Lenovo 1763, 1938, 1962, 1942, 1837, 1782, 1739, 1762 Updating system programs, Using system programs

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Chapter 8. Updating system programs

This chapter provides information about updating the POST and BIOS, and how to recover from a POST and BIOS update failure.

Using system programs

System programs are the basic layer of software built into your computer. System programs include the POST, the BIOS, and the Setup Utility program. The POST is a set of tests and procedures that are performed each time you turn on your computer. The BIOS is a layer of software that translates instructions from other layers of software into electrical signals that the computer hardware can execute. You can use the Setup Utility program to view or change the configuration settings of your computer. See Chapter 7 “Using the Setup Utility program” on page 41 for detailed information.

Your computer system board has a module called electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM, also referred to as flash memory). You can easily update the POST, the BIOS, and the Setup 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. For most models, you can download either an update program to create a system-program-update disc or an update program that can be run from the operating system.

Updating (flashing) the BIOS from a disc

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

Note: You can download a self-starting bootable disc image (known as an ISO image) with the system program updates to create a system-program-update disc. Go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support

To update (flash) the BIOS from a disc, do the following:

1.Turn off your computer.

2.Repeatedly press and release the F12 key when turning on the computer. When the Startup Device Menu opens, release the F12 key.

3.On the Startup Device Menu, select the desired optical drive as the startup device. Then, insert the disc into this optical drive and press Enter. The update begins.

4.When prompted to change the serial number, it is suggested that you do not make this change by pressing N. However, if you do want to change the serial number, press Y, then type in the serial number and press Enter.

5.When prompted to change the machine type and model, it is suggested that you do not make this change by pressing N. However, if you do want to change the machine type and model, press Y, then type in the machine type and model and press Enter.

6.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the update. After the update is completed, remove the disc from the optical drive.

© Copyright Lenovo 2011

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Contents ThinkCentre User Guide Second Edition October Copyright Lenovo Contents Appendix A. Notices Service and upgrades Important safety informationStatic electricity prevention Extension cords and related devices Power cords and power adaptersExternal devices Plugs and outletsHeat and product ventilation Operating environment Modem safety informationCleaning and maintenance Power supply statementLaser compliance statement Viii ThinkCentre User Guide Product overview FeaturesPower supply System management featuresColor temperature adjustment Input/Output I/O featuresPreinstalled operating system Preinstalled software programsSoftware overview SpecificationsSoftware provided by Lenovo Lenovo Welcome Product RecoveryThinkVantage Password Manager Lenovo ThinkVantage ToolsAdobe Reader Antivirus software Locations Front connector, control, and indicator locations Rear connector locations Locating connectors on the rear of your computerConnector Description Adjusting the computer standMachine type and model label Machine type and model labelThinkCentre User Guide Using Windows shortcut keys Using your computerFrequently asked questions Using the keyboardAdjusting audio Using the blue ThinkVantage buttonUsing a fingerprint reader Using the wheel mouseAdding the volume icon to the taskbar Setting the volume from the desktopSetting the volume from Control Panel Using CDs and DVDsPlaying a CD or DVD Handling and storing CD and DVD mediaRecording a CD or DVD Using the multi-touch feature Using the single-touch and multi-touch featureColor temperature adjustment Using the single-touch featureRed-adjustment Green-adjustment Blue-adjustment Exit Selecting a pre-defined color temperatureSwitching to RGB adjustment Making brightness adjustmentUsing your computer ThinkCentre User Guide Comfort Accessibility and comfortYou and your computer Arranging your workspaceAir circulation Glare and lightingElectrical outlets and cable lengths Moving your computer to another country or region Voltage-selection switchReplacement power cords Register your computer with LenovoThinkCentre User Guide Security Security featuresBios passwords Using passwordsAttaching an integrated cable lock Protecting data against viruses Windows passwordsSetting the fingerprint reader Using and understanding firewallsThinkCentre User Guide Installing or replacing hardware Installing or replacing hardwareInstalling external options Replacing the wireless mouse Replacing the wireless keyboardOpening the battery compartment Obtaining device drivers Closing the battery compartment coverCreating and using recovery media Recovery informationCreating recovery media Performing backup and recovery operations Using recovery mediaPerforming a backup operation Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace Performing a recovery operationClick the Restore your system from a backup icon Using a rescue medium Creating and using a rescue mediumCreating a rescue medium Reinstalling preinstalled applications Reinstalling preinstalled applications and device driversReinstalling preinstalled device drivers Reinstalling device drivers Reinstalling software programsSolving recovery problems Recovery information ThinkCentre User Guide Starting the Setup Utility program Using the Setup Utility programViewing and changing settings Hard Disk Password Password considerationsPower-On Password Administrator PasswordSelecting or changing the startup device sequence Enabling or disabling a deviceSelecting a startup device Selecting a temporary startup deviceExiting from the Setup Utility program Updating flashing the Bios from a disc Using system programsUpdating system programs Click Downloads and drivers Updating flashing the Bios from your operating systemGetting the latest device drivers for your computer Preventing problemsUsing System Update Keeping your computer currentBasics Optical mouse Cleaning your computerComputer KeyboardCleaning a glass-screen surface Good maintenance practicesMoving your computer Basic troubleshooting Troubleshooting and diagnosticsTroubleshooting Troubleshooting procedureNo audio in Windows Audio problemsSound comes from one external speaker only CD problemsNo audio in DOS applications or games CD or DVD does not work DVD problemsBlack screen instead of DVD video Invalid disc or no disc found message DVD movie will not playNo audio or intermittent audio while playing DVD movie Playback is very slow or choppyKeyboard, mouse, or pointing device problems Intermittent problemsAll or some keys on the keyboard do not work Fingerprint reader does not work Wireless keyboard does not workMouse or pointing device does not work Pointer on the screen does not move smoothly with the mouseWrong characters appear on the screen Monitor problemsImage appears to be flickering Ethernet problems Networking problemsImage is discolored Adapter stops working for no apparent reason Wake on LAN feature is not workingYour computer cannot connect to the network Click Start Control Panel Click Hardware and SoundWireless WAN problem Wireless LAN problemBluetooth problems An option that previously worked does not work now Option problemsAn option that was just installed does not work Sound does not come from the Bluetooth headphoneClick Start Computer Performance and lockup problemsClick Disk Cleanup Insufficient free hard disk drive spaceSerial port problems Printer problemsExcessive number of fragmented files Software does not work as expected Software problemsDiagnostic programs USB problemsPC-Doctor for DOS Creating a diagnostic discRunning the diagnostic program from a diagnostic disc Lenovo ThinkVantage ToolboxGetting information, help, and service Lenovo Support Web site Help and serviceUsing the documentation and diagnostic programs Calling for servicePurchasing additional services Using other servicesThinkCentre User Guide Appendix A. Notices Trademarks Electronic emissions notices Appendix B. Regulatory informationExport classification notice Television output noticeIndustry Canada Class B emission compliance statement Additional regulatory information ThinkCentre User Guide Important information for the European Directive 2002/96/EC Appendix C. Weee and recycling informationRecycling information ThinkCentre User Guide Index Optical mouse cleaning Password Administrator Considerations Page 0B03427