8 operating system ... Enabling ErP compliance mode ..Lenovo Support Web site ..Changing the BIOS settings before installing a new operating system.
Page 4
Index....Removing and reinstalling the front bezel . . Accessing the system board components and drives ....ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
This manual is intended only for trained service personnel who are familiar with Lenovo computer products. Before servicing a Lenovo computer product, be sure to read Chapter 2 “Safety information” on page 3. Chapter 7 “Symptom-to-FRU index” on page 61 and Chapter 11 “Additional service information” on page 177 are not specific to any machine type.
Page 8
(This practice ensures correct grounding of the units.) • If an electrical accident occurs: – Use caution; do not become a victim yourself. – Switch off power. – Send another person to get medical aid. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Voltage-selection switch Some computers are equipped with a voltage-selection switch located near the power-cord connection point on the computer. If your computer has a voltage-selection switch, ensure that you set the switch to match the voltage available at your electrical outlet. Setting the voltage-selection switch incorrectly can cause permanent damage to the computer.
Safety notices (multi-lingual translations) The caution and danger safety notices in this section are provided in the following languages: • English • Arabic • Brazilian/Portuguese • Chinese (simplified) • Chinese (traditional) ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 11
• French • German • Hebrew • Italian • Korean • Spanish DANGER Electrical current from power, telephone and communication cables is hazardous. To avoid a shock hazard: • Do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installation, maintenance, or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm.
Page 12
The device also might have more than one power cord. To remove all electrical current from the device, ensure that all power cords are disconnected from the power source. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 14
≥18 kg (37 lbs) ≥32 kg (70.5 lbs) ≥55 kg (121.2 lbs) PERIGO A corrente elétrica proveniente de cabos de alimentação, de telefone e de comunicações é perigosa. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 15
Para evitar risco de choque elétrico: • Não conecte nem desconecte nenhum cabo ou execute instalação, manutenção ou reconfiguração deste produto durante uma tempestade com raios. • Conecte todos os cabos de alimentação a tomadas elétricas corretamente instaladas e aterradas. •...
Page 16
O dispositivo também pode ter mais de um cabo de alimentação. Para remover toda a corrente elétrica do dispositivo, assegure que todos os cabos de alimentação estejam desconectados da fonte de alimentação. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 20
• l'exposer à des températures supérieures à 100°C, • chercher à la réparer ou à la démonter. Ne pas mettre la pile à la poubelle. Pour la mise au rebut, se reporter à la réglementation en vigueur. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 21
ATTENTION: Si des produits à laser (tels que des unités de CD-ROM, de DVD-ROM, des unités à fibres optiques, ou des émetteurs) sont installés, prenez connaissance des informations suivantes : • Ne retirez pas le carter. En ouvrant l'unité de CD-ROM ou de DVD-ROM, vous vous exposez au rayonnement dangereux du laser.
Page 22
Lithiumbatterie, dieses nur durch ein Modul desselben Typs und von demselben Hersteller ersetzen. Die Batterie enthält Lithium und kann bei unsachgemäßer Verwendung, Handhabung oder Entsorgung explodieren. Die Batterie nicht: • mit Wasser in Berührung bringen. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 23
• über 100 C erhitzen. • reparieren oder zerlegen. Die örtlichen Bestimmungen für die Entsorgung von Sondermüll beachten. ACHTUNG: Bei der Installation von Lasergeräten (wie CD-ROM-Laufwerken, DVD- aufwerken, Einheiten mit Lichtwellenleitertechnik oder Sendern) Folgendes beachten: • Die Abdeckungen nicht entfernen. Durch Entfernen der Abdeckungen des Lasergeräts können gefährliche Laserstrahlungen freigesetzt werden.
Page 26
• Riscaldarla ad una temperatura superiore ai 100 gradi C (212 gradi F) • Smontarla, ricaricarla o tentare di ripararla Le batterie usate vanno smaltite in accordo alla normativa in vigore (DPR 915/82 e successive disposizioni e disposizioni locali). ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 27
ATTENZIONE: Quando vengono installati prodotti laser (quali CD-ROM, unità DVD-ROM, unità a fibre ottiche o trasmittenti), tener presente quanto segue: • Non rimuovere gli sportelli. L'apertura di un'unità laser può determinare l'esposizione a radiazioni laser pericolose. All'interno dell'unità non vi sono parti su cui effettuare l'assistenza tecnica. •...
