Lenovo 4THINKCENTRE 524- Manuals

Important safety information CAUTION:Before using this manual, be sure to read and understand all the related safety information for thisproduct. Refer to the information in this section and the safety information in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that you received with this product. Read...

or CRU, do not open the static-protective package containing the part until the instructions direct youto install it. When you handle options or CRUs, or perform any work inside the computer, take the following precautionsto avoid static-electricity damage: • Limit your movement. Movement can cause ...

Plugs and outlets If a receptacle (power outlet) that you intend to use with your computer equipment appears to be damagedor corroded, do not use the outlet until it is replaced by a qualified electrician. Do not bend or modify the plug. If the plug is damaged, contact the manufacturer to obtain a r...

Laser compliance statement Some personal computer models are equipped from the factory with a CD or DVD drive. CD and DVD drivesare also sold separately as options. CD and DVD drives are laser products. These drives are certified inthe U.S. to conform to the requirements of the Department of Health ...

Chapter 1. Product overview This chapter provides information about the computer features, specifications, software programs providedby Lenovo, and locations of connectors, components, parts on the system board, and internal drives. Features This section provides information about the computer featu...

Preinstalled operating system Your computer is preinstalled with one of the following operating systems: • Microsoft ® Windows ® 7 • Microsoft Windows Vista ® Operating system(s), certified or tested for compatibility 1 (varies by model type) • Linux ® • Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP 3 1. The...

Specifications This section lists the physical specifications for your computer. Dimensions Width: 175 mm (6.89 inches) Height: 402 mm (15.83 inches) Depth: 440 mm (17.32 inches) Weight Maximum configuration as shipped: 11 kg (24.25 lbs) Environment • Air temperature: Operating: 10°C to 35°C (50°F t...

Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools 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. Note: The Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools program is only available on computers with the Windows 7 operating s...

Locating connectors on the rear of your computer Figure 2 “Rear connector locations” on page 9 shows the locations of the connectors on the rear of yourcomputer. Some connectors on the rear of your computer are color-coded to help you determine where toconnect the cables on your computer. Figure 2. ...

Locating components Figure 3 “Component locations” on page 11 shows the locations of the various components in yourcomputer. To remove the computer cover, see “Removing the computer cover” on page 32. Figure 3. Component locations 1 Heat sink and fan assembly 6 PCI card (installed in some models) 2 ...

Locating parts on the system board Figure 4 “System board parts locations” on page 12 shows the locations of the parts on the system board. Figure 4. System board parts locations 1 4-pin power connector 15 eSATA connector 2 Microprocessor 16 Power fan connector 3 Microprocessor fan connector 17 Fron...

Locating internal drives Internal drives are devices that your computer uses to read and store data. You can add drives to yourcomputer to increase storage capacity and enable your computer to read other types of media. Internaldrives are installed in bays. In this manual, the bays are referred to a...

Chapter 2. Using your computer This chapter provides information on using some of the computer components. Frequently asked questions The following are a few tips that will help you optimize the use of your computer. Can I get my user guide in another language? The user guide is available in various...

1. With the computer on, press the Eject/Load button. When the tray slides out automatically, carefully remove the disc. 2. Close the tray by pressing the Eject/Load button or by gently pushing the tray forward. Note: If the tray does not slide out of the drive when you press the Eject/Load button, ...

Chapter 3. You and your computer This chapter provides information about accessibility, comfort, and relocating your computer to othercountries or regions. Accessibility and comfort Good ergonomic practice is important to get the most from your personal computer and to avoid discomfort.Arrange your ...

Register your computer with Lenovo To register your computer, go to http://www.lenovo.com/register. Then, follow the instructions on the screento complete the registration. This can help authorities return your computer to you if it is lost or stolen.Registering your computer also enables Lenovo to ...

Chapter 4. Security This chapter provides information about how to protect your computer from theft and unauthorized use. Security features The following security features are available on your computer: • Computrace Agent software embedded in firmware The Computrace Agent software is an IT asset ma...

