® Format (PDF) version from the Lenovo Support Web site at http://www.lenovo.com/UserManuals. The Lenovo Support Web site also provides the Safety, Warranty, and Setup Guide and this User Guide in additional languages. Service and upgrades Do not attempt to service a product yourself unless instructed to do so by the Customer Support Center or your documentation.
Do not use any power cords where the electrical contacts on either end show signs of corrosion or overheating or where the power cord appears to have been damaged in any way. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
• Do not remove the covers. Removing the covers of the laser product could result in exposure to hazardous laser radiation. There are no serviceable parts inside the device. • Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein might result in hazardous radiation exposure. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
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When the indicator is on, the storage drives are in use. • USB 2.0 connector Used to connect a device that requires a USB 2.0 connection, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a scanner, a printer, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Rear view Figure 2. Rear view Power cord connector Serial connector VGA connector PS/2 mouse connector (available on some models) ® DisplayPort connectors (2) PS/2 keyboard connector (available on some models) USB 3.0 connectors (4) USB 2.0 connectors (2) Ethernet connector Microphone connector Audio line-out connector Audio line-in connector...
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Used to connect a device that requires a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 connection, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a scanner, a printer, or a PDA. • VGA connector Used to connect a video graphics array (VGA) monitor or other devices that use a VGA connector. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Computer components Note: Depending on your computer model, some of the following components might not be available. Figure 3. Computer components Computer cover Power supply assembly System board Heat sink and fan assembly Microprocessor Memory module Optical drive Card reader Front audio and USB assembly Coin-cell battery Front Wi-Fi antenna...
Machine type and model label The machine type and model label identifies your computer. When you contact Lenovo for help, the machine type and model information helps support technicians to identify your computer and provide faster service. The machine type and model label is attached on the bottom of your computer as shown.
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Your computer is preinstalled with Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating system. Additional operating systems might be identified by Lenovo as compatible with your computer. To determine if an operating system has been certified or tested for compatibility, check the Web site of the operating system provider.
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Performance Mode” on page 36 and “Enabling or disabling the ICE Thermal Alert feature” on page 37. ® • Intel Standard Manageability Intel Standard Manageability is hardware- and firmware-based technology that makes computers easier and less expensive for businesses to monitor, maintain, update, upgrade, and repair. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
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• Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) (available on some models) Intel Active Management Technology is hardware- and firmware-based technology that makes computers easier and less expensive for businesses to monitor, maintain, update, upgrade, and repair. • Intel Matrix Storage Manager Intel Matrix Storage Manager is a device driver that provides support for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) 5 arrays and SATA RAID 10 arrays on specific Intel chipset system boards to enhance hard disk performance.
Accessing a program on your computer Note: For Windows 7, depending on your computer model, some of the Lenovo programs might be ready to be installed, so you need to install them manually. Then, you can access and use these programs.
An introduction to Lenovo programs This section provides information about the major Lenovo programs available on your operating system. Note: Depending on your computer model, some of the following programs might not be available.
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BIOS updates. The program gathers information from the Lenovo Help Center about new updates for your computer, then sorts and displays the updates for download and installation. You have complete control of which updates to download and install.
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The SHAREit or Lenovo SHAREit program provides a quick and easy way to share files and folders among computers, smartphones, tablets, or smart TVs with the Android or the Windows operating system installed. SHAREit or Lenovo SHAREit uses any type of network or even no network at all to share files and folders.
Lenovo for help. In addition, some locations offer extended privileges and services to registered users. To register your computer with Lenovo, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet. Then, go to http://www.lenovo.com/register and follow the instructions on the screen.
Note: If the tray does not slide out of the drive when you press the eject/close button, turn off your computer. Then, insert a straightened paper clip into the emergency-eject hole adjacent to the eject/close button. Use the emergency eject only in an emergency. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Recording a disc If your optical drive supports recording, you can record a disc. Recording a disc using Windows tools To record a disc using Windows tools, do one of the following: • Burn a disc using the AutoPlay window. 1.
Note: If the Bluetooth icon is not displayed in the Windows notification area, add the icon to the notification area. See “Adding an icon to the Windows notification area” on page 17. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Accessibility information Lenovo is committed to providing users who have hearing, vision, and mobility limitations with greater access to information and technology. This section provides information about the ways these users can get the most out of their computer experience. You also can get the most up-to-date accessibility information from the following Web site: http://www.lenovo.com/accessibility...