Page 29
PELIGRO La corriente eléctrica procedente de cables de alimentación, teléfonos y cables de comunicación puede ser peligrosa. Para evitar el riesgo de descarga eléctrica: • No conecte ni desconecte los cables ni realice ninguna tarea de instalación, mantenimiento o reconfiguración de este producto durante una tormenta eléctrica. •...
Page 30
• No quite las cubiertas. Si quita las cubiertas del producto láser, podría quedar expuesto a radiación láser peligrosa. Dentro del dispositivo no existe ninguna pieza que requiera servicio técnico. • Si usa controles o ajustes o realiza procedimientos que no sean los especificados aquí, podría exponerse a radiaciones peligrosas. PELIGRO ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 31
Algunos productos láser tienen incorporado un diodo láser de clase 3A o clase 3B. Tenga en cuenta lo siguiente: Cuando se abre, queda expuesto a radiación láser. No mire directamente al rayo láser, ni siquiera con instrumentos ópticos, y evite exponerse directamente al rayo láser. ≥18 kg ≥32 kg ≥55 kg...
Input frequency range: 50 to 60 Hz Voltage-selection switch setting: 230 V ac Lenovo programs Your computer comes with Lenovo programs to help you work more easily and securely. Depending on the ® Windows operating system preinstalled, the programs might vary.
Page 35
Note: If you do not find the program you need in Control Panel, open the Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools program navigation window and double-click the dimmed icon to install the program you need. Then, follow the instructions on the screen.
Press the Windows key to go to the Start screen. Click a Lenovo program to launch it. If you cannot find the program you need, move the pointer to the bottom-right corner of the screen to display the charms. Then click the Search charm to search for the desired program.
Page 38
7. Have the same configuration options set in the system 8. Have the same setup for operating-system-controlled files Comparing the configuration and software set-up between “working and non-working” systems will often lead to problem resolution. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Chapter 5. Troubleshooting and diagnostics This chapter describes some basic troubleshooting and diagnostic programs. If your computer problem is not described here, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32 for additional troubleshooting resources. Basic troubleshooting The following table provides information to help you troubleshoot your computer problems.
If this does not correct the problem, continue with the next step. 6. Run the diagnostic program. See “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for more information. • If the diagnostic program detects a hardware failure, contact the Lenovo Customer Support Center.
• If you are unable to run the diagnostic program, contact the Lenovo Customer Support Center. See “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32 for more information. • If the diagnostic program does not detect a hardware failure, continue with the next step.
Page 42
• Verify that the audio device drivers are correctly installed. See Microsoft Windows help system for more information. If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32.
• If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32. CD problems Select your symptom from the following list: •...
• Try a lower screen resolution or color depth. If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32.
(one to five hard disk drives) or the LSI MegaRAID SAS adapter is installed. If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic program Lenovo Solution Center. See “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53. If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32. Chapter 5...
If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic program Lenovo Solution Center. See “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53. If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32. Keyboard, mouse, or pointing device problems Select your symptom from the following list: •...
Page 47
See “Enabling or disabling a device” on page 57. If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32.
If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32.
➙ Advanced Settings. Then click the Monitor tab and select a new refresh rate. • See your operating system documentation or help for further information on monitor settings. If these actions do not correct the problem, your monitor might need service. See “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32 for details.
Page 50
Symptom: The adapter stops working for no apparent reason. Action: The network driver files may be corrupt or missing. Update the driver by referring to the “Solution” description for the procedure to make sure that the correct device driver is installed. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
The Wake on LAN feature is not working Symptom: The Wake on LAN (WOL) feature is not working. Actions: • Make sure that WOL is enabled in the BIOS Setup Utility program. • If it is, check with your LAN administrator for the necessary settings. If your computer is a Gigabit Ethernet model and you use a speed of 1000 Mbps, the connection fails or errors occur Symptom: If your computer is a Gigabit Ethernet model and you use a speed of 1000 Mbps, the connection...
