Handle storage media and drives properly

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

vUse a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushion and protection. Do not pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag.

vAvoid inserting diskettes at an angle and attaching multiple or loose diskette labels, as these can lodge in the drive.

vIf your computer comes with a CD, DVD, or CD-RW/DVD drive, do not touch the surface of a disc or the lens on the tray.

vWait until you hear the CD or DVD click into the center pivot of the CD, DVD, or CD-RW/DVD drive before closing the tray.

vWhen installing your hard disk, diskette, CD, DVD, or CD-RW/DVD drive, follow the instructions shipped with your hardware, and apply pressure only where needed on the device. See Access IBM, your on-board help system, for information on replacing your hard disk drive (open Access IBM by pressing the Access IBM button.).

Take care in setting passwords

vRemember your passwords. If you forget a supervisor or hard disk password, IBM will not reset it, and you might have to replace your system board or hard disk drive.

Other important tips

vYour computer modem might use only an analog telephone network, or public-switched telephone network (PSTN). Do not connect the modem to a PBX (private branch exchange) or any other digital telephone extension line because this could damage your modem. Analog phone lines are often used in homes, while digital phone lines are often used in hotels or office buildings. If you are not sure which kind of phone line you are using, contact your telephone company.

vYour computer might have both an Ethernet connector and a modem connector. If so, be sure to connect your communication cable to the correct one, so your connector is not damaged. See Access IBM, your on-board help system, for information on the location of these connectors (press the Access IBM button to open Access IBM).

vRegister your ThinkPad products with IBM (refer to the Web page: www.ibm.com/pc/register). This can help authorities return your computer to you if it is lost or stolen. Registering your computer also enables IBM to notify you about possible technical information and upgrades.

vOnly an authorized IBM ThinkPad repair technician should disassemble and repair your computer.

vDo not modify or tape the latches to keep the display open or closed.

vTake care not to turn your computer over while the ac adapter is plugged in. This could break the adapter plug.

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer 7