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Ease of Access Center Ease of Access Center on the Windows operating system enables users to configure their computers to suit their physical and cognitive needs. To use Ease of Access Center, do the following: 1. Click the Start button to open the Start menu. 2.
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– Change the size of the items on the desktop or a window. Note: This function might not work on some windows. If your mouse has a wheel, press and hold Ctrl, and then scroll the wheel to change the item size. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Then, you can type a message on your computer and send it to the telephone. Documentation in accessible formats Lenovo provides electronic documentation in accessible formats, such as properly tagged PDF files or HyperText Markup Language (HTML) files. Lenovo electronic documentation is developed to ensure that visually impaired users can read the documentation through a screen reader.
The cause of a problem might be change in hardware, change in software, or any other actions that might have taken place. A log book can help you or a Lenovo technician determine the cause of a problem. • Back up your data on the storage drive regularly. You can restore the storage drive from a backup.
To get the latest system updates for your computer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet and do one of the following: • Use one of the following Lenovo programs to get the system updates, such as device driver updates, software updates, and BIOS updates: –...
The cable lock also locks the buttons used to open the computer cover. This is the same type of lock used with many notebook computers. You can order such a cable lock directly from Lenovo by searching for Kensington at: http://www.lenovo.com/support Figure 7.
Attaching a cable lock A cable lock can be used to secure devices, such as the keyboard and the mouse, by locking the device cables to your computer. The cable lock connects to the cable-lock slots on the rear of your computer. To install a cable lock, do the following: 1.
• For Windows 7: Use the Fingerprint Manager Pro or ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software program provided by Lenovo. To open the program, see “Accessing a program on your computer” on page 12. For more information about using the program, refer to the help system of the program.
Note: Virus definition files must be kept up-to-date to guard against new viruses. For more information about how to use your antivirus software, refer to the help system of your antivirus software. Computrace Agent software embedded in firmware The Computrace Agent software is an IT asset management and computer theft recovery solution. The software detects if changes have been made on the computer, such as hardware, software, or the computer call-in location.
Enabling or disabling ErP LPS compliance mode Lenovo computers meet the eco-design requirements of the ErP Lot 3 regulation. For more information, go http://www.lenovo.com/ecodeclaration You can enable ErP LPS compliance mode in the Setup Utility program to reduce the consumption of electricity when your computer is off or in sleep mode.
Enabling or disabling the ICE Thermal Alert feature If you enable the ICE thermal alert feature, when critical thermal situations occur, such as malfunctioning fans, abnormally high temperature, or poor cooling performances, an alert log will be written into the Windows system log.
• Contain at least one alphabetic character and one numeric character • Not be your name or your user name • Not be a common word or a common name • Be significantly different from your previous passwords ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Setting, changing, and deleting a password To set, change, or delete a password, do the following: 1. Start the Setup Utility program. See “Starting the Setup Utility program” on page 35. 2. Select Security. 3. Depending on the password type, select Set Power-On Password, Set Administrator Password, or Hard Disk Password and press Enter.
3. Print the installation instructions you download and follow the instructions to update the BIOS. Note: If you want to update the BIOS from a flash update disc, the installation instructions might not provide the information about how to record the update disc. See “Recording a disc” on page 19. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Recovering from a BIOS update failure To recover from a BIOS update failure, do the following: 1. Remove any media from the drives and turn off all connected devices and the computer. Then, disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables that are connected to the computer.
5. Recover your operating system. See “Recovery information” on page 51. 6. If none of these actions solve your problem, contact the Lenovo Customer Support Center. For a list of Lenovo Support phone numbers, go to http://www.lenovo.com/support/phone. For more information about help, service, and technical assistance, see Chapter 8 “Getting information, help, and service”...
• Click the volume icon in the Windows notification area on the taskbar. Then, click the speaker icon on top of the volume control. Click the Levels tab and ensure that the Balance settings are set correctly . ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Note: If the volume icon is not displayed in the Windows notification area, add the icon to the notification area. See “Adding an icon to the Windows notification area” on page 17. CD problems This section provides solutions to CD-related problems. A CD or DVD does not work Solutions: •...