If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32.
• Verify that the option and any required device drivers are installed correctly. If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32.
32. For step-by-step instructions on installing memory, see “Installing or replacing a memory module” on page 88. If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32.
• Make sure that the serial-port adapter, if you added one, is properly installed and firmly seated. If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site” on page 32.
If these actions do not correct the problem, run the diagnostic programs to test the USB connector (see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 53 for instructions). If the USB device came with its own diagnostics, run those diagnostics against the USB device. If you need technical assistance, see “Lenovo Support Web site”...
For additional information, refer to the Lenovo Solution Center help system. Note: If you are unable to isolate and repair the problem yourself after running the program, save and print the log files. You will need the log files when you speak to a Lenovo technical support representative. Chapter 5...
3. Depending on the password type, select Set Power-On Password, Set Administrator Password, or Hard Disk Password. 4. Follow the instructions on the right side of the screen to set, change, or delete a password. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Note: A password can be any combination of up to 64 alphabetic and numeric characters. For more information, see “Password considerations” on page 56. Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing CMOS) This section provides instructions on how to erase lost or forgotten passwords, such as a user password. To erase a lost or forgotten password, do the following: 1.
• Enabling the wake up on alarm feature The wake up on alarm feature enables your computer to wake up at a set time. To enable the wake up on alarm feature, do the following: ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
1. Start the Setup Utility program. See “Starting the Setup Utility program” on page 55. 2. From the Setup Utility program main menu, select Power ➙ Automatic Power On, and press Enter. 3. Select Wake Up on Alarm and press Enter. Then follow the instructions on the screen. 4.
0164 Memory size decreased This error message is displayed when the memory size has decreased. Press F1 to enter the Setup Utility program. Then press F10 to save and exit the Setup Utility program. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 67
POST Error code POST Error message Description/Action 1762 This error message is displayed when a hard disk Configuration change has occurred drive or optical drive change has been made. Press F1 to enter the Setup Utility program. Then press F10 to save and exit the Setup Utility program.
Intensity or color varies from left to right of characters 1. Display and color bars 2. Video adapter (if present) 3. System Board No power or fan not running 1. See “Hard disk drive boot error” on page 61. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Message/Symptom FRU/Action Non-system disk or disk error-type message with a 1. Diskette Drive known-good diagnostic diskette. 2. System Board 3. Diskette Drive Cable 1. Display Other display symptoms not listed above (including blank or illegible display) 2. System Board Power-on indicator or hard disk drive in-use light not on, 1.
Page 70
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 until you find the failing device or adapter cards. If all devices and adapter cards have been removed, and the problem continues, replace the system board. See “Replacing the system board” on page 109 or “Replacing the system board” on page 159. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
DisplayPort connector. 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. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Connector Description Microphone connector Used to attach a microphone to your computer when you want to record sound or if you use speech-recognition software. USB 2.0 connector Used to attach 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).
Page 74
Figure 3. Component locations The following table lists the major FRUs shown in Figure 3 “Component locations” on page 70 and identifies which FRUs also are self-service CRUs or optional-service CRUs. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) PCI Express card (installed in some models) (available in some models) Rear fan assembly Keyboard Mouse Looking up FRU information For detailed FRU information, such as the FRU part numbers and supported computer models, go to: http:/www.lenovo.com/serviceparts-lookup Chapter 8 Locations...
Hard disk drive/ Optical drive power connectors 24-pin power connector PCI Express x1 card slots (2) BIOS ROM PCI Express x16 graphics card slot SATA 3.0 connectors System fan connector Power supply fan connector Battery SATA 2.0 connector ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Locating internal drives Internal drives are devices that your computer uses to read and store data. You can add drives to your computer to increase storage capacity and enable your computer to read other types of media. Internal drives are installed in bays. In this manual, the bays are referred to as bay 1, bay 2, and so on. When installing or replacing an internal drive, it is important to note the type and size of the drive that you can install or replace in each bay and correctly connect the cables to the drive installed.
