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®
ThinkPad A21e
Service and Troubleshooting Guide
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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. Use the power cord with a properly grounded outlet. v Do not leave the base of your computer in contact w
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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. A quick way to search the help system. © Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 ii
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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. Access ThinkPad includes a comprehensive, on-board help and information center for your computer. It travels with you, eliminating the need to carry reference
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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. Finding information with Access ThinkPad v
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® vi ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide
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Contents Finding information with Access ThinkPad iii Getting help on the Web........34 Getting help by fax .........35 Calling IBM............35 Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer.............1 Your ThinkPad at a glance .......2 Appendix A. Important safety instructions 39 Features..............3 Modem safety information .......41 Specifications............5 Laser compliance statement.......42 Caring for your ThinkPad computer ....6 Appendix B. Product warranties and Chapter 2. S
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® viii ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide
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Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer Your ThinkPad at a glance .......2 Specifications............5 Features..............3 Caring for your ThinkPad computer ....6 © Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 1
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Your ThinkPad at a glance Your ThinkPad at a glance ® 2 ThinkPad A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide
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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: – LCD: Up to 1024-by-768, depending on the model – External monitor: Up to 1600-by-1200 v Brightness control Keyboard v 84-key, 85-key, or 89-key ® v TrackPoint v Fn key function v ThinkPad button v Volume control buttons v ThinkLig
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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 Combo Mini-PCI Card is installed) ™ v Ultrabay 2000 v
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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° to 35°C (41° to 95°F) - Operating with a diskette: 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) - Not operating: 5° to 43°C (41° to 110°F) – At altitudes above 2438 m (8000 ft) - Maximum operating temperature, 31.3°C (88° F) Note: When you
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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. Important tips: Be careful about where and how you work v Do not leave the base of your computer in contact with your lap or any part of your body for an extended period when the computer is functioning or w
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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. v If your computer comes with a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, do not touch the surface of a CD or the lens on the CD-ROM o
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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. This could break the adapter plug. v Turn off your computer if you are replacing a device in a device bay, or else verify that the device is warm- or hot-swappable. v If you exchange drives in your computer, reinstall
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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.......14 Other problems..........24 Password problems ........15 Starting BIOS Setup Utility.......25 A power switch problem.......15 Recover pre-installed software......26 Keyboard problems ........15 Upgrading the hard disk drive......29 TrackPoint probl
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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. Click PC-Doctor for Windows. 4. Choose either the Quick Test or the Standard Test. Attention Running the Quick Test set can take 10 minutes or longer. Make sure you have time to run the entire test; do not interrupt the test while it
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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. In the charts, x can be any character. 2. The version of PC-Doctor referred to here is PC-Doctor for Windows. Message Cause and action 0175: Bad CRC1, stop The EEPROM checksum is not corr
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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. Test your computer’s memory with PC-Doctor. If you added a memory module just before turning the computer on, reinstall it. Then test the memory with PC-Doctor. 0231: System RAM error The system RAM failed. T
