operating system vendor.

  • Page 12: Software Overview

    This section provides information about the software provided with your Windows operating system. Software provided by Lenovo The following software programs are provided by Lenovo to help you improve productivity and reduce the cost associated with maintaining your computer. Software programs provided with your computer might vary depending on your model type and preinstalled operating system.
  • Page 13 The Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools program guides you to a host of information sources and provides easy access to various tools to help you work more easily and securely. For more information, see “Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools” on page 61. Lenovo Welcome The Lenovo Welcome program introduces some innovative built-in features of Lenovo to you and guides you through some important setup tasks to help you make the most of your computer.

  • Page 14: Locations

    See “Online Books folder” on page 61 for more information about accessing and viewing the publications. Antivirus software Your computer comes with antivirus software that you can use to detect and eliminate viruses. Lenovo provides a full version of antivirus software on your computer with a free 30-day subscription. After 30 days, you must renew the license to continue receiving the antivirus software updates.

  • Page 15: Locating Connectors And Parts On The Rear Of Your Computer

    Hard disk drive activity indicator USB connector Power indicator Headphone connector Power switch Microphone connector Optical drive eject/close button USB connector Locating connectors and parts on the rear of your computer Figure 2 “Rear connector and part locations” on page 7 shows the locations of the connectors and parts on the rear of your computer.

  • Page 16: Locating Components

    Connector Description Audio line-in connector Used to receive audio signals from an external audio device, such as a stereo system. When you attach an external audio device, a cable is connected between the audio line-out connector of the device and the audio line-in connector of the computer.
  • Page 17 Figure 3. Component locations Heat sink and fan assembly Hard disk drive Memory modules (2) System board Front bezel Rear fan assembly Chapter 1 Product overview...

  • Page 18: Locating Parts On The System Board

    Optical drive (available in some models) Power supply assembly Locating parts on the system board Figure 4 “System board part locations” on page 10 shows the locations of the parts on the system board. Figure 4. System board part locations 4-pin power connector Clear Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) /Recovery jumper...
  • Page 19 When installing or replacing an internal drive, it is important to note the type and size of the drive that you can install or replace in each bay and correctly connect the cables to the drive installed. Refer to the appropriate section in Chapter 2 “Installing or replacing hardware”...
  • Page 20 ThinkCentre User Guide...

  • Page 21: Chapter 2. Installing Or Replacing Hardware

    PCI cards, or drives, and maintain your computer by replacing the failing hardware. Notes: 1. Use only computer parts provided by Lenovo. 2. When installing or replacing an option, use the appropriate instructions in this section along with the instructions that come with the option.

  • Page 22: Removing The Computer Cover

    Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to remove the computer cover. CAUTION: Turn off the computer and wait three to five minutes to let the computer cool before removing the computer cover.

  • Page 23: Removing And Reinstalling The Front Bezel

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to remove and reinstall the front bezel. To remove and reinstall the front bezel, do the following: 1.
  • Page 24 Figure 7. Removing the front bezel 4. To reinstall the front bezel, align the other three plastic tabs on the right side of the front bezel with the corresponding holes in the chassis, then pivot the front bezel inward until it snaps into position on the left side.

  • Page 25: Installing Or Replacing A Pci Card

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to install or replace a PCI card. Your computer has one standard PCI card slot, two PCI Express x1 card slots, and one PCI Express x16 graphics card slot.
  • Page 26 4. Do one of the following: • If you are replacing a PCI card, open the PCI card latch and remove the old PCI card that is currently installed as shown in Figure 10 “Removing the PCI card” on page 18. Note: If the PCI card is secured in place by a retaining latch , press the retaining latch to release the PCI card from the latch.

  • Page 27: Installing Or Replacing A Memory Module

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to install or replace a memory module. Your computer has four memory slots for installing or replacing DDR3 SDRAM DIMMs that provide up to a maximum of 16 GB of system memory.
  • Page 28 3. Lay the computer on its side for easier access to the system board. 4. Locate the memory slots on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 10. 5. Remove any parts and disconnect any cables that might prevent your access to the memory slots. 6.