Figure 6. Front connector, control, and indicator locations Optical drive eject/close button USB 2.0 connector (USB port 2) Power switch Microphone connector Hard disk drive activity indicator Headphone connector Power indicator USB 2.0 connector (USB port 1) ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Locating connectors on the rear of your computer Figure 7 “Rear connector locations” on page 75 shows the locations of the connectors on the rear of your computer. Some connectors on the rear of your computer are color-coded to help you determine where to connect the cables on your computer.
Locating major FRUs and CRUs Figure 8 “Component locations” on page 77 shows the locations of the various components in your computer. To remove the computer cover, see “Removing the computer cover” on page 126. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 81
Figure 8. Component locations The following table lists the major FRUs shown in Figure 8 “Component locations” on page 77 and identifies which FRUs also are self-service CRUs or optional-service CRUs. Chapter 8 Locations...
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express card (available in some models) Heat sink and fan assembly Keyboard Mouse Looking up FRU information For detailed FRU information, such as the FRU part numbers and supported computer models, go to: http:/www.lenovo.com/serviceparts-lookup ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Locating parts on the system board Figure 9 “System board part locations” on page 79 shows the locations of the parts on the system board. Figure 9. System board part locations 4-pin power connector Front panel connector (for connecting LED indicators and the power switch) Microprocessor Front USB connector 1 (for connecting USB ports 1 and 2...
Bay 2 - Optical drive bay (with an optical drive installed in some models) Bay 3 - Slim card reader drive bay (with a slim card reader installed in some models) Bay 4 - Hard disk drive bay (with a 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA hard disk drive installed) ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information” on page 1. Notes: 1. Use only computer parts provided by Lenovo. 2. When installing or replacing an option, use the appropriate instructions in this section along with the instructions that come with the option.
See “Locating connectors, controls, and indicators on the front of your computer” on page 67 and “Locating connectors on the rear of your computer” on page 68. 4. Remove any locking device that secures the computer cover, such as a padlock or a Kensington-style cable lock. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
5. Remove the two screws that secure the computer cover and slide the computer cover to the rear to remove it. Figure 11. Removing the computer cover Removing and reinstalling the front bezel Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information” on page 1.
Page 88
3. Remove the front bezel by releasing the three plastic tabs on the left side and pivoting the front bezel outward. Figure 12. Removing the front bezel ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
4. To reinstall the front bezel, align the three plastic tabs on the right side of the front bezel with the corresponding holes in the chassis, then pivot the front bezel inwards until it snaps into position on the left side. Figure 13.
Page 90
Figure 14. Removing the screw that secures the PCI Express card latch 4. Depending on whether you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, do one of the following: • If you are installing a PCI Express card, remove the appropriate metal slot cover. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 91
• If you are replacing an old PCI Express card, grasp the old card that is currently installed and gently pull it out of the slot. Figure 15. Removing a PCI Express card Notes: a. 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.
2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 82. 3. Lay the computer on its side for easier access to the system board. 4. Locate the memory slots. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 72. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 93
5. Remove any parts that might prevent your access to the memory slots. Depending on your computer model, you might need to remove the PCI Express x16 graphics card for easier access to the memory slots. See “Installing or replacing a PCI Express card” on page 85. 6.
3. Locate the rear fan assembly. See “Locating major FRUs and CRUs” on page 69. 4. Disconnect the rear fan assembly cable from the system fan connector on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 72. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 95
5. The rear fan assembly is attached to the chassis by four rubber mounts. Remove the rear fan assembly by breaking or cutting the rubber mounts and gently pulling the rear fan assembly out of the chassis. Note: The new rear fan assembly will have four new rubber mounts attached. Figure 20.
Refer to the “Lithium battery notice” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide for information about replacing and disposing of the battery. To replace the battery, do the following: ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 82. 3. Depending on your computer model, you might need to remove the PCI Express x 16 graphics card for easier access to the battery.