Locking the computer cover Locking the computer cover helps prevent unauthorized people from gaining access to the inside of yourcomputer. Your computer comes with a padlock loop so that the computer cover cannot be removedwhen a padlock is installed. Figure 7. Installing a padlock 26 ThinkCentre Us...

Attaching an integrated cable lock An integrated cable lock, sometimes referred to as the Kensington lock, can be used to secure yourcomputer to a desk, table, or other non-permanent fixture. The cable lock attaches to the integrated cablelock slot at the rear of your computer and is operated with a...

• When you clear the Security Chip, be sure to turn your computer off and then turn it on again after you set the Security Chip to Active . Otherwise, the Clear Security Chip option will not be displayed. To set an item on the Security Chip submenu: 1. Print these instructions. 2. Save all open file...

Chapter 5. Installing or replacing hardware This chapter provides instructions on how to install or replace hardware for your computer. Handling static-sensitive devices Do not open the static-protective package containing the new part until the defective part has been removedfrom the computer and y...

Removing the computer cover Attention: 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: ...

Removing and reinstalling the front bezel Attention: 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 G...

Installing or replacing a PCI card Attention: 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 , ...

7. Pivot the card latch to the closed position to secure the PCI card. Figure 13. Installing a PCI card What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. • To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 64. Instal...

7. Position the new memory module over the memory slot. Make sure that the notch 1 on the memory module aligns correctly with the slot key 2 on the system board. Push the memory module straight down into the slot until the retaining clips close. Figure 16. Installing a memory module 8. Reinstall the...

Installing or replacing the card reader Attention: 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 Gui...

9. Reinstall the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 33. Note: You might have to remove the card reader cover 2 from the front bezel. To remove the card read cover, pivot the two retaining clips 1 that secure the card reader cover outwards and then completely disenga...

8. Slide the new card reader into the drive bay until it snaps into position. Figure 27. Installing the card reader 9. Reconnect the card reader cable to Front USB connector 2 on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 12. 10. Reinstall the front bezel. See “Removing and r...

1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 32. 3. Locate the battery. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 12. 4. Remove the old battery. Figure 28. Removing the old battery 5. I...

5. Lay the computer on its side and remove the four screws at the rear of the chassis that secure the power supply assembly. Figure 30. Removing the screws for the power supply assembly 6. Slide the power supply assembly to the front of the computer and then lift it out of the chassis. 7. Ensure tha...

Note: Position the new heat sink and fan assembly so that the heat sink and fan assembly cable is toward the microprocessor fan connector on the system board. 9. Follow the following sequence to install the four screws to secure the new heat sink and fan assembly. Do not over-tighten the screws. a. ...

What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. • To complete the replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 64. Replacing the primary hard disk drive Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understand...

What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. • To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 64. Replacing the secondary hard disk drive Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before read...

• To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 64. Replacing the front fan assembly Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information”in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Gu...

6. Insert the two tabs 2 of the new front fan assembly into the corresponding holes in the chassis, and press the other two tabs 1 through the holes until the front fan assembly is secured in place. Figure 42. Installing the front fan assembly 7. Connect the front fan assembly cable to the power fan...

7. Pull on the tips of the rubber mounts until the rear fan assembly is secured in place. Figure 44. Installing the rear fan assembly 8. Connect the rear fan assembly cable to the system fan connector on the system board. What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropria...

5. Disconnect the front audio and USB assembly cables from the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 12. Note: Make sure you note the locations of the cables when you disconnect the cables from the system board. 6. Remove the screw that secures the front audio and USB assemb...

6. Position the new internal speaker into the four metal clips 1 and push downward on the internal speaker until it is secured in place. Figure 47. Installing a new internal speaker 7. Connect the internal speaker cable to the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 12. What t...

4. Connect a new keyboard or mouse to one of the USB connectors on the computer. Depending on where you want to connect the new keyboard or mouse, see “Locating connectors, controls, and indicators onthe front of your computer” on page 8 or “Locating connectors on the rear of your computer” on page ...

