ThinkStation
User Guide
Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read and understand the ThinkStation Safety and
Warranty Guide that came with this product and Appendix C, “Notices,” on page 63.
Second Edition (October 2009)
© Copyright Lenovo 2009.
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. 2.101 with limited and restricted
rights to use, reproduction and disclosure.
LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If products, data, computer software, or services are delivered
pursuant a General Services Administration GSA contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions
set forth in Contract No. GS-35F-05925.
Contents
Introduction .............v
Chapter 1. Important safety information 1
Chapter 2. Arranging your workspace . . 3
Comfort ................3
Glare and lighting ............3
Air circulation ..............4
Electrical outlets and cable lengths .......4
Chapter 3. Setting up your computer . . 5
Connecting your computer .........5
Turning on computer power .........12
Finishing the software installation .......12
Completing important tasks .........12
Updating your operating system .......13
Installing other operating systems .......13
Updating your antivirus software .......13
Shutting down the computer ........13
Installing external options .........13
Installing the computer on a rack shelf .....14
Features ...............14
Specifications ..............17
Chapter 4. Software overview .....19
Software provided with your Windows operating
system ................19
Software provided by Lenovo .......19
Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox .......20
Lenovo System Toolbox .........20
PC-Doctor for Rescue and Recovery .....20
Adobe Reader ............20
Chapter 5. Using the Setup Utility . . . 21
Starting the Setup Utility program.......21
Viewing and changing settings ........21
Using passwords ............21
Password considerations .........22
User Password ............22
Administrator Password .........22
Setting, changing, and deleting a password. . . 22
Enabling or disabling a device ........23
Selecting a startup device..........23
Selecting a temporary startup device .....23
Selecting or changing the startup device sequence 24
Advanced settings ............24
Exiting from the Setup Utility program .....24
Chapter 6. Installing hard disk drives
and configuring RAID ........25
Installing SATA hard disk drives and configuring
RAID ................25
Installing SATA hard disk drives ......25
Configuring the system BIOS to enable SATA
RAID functionality ...........25
Creating RAID volumes .........26
Deleting RAID volumes .........26
Installing SAS hard disk drives and configuring
RAID ................27
Installing SAS hard disk drives .......27
Entering the Marvell BIOS Setup to configure
SAS RAID ..............27
Configuring the Marvell BIOS Setup to enable
SAS RAID 0, 1, or 5 functionality ......27
Configuring the Marvell BIOS Setup to set an
optional hot spare hard disk drive ......28
Configuring the Marvell BIOS Setup to delete an
optional hot spare hard disk drive ......28
Configuring the Marvell BIOS Setup to delete an
array ...............28
Chapter 7. Updating system programs 31
Using system programs ..........31
Updating (flashing) BIOS from a disc......31
Updating (flashing) BIOS from your operating
system ................32
Recovering from a POST/BIOS update failure . . . 32
Chapter 8. Troubleshooting and
diagnostics .............35
Basic troubleshooting ...........35
Diagnostic programs ...........36
Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox .......37
Lenovo System Toolbox .........37
PC-Doctor for Rescue and Recovery .....37
PC-Doctor for DOS ...........38
Cleaning the mouse ...........39
Optical mouse ............39
Non-optical mouse ...........39
Chapter 9. Recovery information . . . 41
Creating and using recovery media ......41
Creating recovery media .........41
Using recovery media ..........42
Performing backup and recovery operations . . . 42
Performing a backup operation .......43
Performing a recovery operation ......43
Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace ....44
Creating and using rescue media .......45
Creating rescue media ..........45
Using rescue media...........46
Creating and using a recovery repair diskette . . . 46
Creating a recovery repair diskette .....46
Using a recovery repair diskette ......47
Installing or reinstalling device drivers .....47
Setting a rescue device in the startup sequence . . 48
Solving recovery problems .........48
© Copyright Lenovo 2009 iii
Chapter 10. Getting information, help,
and service .............49
Information resources ...........49
Online Books folder ..........49
Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools ........49
Lenovo Welcome ...........49
Safety and Warranty ..........50
Lenovo Web site (http://www.lenovo.com). . . 50
Help and service ............50
Using the documentation and diagnostic
programs ..............50
Calling for service ...........50
Using other services ..........51
Purchasing additional services .......52
Appendix A. Manual modem
commands .............53
Basic AT commands ...........53
Extended AT commands ..........55
MNP/V.42/V.42bis/V.44 commands ......56
Fax Class 1 commands ..........57
Fax Class 2 commands ..........57
Voice commands.............58
Appendix B. System memory speed . . 61
Appendix C. Notices .........63
Television output notice ..........64
European conformance CE mark .......64
Trademarks ..............64
Index ...............65
iv
User Guide
Introduction
This ThinkStation User Guide contains the following information:
v Chapter 1, “Important safety information,” on page 1 provides information about
where to find safety information for this product.