  • Page 29: Replacing The Battery

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support Your computer has a special type of memory that maintains the date, time, and configuration information for built-in features.

  • Page 30: Replacing The Power Supply Assembly

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the power supply assembly. Although there are no moving parts in your computer after the power cord has been disconnected, the following warnings are required for your safety and proper Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification.
  • Page 31 DANGER Hazardous moving parts. Keep fingers and other body parts away. CAUTION: Never remove the cover on a power 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.
  • Page 32 4. Lay the computer on its side and remove the four screws that secure the power supply assembly. Then, slide the power supply assembly to the front of the chassis. Figure 17. Removing the power supply assembly screws 5. Pivot the power supply assembly as shown and then lift the power supply assembly to remove it from the chassis.

  • Page 33: Replacing The Heat Sink And Fan Assembly

    8. Install the four screws to secure the new power supply assembly in place. Note: Use only screws provided by Lenovo. 9. Connect the new power supply assembly cables to all drives and the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board”...
  • Page 34 7. Follow this sequence to remove the four screws that secure the heat sink and fan assembly to the system board: a. Partially remove screw , then fully remove screw , and then fully remove screw b. Partially remove screw , then fully remove screw , and then fully remove screw Note: Carefully remove the four screws from the system board to avoid any possible damage to the...

  • Page 35: Replacing The Microprocessor

    Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the microprocessor. CAUTION: The heat sink and microprocessor might be very hot.
  • Page 36 Notes: a. Your microprocessor and socket might look different from the one illustrated. b. Note the orientation of the microprocessor in the socket. You can either look for the small triangle on one corner of the microprocessor or note the orientation of the notches on the microprocessor.

  • Page 37: Replacing The Optical Drive

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the optical drive. To replace the optical drive, do the following: 1.
  • Page 38 6. Slide the new optical drive into the drive bay from the front and align the screw holes in the new optical drive with the corresponding holes in the drive bay. Then, install the three screws to secure the new optical drive in place.

  • Page 39: Replacing The Hard Disk Drive

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the hard disk drive. To replace the hard disk drive, do the following: 1.
  • Page 40 6. Slide the new hard disk drive into the hard disk drive bay and align the screw holes in the new hard disk drive with the corresponding holes in the drive bay. Then, install the four screws to secure the new hard disk drive in place.

  • Page 41: Replacing The Card Reader

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the card reader. Note: The card reader is available only in some models.

  • Page 42: Replacing The Front Audio And Usb Assembly

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the front audio and USB assembly.

  • Page 43: Replacing The Rear Fan Assembly

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the rear fan assembly. To replace the rear fan assembly, do the following: 1.

  • Page 44: Replacing The Keyboard

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the keyboard. To replace the keyboard, do the following: 1.

  • Page 45: Replacing The Mouse

    ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support This section provides instructions on how to replace the mouse. To replace the mouse, do the following: 1.

  • Page 46: Completing The Parts Replacement

    4. Connect a new mouse to the appropriate connector on the computer. Your mouse might be connected to a PS/2 mouse connector or a USB connector . Depending on where you want to connect your mouse, see “Locating connectors, controls, and indicators on the front of your computer” on page 6 or “Locating connectors and parts on the rear of your computer”...

  • Page 47: Obtaining Device Drivers

    Setup Utility program. See Chapter 4 “Using the Setup Utility program” on page 49. Note: In most areas of the world, Lenovo requires the return of the defective Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs). Information about this will come with the new CRUs or will come a few days after you receive the new CRUs.

  • Page 48: Basic Security Features

    The cable lock also locks the computer cover. See Figure 35 “Installing an integrated cable lock” on page 40. This is the same type of lock used with many notebook computers. You can order an integrated cable lock from Lenovo by searching for Kensington at: http://www.lenovo.com/support Note: Make sure that the integrated cable lock you installed does not interfere with other computer cables.