4. Position the computer cover on the chassis so that the rail guides on the bottom of the computer cover engage the rails on the chassis. Then, push the cover to the front of the computer until it snapsinto position. Figure 49. Reinstalling the computer cover 5. Install the screws to secure the com...

Chapter 6. Recovery information This chapter provides information about the recovery solutions provided by Lenovo. This chapter contains the following topics: • Creating and using recovery media • Performing backup and recovery operations • Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace • Creating and usin...

6. In the application subfolder, look for a SETUP.EXE file or other appropriate EXE files for setup. Double-click the file and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. Reinstalling preinstalled device drivers This section provides instructions on how to reinstall preinstal...

5. Open the appropriate application subfolder. 6. In the application subfolder, look for a SETUP.EXE file or other appropriate EXE files for setup. Double-click the file and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. Reinstalling device drivers To reinstall a device driver f...

Chapter 7. Using the Setup Utility program The Setup Utility program is used to view and change the configuration settings of your computer, regardlessof which operating system you are using. However, the operating system settings might override any similarsettings in the Setup Utility program. Star...

Note: A password can be any combination of up to 64 alphabetic and numeric characters. For more information, see “Password considerations” on page 76. Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing CMOS) This section provides instructions on how to erase lost or forgotten passwords, such as a user pa...

Chapter 8. Updating system programs This chapter provides information about updating the POST and BIOS, and how to recover from a POSTand BIOS update failure. Using system programs System programs are the basic layer of software built into your computer. System programs include thePOST, the BIOS, an...

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. To update (flash) the BIOS from your operating system, ...

Chapter 9. Preventing problems This chapter provides information that can help you avoid common problems and keep your computerrunning smoothly. Keeping your computer current In some situations you may find it necessary to have the most current software programs, device drivers, oroperating system. ...

• Do not get the power switches or other controls wet. Moisture can damage these parts and cause an electrical hazard. • Always disconnect a power cord by grasping the plug, but not the cord. Cleaning your computer It is a good practice to clean your computer periodically to protect the surfaces and...

Cleaning a flat-panel monitor surface If you have a flat-panel computer display that has a flexible film surface, do the following to clean the specialsurface. Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth, or blow on the screen to remove grit and other loose particles.Then moisten a cloth with LCD cleaner ...

Chapter 10. Troubleshooting and diagnostics This chapter describes some basic troubleshooting and diagnostic programs. If your computer problemis not described here, see Chapter 11 “Getting information, help, and service” on page 109 for additionaltroubleshooting resources. Basic troubleshooting The...

Symptom Action The operating system does notstart. Verify that: • The startup sequence includes the device where the operating system resides. Usually, the operating system is on the hard disk drive. For more information,see “Selecting a startup device” on page 78. Note: For SMC computers, you might...

8. If none of these actions solve the problem, seek technical assistance. See Chapter 11 “Getting information, help, and service” on page 109 for more information. Troubleshooting Use the troubleshooting information to find solutions to problems that have definite symptoms. If the symptom your compu...

• Double-click the speaker icon in the Windows notification area. A master volume-control window opens. Verify that the Mute settings are not checked and none of the volume settings is set too low. • Some models have a front audio panel you can use to adjust volume. If you have a front audio panel, ...

CD problems Select your symptom from the following list: • “An audio disc or AutoPlay-enabled disc does not automatically play when it is inserted into a CD drive” on page 93 • “A CD or DVD does not work” on page 93 • “Unable to use a startable (bootable) recovery medium, such as the Product Recover...

• Ensure that video resolution is set to less than 1152 x 864. If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Diagnostic programs” onpage 107 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see Chapter 11 “Getting information, help, andservice” on page 109. Inval...

• Scraping the surface of the reader with your nail or anything hard. • Using or touching the reader with a dirty finger. • The surface of your finger is very different from when you enrolled your fingerprint. The wireless keyboard does not work Symptom: The wireless keyboard does not work. Action: ...

The monitor works when you turn on the computer, but goes blank when you startsome application programs Symptom: The monitor works when you turn on the computer, but goes blank when you start someapplication programs. Actions: • Make sure the monitor signal cable is securely connected to the monitor...