Page 98
4. Disconnect the signal cable and the power cable from the hard disk drive. 5. Remove the four screws that secure the hard disk drive. Then, slide the hard disk drive out of the chassis. Figure 24. Removing the primary hard disk drive ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
6. Slide the new hard disk drive into the hard disk drive bay and align the screw holes in the new hard disk drive with the corresponding holes in the drive bay. Then, install the four screws to secure the new hard disk drive in place.
1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 82. 3. Remove the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 83. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 101
4. Remove the three screws that secure the optical drive. Then, slide the optical drive out of the front of the computer. Figure 28. Removing the optical drive 5. Slide the new optical drive into the drive bay from the front and align the screw holes in the new optical drive with the corresponding holes in the drive bay.
4. Record the cable routing of the installed slim card reader and disconnect the cable of the slim card reader from the system board. 5. Remove the screw that secures the slim card reader bracket and then remove the bracket from the chassis. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 103
Figure 31. Removing the slim card reader bracket 6. Remove the two screws that secure the card reader to the bracket. Then, slide the card reader as shown to remove it from the bracket. Note: Touch only the edges of the card reader. Do not touch the circuit board of it. Figure 32.
Page 104
72. What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. • To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 122. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Replacing the power supply assembly Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information” on page 1. This section provides instructions on how to replace the power supply assembly. Although there are no moving parts in your computer after the power cord has been disconnected, the following warnings are required for your safety and proper Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification.
8. Install and tighten the four screws to secure the power supply assembly. Note: Use only screws provided by Lenovo. 9. Reconnect the power supply assembly cables to the system board and each of the drives.
Page 107
This section provides instructions on how to replace the heat sink and fan assembly. CAUTION: The heat sink and fan assembly might be very hot. Turn off the computer and wait three to five minutes to let the computer cool before removing the computer cover. To replace the heat sink and fan assembly, do the following: 1.
4. Locate the thermal sensor.See “Locating major FRUs and CRUs” on page 69. 5. Disconnect the thermal sensor cable from the thermal sensor connector on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 72. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 109
6. From inside the chassis, pivot the retaining clip that secures the plastic holder of the thermal sensor inward and then push the clip outward to release the clip. Then disengage the plastic holder holding the thermal sensor from the chassis. Figure 37.
• To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 122. Replacing the microprocessor Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information” on page 1. This section provides instructions on how to replace the microprocessor. CAUTION: ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 111
The heat sink and microprocessor might be very hot. Turn off the computer and wait three to five minutes to let the computer cool before removing the computer cover. To replace the microprocessor, do the following: 1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2.
Page 112
11. Close the microprocessor retainer and lock it into position with the small handle to secure the new microprocessor in the socket. 12. Reinstall the heat sink and fan assembly. See “Replacing the heat sink and fan assembly” on page 102. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
13. Reconnect all cables that were disconnected from the system board. What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. • To complete the replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 122. Replacing the system board Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information”...
Page 114
14. To complete the replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 122. The failing system board must be returned with a microprocessor socket cover to protect the pins during shipping and handling. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
To install the microprocessor socket cover, do the following: 1. After you have removed the microprocessor from the failing system board, close the microprocessor retainer and then put the lever to the locked position to secure the retainer in place. 2.
Wi-Fi card module, and a rear Wi-Fi antenna cable. Replacing the Wi-Fi units involves the following operations: • “Removing the Wi-Fi adapter card” on page 113 • “Removing the Wi-Fi card module” on page 114 • “Installing the Wi-Fi units” on page 115 ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 117
Removing the Wi-Fi adapter card To remove a Wi-Fi adapter card, do the following: 1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 82. 3.
Page 118
To remove the Wi-Fi card module, do the following: 1. Remove the Wi-Fi adapter card from the computer, and then disconnect the front and rear Wi-Fi antenna cables from the Wi-Fi card module. Figure 47. Removing the Wi-Fi antenna cables ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 119
2. Remove the two screws that secure the Wi-Fi card module to the Wi-Fi adapter card. Figure 48. Removing the screws that secure the Wi-Fi card module 3. Pull the Wi-Fi card module out of the mini PCI Express slot to remove it from the Wi-Fi adapter card. Figure 49.