v Chapter 2, “Arranging your workspace,” on page 3 provides information about
setting up your computer for comfort and the impact of light sources, air
circulation, and electrical outlets.
v Chapter 3, “Setting up your computer,” on page 5 provides information about
setting up your computer, and also installing the operating system and other
software.
v Chapter 4, “Software overview,” on page 19 provides information on the
operating system and software applications that might be preloaded on your
computer.
v Chapter 5, “Using the Setup Utility,” on page 21 provides instructions on how to
view and change the configuration settings of your computer.
v Chapter 7, “Updating system programs,” on page 31 provides information about
updating POST/BIOS and how to recover from a POST/BIOS update failure.
v Chapter 8, “Troubleshooting and diagnostics,” on page 35 provides information
about basic troubleshooting and diagnostic tools for your computer.
v Chapter 9, “Recovery information,” on page 41 provides instructions on how to
use the ThinkVantage
®
Rescue and Recovery
®
program to create product
recovery discs, back up data, recover software, and restore the entire contents of
your hard disk drive to a previously saved state.
v Chapter 10, “Getting information, help, and service,” on page 49 provides
information about the wide variety of helpful resources available from Lenovo
®
.
v Appendix A, “Manual modem commands,” on page 53 provides commands for
manually programming your modem.
v Appendix B, “System memory speed,” on page 61 provides information on the
supported system memory speed for your computer model.
v Appendix C, “Notices,” on page 63 provides notices and trademark information.
© Copyright Lenovo 2009 v
vi User Guide
Chapter 1. Important safety information
CAUTION:
Before using this manual, be sure to read and understand all the related safety
information for this product. Refer to the ThinkStation Safety and Warranty Guide
that you received with this product for the latest safety information. Reading
and understanding this safety information reduces the risk of personal injury
and or damage to your product.
If you no longer have a copy of the ThinkStation Safety and Warranty Guide, you can
obtain a Portable Document Format (PDF) version from the Lenovo Support Web
site at:
http://www.lenovo.com/support
© Copyright Lenovo 2009 1
2 User Guide
Chapter 2. Arranging your workspace
To get the most from your computer, arrange both the equipment you use and
your work area to suit your needs and the kind of work you do. Your comfort is of
foremost importance, but light sources, air circulation, and the location of electrical
outlets can also affect the way you arrange your workspace.
Comfort
Although no single working position is ideal for everyone, here are a few
guidelines to help you find a position that suits you best.
Sitting in the same position for a long time can cause fatigue. The backrest and
seat of your chair should adjust independently and provide good support. The seat
should have a curved front to relieve pressure on the thighs. Adjust the seat so
that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are either flat on the floor or
on a footrest.
When using the keyboard, keep your forearms parallel to the floor and your wrists
in a comfortable position. Use a light touch on the keyboard and your hands and
fingers relaxed. Change the angle of the keyboard for maximum comfort by
adjusting the position of the keyboard feet.
Viewing Distance
Lower
Back
Support
Seat
Height
Adjust the monitor so the top of the screen is at, or slightly below, eye level. Place
the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, usually 51 to 61 cm (20 to 24
inches), and position it so you can view it without having to twist your body. Also,
position other equipment you use regularly, such as the telephone or a mouse,
within easy reach.
Glare and lighting
Position the monitor to minimize glare and reflections from overhead lights,
windows, and other light sources. Reflected light from shiny surfaces can cause
annoying reflections on your monitor screen. Place the monitor at right angles to
windows and other light sources, when possible. Reduce overhead lighting, if
necessary, by turning off lights or using lower wattage bulbs. If you install the
monitor near a window, use curtains or blinds to block the sunlight. You can adjust
the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor as the room lighting changes
throughout the day.
© Copyright Lenovo 2009 3
Where it is impossible to avoid reflections or to adjust the lighting, an antiglare
filter placed over the screen might be helpful. However, these filters might affect
the clarity of the image on the screen; try them only after you have exhausted
other methods of reducing glare.
Dust buildup compounds problems associated with glare. Remember to clean your
monitor screen periodically using a soft cloth as directed in your monitor
documentation.
Air circulation
Your computer and monitor produce heat. The computer has a fan that pulls in
fresh air and forces out hot air. The monitor lets hot air escape through vents.
Blocking the air vents can cause overheating, which might result in a malfunction
or damage. Place the computer and monitor so that nothing blocks the air vents;
usually, 51 mm (2 inches) of air space is sufficient. Also, make sure the vented air
is not blowing on people.