3. Turn on the monitor. If these actions do not correct the problem, your monitor might need service. See Chapter 11 “Gettinginformation, help, and service” on page 109 for details. Networking problems The following are the most common networking problems. Select your networking problem from thefoll...

If you configured the adapter for full duplex, make sure the switch port is also configured for full duplex.Setting the wrong duplex mode can degrade performance, cause data loss, or result in lost connections. • You have installed all networking software that is necessary for your network environme...

Note: If your computer is preinstalled with the Windows 7 operating system, click Show hidden icons in the Windows notification area. The Access Connections icon is displayed. For more information aboutthe icon, see the Help in Access Connections. • Check Network Name (SSID), and your encryption inf...

An option that was just installed does not work Symptom: An option that was just installed does not work. Action: Verify that: • The option is designed for your computer. • You followed the installation instructions supplied with the option and the installation instructions provided with your comput...

Printer problems Symptom: The printer does not work. Actions: Verify that: 1. The printer is turned on and is online. 2. Paper is loaded correctly. 3. The printer signal cable is securely connected to the correct parallel, serial, or USB connector on the computer. Note: Non-IEEE-approved printer sig...

Check with your software manufacturer to see if any updates are available. Many software manufacturersmake updates available from the World Wide Web. Software does not work as expected Symptom: Software does not work as expected. Actions: • Most software programs have built-in help systems that prov...

• Reset the device by detaching and reattaching the USB connector. If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs to test the USB connector (see“Diagnostic programs” on page 107 for instructions). If the USB device came with its own diagnostics, runthose diagnostics against...

2. Use any CD/DVD burning software to create a diagnostic disc with the ISO image. Running the diagnostic program from a diagnostic disc This section provides instructions on how to run the diagnostic program from a diagnostic disc that youcreated. To run the diagnostic program from a diagnostic dis...

To access the Windows Help and Support information system, click Start ➙ Help and Support . Safety and Warranty The ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that is provided with your computer contains information on safety, setup, warranty, and notices. Read and understand all safety information befor...

If you suspect a software problem, see the documentation that comes with the operating system or softwareprogram, including readme files and online help. Most computers come with a set of diagnostic programs that help you identify hardware problems. Forinstructions on using the diagnostic programs, ...

entitles you to obtain warranty service throughout the warranty period. Service will be performed by serviceproviders authorized to perform warranty service. Service methods and procedures vary by country, and some services might not be available in all countries.International Warranty Service is de...

Appendix A. Regulatory information Export classification notice This product is subject to the United States Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and has an ExportClassification Control Number (ECCN) of 4A994.b. It can be re-exported except to any of the embargoedcountries in the EAR E1 country l...

Dieses Gerät ist berechtigt, in Übereinstimmung mit dem Deutschen EMVG das EG-Konformitätszeichen- CE - zu führen. Verantwortlich für die Konformitätserklärung nach Paragraf 5 des EMVG ist die Lenovo(Deutschland) GmbH, Gropiusplatz 10, D-70563 Stuttgart. Informationen in Hinsicht EMVG Paragraf 4 Abs...

Appendix B. WEEE and recycling statements Lenovo encourages owners of information technology equipment to responsibly recycle their equipmentwhen it is no longer needed. Lenovo offers a variety of programs and services to assist equipment owners inrecycling their IT products. For information on recy...

Appendix C. Power cord notice For your safety, Lenovo provides a power cord with a grounded attachment plug to use with this product. Toavoid electrical shock, always use the power cord and plug with a properly grounded outlet. Power cords provided by Lenovo in the United States and Canada are liste...

Trademarks The following terms are trademarks of Lenovo in the United States, other countries, or both: LenovoThe Lenovo logoRescue and RecoveryThinkCentreThinkVantage Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Int...

Index A a rescue medium, creating and using 70 Administrator, password 76 antivirus software 8 audio line-in connector 9 audio line-out connector 9 audio subsystem 1 B backup and recovery operations 68 basic troubleshooting 89 battery, replacing 45 boot-block recovery 82 C cable lock, security 27 ca...