Page 120
1. Insert the Wi-Fi card module into the mini PCI Express slot, and then install the two screws to secure the Wi-Fi card module to the Wi-Fi adapter card. Figure 50. Installing the Wi-Fi card module ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 121
2. Connect the front antenna cable and rear antenna cable to the Wi-Fi card module. Figure 51. Installing the Wi-Fi antenna cables 3. Install the Wi-Fi adapter card into the PCI Express x1 slot on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board”...
To remove the rear Wi-Fi antenna, do the following: 1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2. Straighten the rear Wi-Fi antenna so that it can be more easily twisted. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
3. Hold the thicker end of the rear Wi-Fi antenna and unscrew the Wi-Fi antenna from the rear of the computer. Figure 54. Removing the rear WiFi antenna What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. •...
Page 124
Figure 56. Installing the front Wi-Fi antenna 6. Connect the front antenna cable to the Wi-Fi card module. What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
• To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 122. Removing the front Wi-Fi antenna To remove the front Wi-Fi antenna, do the following: 1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2.
2. Ensure that the cables are routed correctly. Keep cables clear of the hinges and sides of the computer chassis to avoid interference with closing the computer cover. 3. If you have removed the front bezel, reinstall it. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 83. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
8. To update your configuration, refer to Chapter 6 “Using the Setup Utility program” on page 55. Note: In most areas of the world, Lenovo requires the return of the defective Field Replaceable Units (FRUs). Information about this will come with the new FRUs or will come a few days after you receive the new FRUs.
Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information” on page 1. Notes: 1. Use only computer parts provided by Lenovo. 2. When installing or replacing an option, use the appropriate instructions in this section along with the instructions that come with the option.
4. Remove any locking device that secures the computer cover, such as a padlock or a Kensington-style cable lock. 5. Remove the two screws that secure the computer cover and slide the computer cover to the rear to remove it. Figure 60. Removing the computer cover ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Removing and reinstalling the front bezel Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information” on page 1. This section provides instructions on how to remove and reinstall the front bezel. To remove and reinstall the front bezel, do the following: 1.
1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 126. 3. Remove the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 127. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
4. Pivot the drive bay assembly upward to access all the internal drives, cables, and other components. Figure 63. Pivoting the drive bay assembly upward 5. To lower the drive bay assembly, press the drive bay assembly clip inward and pivot the drive bay assembly downward as shown.
Page 134
If the card is held in place by a retaining latch, press the card retaining latch as shown to disengage the latch. Grasp the card and gently pull it out of the slot. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
4. Remove the new PCI Express card from its static-protective package. 5. Install the new PCI Express card into the appropriate slot on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 79. Note: If you are installing a PCI Express x16 graphics card, ensure that the memory slot retaining clips are closed before you install the graphics card.
Page 136
Figure 66. Removing a memory module • If you are installing a memory module, open the retaining clips of the memory slot into which you want to install the memory module. Figure 67. Opening the retaining clips ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
9. Position the new memory module over the memory slot. Make sure that the notch on the memory module aligns correctly with the slot key on the system board. Push the memory module straight down into the slot until the retaining clips close. Figure 68.
1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 126. 3. Remove the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 127. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 139
4. Note the location of the four screws that secure the hard disk drive. Then, pivot the drive bay assembly upward. Figure 71. Pivoting the drive bay assembly 5. Hold the hard disk drive and remove the four screws that secure the hard disk drive. Then, remove the hard disk drive from the drive bay assembly.
Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information” on page 1. This section provides instructions on how to install or replace the optical drive. Note: The optical drive is only available in some models. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 141
To replace an optical drive, do the following: 1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 126. 3. Remove the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 127. 4.
Page 142
Figure 76. Lowering the drive bay assembly 8. Slide the optical drive out of the front of the computer. Figure 77. Removing the optical drive ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 143
9. Slide the new optical drive into the optical drive bay from the front of the computer. Figure 78. Installing a new optical drive 10. Hold the new optical drive and pivot the drive bay assembly upward. Align the screw holes in the new optical drive with the corresponding holes in the drive bay.