"No Operating System Found" message or the system not starting up from the correct storage drive Symptom: "No Operating System Found" message or the system not starting up from the correct storage drive Solutions: • Ensure that all storage drive signal cables and power cables are connected correctly. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
• Ensure that the storage drive your computer starts up from is listed as the first startup device in the Setup Utility program. Refer to “Changing the startup device sequence permanently” on page 39. Note: In rare cases, the storage drive with the operating system might get corrupted or damaged. In such cases, you might need to replace the storage drive.
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Solution: Set the Bluetooth headset or headphones as the default device. 1. Exit the application that uses the sound device (for example, Windows Media Player). 2. Right-click the volume icon in the Windows notification area on the taskbar. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Note: If the volume icon is not displayed in the Windows notification area, add the icon to the notification area. See “Adding an icon to the Windows notification area” on page 17. 3. Click Playback devices. 4. If you are using the Headset profile, select Bluetooth Hands-free Audio, and then click Set Default. If you are using the AV profile, select Stereo Audio, and then click Set Default.
Check with your software manufacturer to see if any updates are available. Many software manufacturers make updates available from the World Wide Web. Some application programs do not work as expected Solutions: 1. Check whether the problem is caused by an application program. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
If you are unable to isolate and repair the problem yourself after running Lenovo Solution Center, save and print the log files created by the program. You might need the log files when you speak to a Lenovo technical support representative.
40. 2. Follow the instructions on the screen to choose the appropriate recovery solution. • Use the recovery disc set provided by Lenovo to restore the entire storage drive to the factory-default settings. – If your computer comes with the recovery disc set, follow the instructions shipped with the disc set.
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Note: To create a recovery medium, see “Good maintenance practices” on page 26. • Use the recovery USB key provided by Lenovo to restore the entire storage drive to the factory-default settings. – If your computer comes with the recovery USB key, follow the instructions shipped with the USB key.
• When installing or replacing an option, use the appropriate instructions in this section along with the instructions that come with the option. • In most areas of the world, Lenovo requires the return of the defective CRU. Information about this will come with the CRU or will come a few days after the CRU arrives.
Figure 9. Removing the computer cover Replacing the front bezel Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Read this first: Important safety information” on page iii . ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
To replace the front bezel, do the following: 1. Remove any media from the drives and turn off all connected devices and the computer. Then, disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables that are connected to the computer.
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4. At the rear of the computer, remove the screw that secures the PCI Express card latch. Figure 11. Removing the screw that secures the PCI Express card latch ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
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5. Grasp the card that is currently installed and gently pull it out of the slot. Figure 12. Removing the PCI/PCI-Express card Notes: • The card fits tightly into the card slot. If necessary, alternate moving each side of the card a small amount until it is removed from the card slot.
DIMM 4 One UDIMM Two UDIMMs X, 1 X, 2 Three UDIMMs X, 3 X, 1 X, 2 Four UDIMMs X, 3 X, 1 X, 4 X, 2 To replace a memory module, do the following: ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
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1. Remove any media from the drives and turn off all connected devices and the computer. Then, disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables that are connected to the computer. 2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 56. 3.
5. Disconnect the signal cable and the power cable from the rear of the optical drive first. Press the blue release button and then slide the optical drive out of the front of the computer. Figure 16. Removing the optical drive ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
6. Slide the new optical drive into the drive bay from the front of the computer until the optical drive snaps into position. Figure 17. Installing the optical drive 7. Connect the signal cable and the power cable to the new optical drive. Figure 18.
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Note: When the computer is turned on for the first time after replacing the coin-cell battery, an error message might be displayed. This is normal after replacing the coin-cell battery. 8. Use the Setup Utility program to set the date, time, and any passwords. See “Using the Setup Utility program” on page 35. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
Replacing the heat sink and fan assembly Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Read this first: Important safety information” on page iii . CAUTION: The heat sink and fan assembly might be very hot. Before you open the computer cover, turn off the computer and wait several minutes until the computer is cool.
Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present inside any component that has this label attached. There are no serviceable parts inside these components. If you suspect a problem with one of these parts, contact a service technician. To replace the power supply assembly, do the following: ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
10. Install and tighten the four screws to secure the power supply assembly. Note: Use only screws provided by Lenovo. 11. Reconnect the power supply assembly cables to the system board and each of the drives.