  • Page 49: Padlock

    Padlock Your computer is equipped with a padlock loop so that the computer cover cannot be removed when a padlock is installed. Figure 36. Installing a padlock Password protection To deter unauthorized use of your computer, you can use the Setup Utility program to set a password. When you turn on your computer, you are prompted to type the password.
  • Page 50 6. Reinstall any parts and reconnect any cables that have been removed or disconnected. 7. Reinstall the computer cover and reconnect the power cords for the computer and monitor. See “Completing the parts replacement” on page 38. 8. Turn on the computer and leave it on for approximately 10 seconds. Then, turn off the computer by holding the power switch for approximately five seconds.

  • Page 51: Chapter 3. Recovery Information

    Recovery program or the Product Recovery program installed. If the Enhanced Backup and Restore icon in the Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools program is dimmed, it indicates that you need to install the Rescue and Recovery program manually before enabling its features. To install the Rescue and Recovery program, do the following: a.

  • Page 52: Using Recovery Media

    To create recovery media on the Windows 7 operating system, click Start ➙ All Programs ➙ Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools ➙ Factory Recovery Disks. Then, follow the instructions on the screen. Using recovery media This section provides instructions on how to use recovery media on the Windows 7 operating system.

  • Page 53: Performing A Recovery Operation

    1. From the Windows desktop, click Start ➙ All Programs ➙ Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools ➙ Enhanced Backup and Restore. The Rescue and Recovery program opens. 2. In the Rescue and Recovery main window, click the Launch advanced Rescue and Recovery arrow.

  • Page 54: Creating And Using A Rescue Medium

    This section provides instructions on how to create a rescue medium on the Windows 7 operating system. To create a rescue medium on the Windows 7 operating system, do the following: 1. From the Windows desktop, click Start ➙ All Programs ➙ Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools ➙ Enhanced Backup and Restore. The Rescue and Recovery program opens.

  • Page 55: Installing Or Reinstalling Device Drivers

    Device drivers for factory-installed devices are located on the computer hard disk drive (usually drive C:) in the SWTOOLS\DRIVERS subdirectory. The latest device drivers for factory-installed devices are also available at http://www.lenovo.com/support. Other device drivers are on the software media that come with individual devices.

  • Page 56: Solving Recovery Problems

    Solving recovery problems If you are unable to access the Rescue and Recovery workspace or the Windows environment, do one of the following: • Use a rescue medium to start the Rescue and Recovery workspace. See “Creating and using a rescue medium”...

  • Page 57: Chapter 4. Using The Setup Utility Program

    • Set Power-On Password • Set Administrator Password You do not have to set a password to use your computer. However, using a password improves computing security. If you decide to set a password, read the following sections. © Copyright Lenovo 2010...

  • Page 58: Password Considerations

    Password considerations A password can be any combination of up to 16 (1 to 16) alphabetic and numeric characters. For security reasons, it is recommended to use a strong password that cannot be easily compromised. To set a strong password, use the following guidelines: Note: The Setup Utility program passwords are not case sensitive.

  • Page 59: Selecting A Startup Device

    SATA Controller When this option is set to Disabled, all devices connected to the SATA connectors (such as the hard disk drive and the optical drive) are disabled and will not be displayed in the system configuration. USB Setup Use this option to set up USB connectors. To enable or disable a device, do the following: 1.

  • Page 60: Exiting The Setup Utility Program

    2. Select Startup ➙ Primary Boot Sequence. Read the information displayed on the right side of the screen. 3. Select the first boot device, second boot device, and so on. 4. Press Esc to return to the Startup menu. Then, select the devices for the Automatic Boot Sequence and Error Boot Sequence.

  • Page 61: Chapter 5. Updating System Programs

    Utility program by starting your computer with a system-program-update disc or running a special update program from your operating system. Lenovo might make changes and enhancements to the POST and BIOS. When updates are released, they are available as downloadable files on the Lenovo Web site at http://www.lenovo.com. Instructions for using the POST and BIOS updates are available in a TXT file that is included with the update files.