Electrical outlets and cable lengths
The location of electrical outlets, the length of power cords and cables that connect
to the monitor, printer, and other devices might determine the final placement of
your computer.
When arranging your workspace:
v Avoid the use of extension cords. When possible, plug the computer power cord
directly into an electrical outlet.
v Keep power cords and cables neatly routed away from walkways and other
areas where they might get kicked accidentally.
For more information about power cords, refer to the ThinkStation Safety and
Warranty Guide that came with your computer.
4 User Guide
Chapter 3. Setting up your computer
Be sure to read and understand the ThinkStation Safety and Warranty Guide before
you set up your computer. Reading and understanding the safety information
reduces the risk of personal injury and or damage to your product.
Set up your computer in the best possible work area that suits your needs and the
kind of work you do. For more information, see Chapter 2, “Arranging your
workspace,” on page 3.
Connecting your computer
Use the following information when connecting your computer.
v Look for the small connector icons on the back of your computer. Match the
connectors to the icons.
v If your computer cables and connector panel have color-coded connectors, match
the color of the cable end with the color of the connector. For example, match a
blue cable end with a blue connector or a red cable end with a red connector.
Notes:
1. Depending on your model type, your computer might not have all the
connectors that are described in this section.
2. Your computer automatically detects the voltage and sets the power supply to
the correct setting.
To connect your computer, do the following:
1. Connect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboard cable to the USB connector.
Note: Some models will have keyboards with a fingerprint reader.
© Copyright Lenovo 2009 5
2. Connect the USB mouse cable to the USB connector.
3. Connect the monitor cable to the monitor connector.
Note: Depending on your model type, your computer might come with a Low
Force Helix (LFH) connector on the rear panel, which enables you to
connect up to four monitors. The standard LFH connector has two
breakout Video Graphics Array (VGA) cables or Digital Video Interface
(DVI) cables. This solution provides you with flexibility for a variety of
monitor configurations. To use the LFH connector, your computer must
have a graphics card with multi-monitor capabilities. Connect the
breakout cables to the LFH connector as shown, then connect the VGA
or DVI cables to the breakout cables.
6 User Guide
4. If you have a modem, connect the modem using the following information.
L
IN
E
PHONE
P
H
O
N
E
LINE
PHONE
LINE
PHONE
LINE
1 This illustration shows the two connectors on the back of the computer that are needed
to set up your modem.
2 In the United States and other countries or regions that use the RJ-11 telephone outlet,
attach one end of the telephone cable to the telephone and the other end to the telephone
connector on the back of the computer. Attach one end of the modem cable to the modem
connector on the back of the computer and the other end to the telephone outlet.
3 In countries or regions that do not use RJ-11 telephone outlets, a splitter or converter is
required to attach the cables to the telephone outlet, as shown at the top of the illustration.
You can also use the splitter or converter without the telephone, as shown at the bottom of
the illustration.
Chapter 3. Setting up your computer 7
5. If you have audio devices, attach them using the following instructions. For
more information about speakers, see step 6 and step 7 on page 10.
8 User Guide
1 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 to your computer,
connect the cable to the audio line-out connector of
the device and the audio line-in connector of the
computer.
2 Audio line-out connector
(front speaker connector)
Used to send audio signals from the computer to
external audio devices, such as powered stereo
speakers (speakers with built-in amplifiers),
multimedia keyboards, or the audio line-in
connector on a stereo system or other external
recording devices.
When used with 5.1 or 7.1 surround speakers, this
connector should be attached to the front left and
right speakers.
3 Microphone connector Used to attach a microphone to your computer
when you want to record sound or if you use
speech-recognition software.
4 Headphone connector Used to attach headphones to your computer when
you want to listen to music or other sounds
without disturbing anyone. This connector might be
located on the front of the computer.
5 Audio line-out connector
(subwoofer/center speaker connector)
When used with 5.1 or 7.1 surround speakers, this
connector should be attached to the center speaker
and subwoofer.
6 Audio line-out connector
(rear speaker connector)
When used with 5.1 or 7.1 surround speakers, this
connector should be attached to the rear left and
right speakers.
7 Audio line-out connector
(side speaker connector)
When used with 7.1 surround speakers, this
connector should be attached to the side left and
right speakers.
8 Optical SPDIF (Sony Philips
Digital Interconnect Format) in
connector
Used to receive 5.1 digital audio signals from an
external device, such as a receiver or other
multimedia devices, through a TOSLINK
(ToshibaLink) optical cable.
9 Optical SPDIF out connector Used to send 5.1 digital audio signals from a
computer to an external device, such as an
amplifier or a receiver, through a TOSLINK optical
cable.