2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 56. 3. Locate the 3.5-inch storage drive. See “Computer components” on page 5 . 4. Disconnect the signal cable and the power cable from the 3.5-inch storage drive. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
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5. Remove the four screws that secure the 3.5-inch storage drive. Then, slide the 3.5-inch storage drive out of the chassis. Figure 24. Removing the 3.5-inch storage drive Chapter 7 Installing or replacing hardware...
• To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 76. Replacing the front audio and USB assembly Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Read this first: Important safety information” on page iii . ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
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To replace the front audio and USB assembly, do the following: 1. Remove any media from the drives and turn off all connected devices and the computer. Then, disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables that are connected to the computer.
Note: The card fits tightly into the card slot. If necessary, alternate moving each side of the card a small amount until it is removed from the card slot. Figure 28. Removing the Wi-Fi card adapter 7. Disconnect the front and rear Wi-Fi antenna cables from the Wi-Fi card. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
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Figure 29. Removing the Wi-Fi antenna cables 8. Remove the two screws that secure the Wi-Fi card to the Wi-Fi card adapter. Figure 30. Removing the screws that secure the Wi-Fi card 9. Pull the Wi-Fi card out of the mini PCI Express slot to remove it from the Wi-Fi card adapter. Chapter 7 Installing or replacing hardware...
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Figure 31. Removing the Wi-Fi card 10. Insert the new Wi-Fi card into the mini PCI Express slot, and then install the two screws to secure the Wi-Fi card to the Wi-Fi card adapter. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
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Figure 32. Installing the Wi-Fi card 11. Connect the front antenna cable and rear antenna cable to the Wi-Fi card. Figure 33. Installing the Wi-Fi antenna cables 12. Install the Wi-Fi card adapter into the PCI Express x1 slot on the system board. See “Parts on the system board”...
2. Ensure that the cables are routed correctly before reinstalling the computer cover. Keep cables clear of the hinges and sides of the computer chassis to avoid interference with reinstalling the computer cover. ThinkCentre M73p User Guide...
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3. 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 snaps into position. Figure 35.
User Guide. Lenovo Web site The Lenovo Web site (http://www.lenovo.com) provides up-to-date information and services to help you buy, upgrade, and maintain your computer. You also can do the following: • Shop for desktop and notebook computers, monitors, projectors, upgrades and accessories for your computer, and special offers.
• Engineering Change management - There might be changes that are required after a product has been sold. Lenovo or your reseller will make selected Engineering Changes (ECs) that apply to your hardware available.
For technical assistance with the installation of or questions related to Service Packs for your preinstalled Microsoft Windows product, go to the Microsoft Product Support Web site at http://support.microsoft.com. You also can contact the Lenovo Customer Support Center for help. Some fees might apply. Purchasing additional services During and after the warranty period, you can purchase additional services.
• Consult an authorized dealer or service representative for help. Lenovo is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by using other than specified or recommended cables and connectors or by unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment.
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Geräte der Klasse B. 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. (1) 4: Das Gerät erfüllt die Schutzanforderungen nach EN 55024 und EN 55022 Klasse B.
All regulatory notices are available on the Lenovo Support Web site in electronic format. To access electronic copies of the documentation, go to http://www.lenovo.com/UserManuals.
Collecting and recycling a disused Lenovo computer or monitor If you are a company employee and need to dispose of a Lenovo computer or monitor that is the property of the company, you must do so in accordance with the Law for Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources.
If you need to replace it with a new one, contact your place of purchase or contact Lenovo for service. If you need to dispose of a disused lithium battery, insulate it with vinyl tape, contact your place of purchase or an industrial-waste-disposal operator, and follow their instructions.
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Customer participation is important to minimize any potential effects of batteries and accumulators on the environment and human health due to the potential presence of hazardous substances. For proper collection and treatment, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/recycling Appendix B. WEEE and recycling information...
For more information about ENERGY STAR, go to: http://www.energystar.gov Lenovo encourages you to make efficient use of energy an integral part of your day-to-day operations. To help in this endeavor, set the following power-management features to take effect when your computer has been inactive for a specified duration: Table 1.
Lenovo representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area. Any reference to a Lenovo product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that Lenovo product, program, or service may be used. Any functionally equivalent product, program, or service that does not infringe any Lenovo intellectual property right may be used instead.
Trademarks The following terms are trademarks of Lenovo in the United States, other countries, or both: Lenovo The Lenovo logo ThinkCentre The ThinkCentre logo Rescue and Recovery ThinkVantage Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.