  • Page 62: Updating (Flashing) The Bios From Your Operating System

    Updating (flashing) the BIOS from your operating system Note: Because Lenovo makes constant improvements to its Web sites, the Web page contents are subject to change without notice, including the contents referenced in the following procedure.
  • Page 63 12. Reinstall any parts and reconnect any cables that have been removed or disconnected. 13. Reinstall the computer cover and reconnect power cords and all other external cables. See “Completing the parts replacement” on page 38. 14. Turn on the computer and remove the disc from the optical drive. Chapter 5 Updating system programs...
  • Page 64 ThinkCentre User Guide...

  • Page 65: Chapter 6. Troubleshooting And Diagnostic Programs

    You can also get the latest service and support telephone numbers and a PDF version of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide from the Lenovo Support Web site at: http://www.lenovo.com/support...

  • Page 66: Diagnostic Programs

    2. If you are unable to isolate and repair the problem yourself after running the programs, save and print the log files created by the programs. You will need the log files when you speak to a Lenovo technical support representative.

  • Page 67: Cleaning An Optical Mouse

    To create a diagnostic disc, do the following: 1. Download a self-starting bootable disc image (known as an ISO image) of the diagnostic program from: http://www.lenovo.com/support 2. Use any disc burning software to create a diagnostic disc with the ISO image.
  • Page 68 ThinkCentre User Guide...

  • Page 69: Chapter 7. Getting Information, Help, And Service

    Internet access to view the publication. To view the publication, click Start ➙ All Programs ➙ Online Books ➙ Online Books, then double-click the publication for your computer. The publication is also available on the Lenovo Support Web site at: http://www.lenovo.com/support Notes: 1.

  • Page 70: Lenovo Welcome

    Lenovo Welcome The Lenovo Welcome program introduces some innovative built-in features of Lenovo to you and guides you through some important setup tasks to help you make the most of your computer. Access Help The Access Help information system provides information about getting started, doing basic tasks, customizing settings for your personal preference, protecting data, expanding and upgrading, and troubleshooting.

  • Page 71: Using The Documentation And Diagnostic Programs

    Support Web site at: http://www.lenovo.com/support Calling for service During the warranty period, you can get help and information from the Lenovo Customer Support Center by telephone. The following services are available during the warranty period: • Problem determination - Trained service personnel are available to assist you with determining a hardware problem and deciding what action is necessary to solve the problem.

  • Page 72: Using Other Services

    Service availability and service name might vary by country or region. For more information about these services, go to the Lenovo Web site at: http://www.lenovo.com...

  • Page 73: Appendix A. Notices

    Lenovo representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area. Any reference to a Lenovo product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that Lenovo product, program, or service may be used. Any functionally equivalent product, program, or service that does not infringe any Lenovo intellectual property right may be used instead.

  • Page 74: Television Output Notice

    Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. European conformance CE mark Trademarks Lenovo, the Lenovo logo, Rescue and Recovery, ThinkCentre, and ThinkVantage are trademarks of Lenovo in the United States, other countries, or both. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

  • Page 75: Index

    Input/Output (I/O) features documentation, using installing drivers, device device drivers drives installing options internal security features © Copyright Lenovo 2010...
  • Page 76 (POST) keyboard programs, updating system replacing protection, password PS/2 keyboard connector PS/2 mouse connector purchasing additional services Lenovo Customer Support Center Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools Lenovo Web site Lenovo Welcome rear connectors locating components rear fan assembly, replacing...
  • Page 77 VGA monitor connector serial port video subsystem service viewing or changing settings and help getting Lenovo Customer Support Center services other warranty information purchasing additional Web site, Lenovo Set Administrator Password workspace, backup and recovery Set Power-On Password...
  • Page 78 ThinkCentre User Guide...
  • Page 80 Part Number: 0A22610 Printed in USA (1P) P/N: 0A22610 *0A22610*...

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