Chapter 3. Setting up your computer 9
6. If you have powered speakers with an ac power adapter:
F_LR
a. Connect the cable that runs between the speakers, if necessary. On some
speakers, this cable is permanently attached.
b. Connect the ac power adapter cable to the speaker.
c. Connect the speakers to the computer.
d. Connect the ac power adapter to the ac power source.
7. If you have unpowered speakers with no ac power adapter:
F_LR
a. Connect the cable that runs between the speakers, if necessary. On some
speakers, this cable is permanently attached.
b. Connect the speakers to the computer.
10 User Guide
8. Connect any additional devices that you have. Your computer might not have
all the connectors that are shown.
1394
1394
1 USB connector Used to attach a device that requires a Universal Serial Bus
(USB) connector, such as a USB keyboard, a USB mouse, a USB
scanner, or a USB printer. If you have more than 10 USB devices,
you can purchase a USB hub, which you can use to connect
additional USB devices.
2 Serial port Used to attach an external modem, a serial printer, or other
devices that use a 9-pin serial port.
3 Ethernet connector Used to attach an Ethernet cable for a local area network (LAN).
Note: To operate the computer within FCC Class B limits, use a
Category 5 Ethernet cable.
4 IEEE 1394 connector
(optional)
Used to send and receive IEEE 1394 signals between the
computer and other compliant devices, such as a video camera
or an external storage drive. This connector is sometimes called
Firewire.
5 eSATA connector Use this External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
(eSATA) connector to attach an external hard disk drive.
Chapter 3. Setting up your computer 11
9. Connect the power cords to properly grounded electrical outlets.
Turning on computer power
Turn on the monitor and other external devices first, and then turn on the
computer. When the power-on self-test (POST) is finished, the logo window closes.
If your computer has preinstalled software, the software installation program
starts.
If you experience any problems during startup, refer to Chapter 10, “Getting
information, help, and service,” on page 49. You can get additional help and
information by telephone through the Customer Support Center. For the latest
Service and Support worldwide telephone list, go to:
http://www.lenovo.com/support
Finishing the software installation
Important
Be sure to read and understand the license agreements carefully before using
the programs on this computer. These agreements detail your rights,
obligations, and warranties for the software programs on this computer. By
using these programs, you accept the terms of the agreements. If you do not
accept the agreements, do not use the programs. Instead, promptly return the
entire computer for a full refund.
The first time you start your computer, follow the instructions on the screen to
complete the software installation. If you do not complete the software installation
the first time the computer is turned on, unpredictable results might occur.
Note: Some models might have a multilingual version of Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating system preinstalled. If your computer has the multilingual
version, you will be prompted to choose a language during the installation
process. After installation, the language version can be changed through the
Windows Control Panel.
Completing important tasks
After you have set up your computer, perform the following tasks, which could
save you time and trouble in the future:
v Create a diagnostic CD/DVD image or rescue medium. Diagnostic programs are
used to test hardware components of your computer and report
operating-system-controlled settings that can cause hardware failures. Making a
12 User Guide
  • Page 1 1
  • Page 2 2
  • Page 3 3
  • Page 4 4
  • Page 5 5
  • Page 6 6
  • Page 7 7
  • Page 8 8
  • Page 9 9
  • Page 10 10
  • Page 11 11
  • Page 12 12
  • Page 13 13
  • Page 14 14
  • Page 15 15
  • Page 16 16
  • Page 17 17
  • Page 18 18
  • Page 19 19
  • Page 20 20
  • Page 21 21
  • Page 22 22
  • Page 23 23
  • Page 24 24
  • Page 25 25
  • Page 26 26
  • Page 27 27
  • Page 28 28
  • Page 29 29
  • Page 30 30
  • Page 31 31
  • Page 32 32
  • Page 33 33
  • Page 34 34
  • Page 35 35
  • Page 36 36
  • Page 37 37
  • Page 38 38
  • Page 39 39
  • Page 40 40
  • Page 41 41
  • Page 42 42
  • Page 43 43
  • Page 44 44
  • Page 45 45
  • Page 46 46
  • Page 47 47
  • Page 48 48
  • Page 49 49
  • Page 50 50
  • Page 51 51
  • Page 52 52
  • Page 53 53
  • Page 54 54
  • Page 55 55
  • Page 56 56
  • Page 57 57
  • Page 58 58
  • Page 59 59
  • Page 60 60
  • Page 61 61
  • Page 62 62
  • Page 63 63
  • Page 64 64
  • Page 65 65
  • Page 66 66
  • Page 67 67
  • Page 68 68
  • Page 69 69
  • Page 70 70
  • Page 71 71
  • Page 72 72
  • Page 73 73
  • Page 74 74
  • Page 75 75
  • Page 76 76
  • Page 77 77
  • Page 78 78

Ask a question and I''ll find the answer in the document

Finding information in a document is now easier with AI