4. Record the cable routing of the installed slim card reader and disconnect the cable of the slim card reader from the system board. 5. Remove the screw that secures the slim card reader bracket and then remove the bracket from the chassis. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 145
Figure 81. Removing the slim card reader bracket 6. Remove the two screws that secure the card reader to the bracket. Then, slide the card reader as shown to remove it from the bracket. Note: Touch only the edges of the card reader. Do not touch the circuit board of it. Figure 82.
Page 146
79. What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. • To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 174. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Replacing the solid-state drive Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information” on page 1. This section provides instructions on how to replace the solid-state drive. The solid-state drive is only available in some models. It might be installed in the hard disk drive bay or on the bottom of the optical drive bay.
Page 148
4. Pivot the drive bay assembly upward. See “Accessing the system board components and drives” on page 128 5. Note the cable routing and disconnect the signal cable and the power cable from the solid-state drive. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 79. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 149
6. Remove the screw and then carefully slide the solid-state drive bracket upward to remove the bracket from the bottom of the optical drive bay. Figure 87. Removing the solid-state drive bracket 7. Remove the four screws that secure the solid-state drive to the bracket. Then, slide the drive as shown to remove it from the bracket.
Page 150
Figure 89. Installing the solid-state drive into the bracket 10. Carefully slide the solid-state drive bracket downward until it is secured by the three retaining clips the bottom of the optical drive bay. Figure 90. Installing the solid-state drive bracket ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
11. Install the screw to secure the bracket on the bottom of the optical drive bay. Figure 91. Installing the screw to secure the bracket on the bottom of the optical drive bay 12. Connect one end of the signal cable to the bottom of the new solid-state drive and the other end to an available SATA connector on the system board.
Page 152
Figure 92. Removing the heat sink fan duct 5. Disconnect the power supply assembly cables from all drives and from the 24-pin power connector and 4-pin power connector on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 79. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 153
Note: You might also need to release the power supply assembly cables from some cable clips or ties that secure the cables to the chassis. Make sure that you note the cable routing before disconnecting the cables. 6. At the rear of the computer, remove the three screws that secure the power supply assembly. Press the power supply clip downward to release the power supply assembly and then slide the power supply assembly to the front of the computer.
Page 154
Then, install the three screws to secure the new power supply assembly in place. Note: Use only screws provided by Lenovo. Figure 94. Installing the power supply assembly 9.
10. Lower and position the heat sink fan duct on the top of the heat sink and fan assembly until it snaps into position. Figure 95. Installing the heat sink fan duct 11. Secure the power supply assembly cables with the cable clips and ties in the chassis. What to do next: •...
Page 156
Figure 96. Removing the heat sink fan duct 5. Disconnect the heat sink and fan assembly cable from the microprocessor fan connector on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 79. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 157
6. Follow this sequence to remove the four screws that secure the heat sink and fan assembly to the system board: a. Partially remove screw , then fully remove screw , and then fully remove screw b. Partially remove screw , then fully remove screw , and then fully remove screw Note: Carefully remove the four screws from the system board to avoid any possible damage to the...
4. Locate the thermal sensor. See “Locating major FRUs and CRUs” on page 76. 5. Pivot the drive bay assembly upward. See “Accessing the system board components and drives” on page 128. 6. Disconnect the thermal sensor cable from the thermal sensor connector on the system board. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 159
7. On the inner side of the front panel, press the left retaining clip that secures the plastic holder of the thermal sensor as shown and then push the clip out of the outer side of the front panel. Then, disengage the plastic holder holding the thermal sensor from the chassis.
To replace the microprocessor, do the following: 1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets. 2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 126. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 161
3. Remove the heat sink and fan assembly. See “Replacing the heat sink and fan assembly” on page 151. Note: Place the heat sink and fan assembly on its side so that the thermal grease on the bottom of it does not get in contact with anything.
Page 162
11. Close the microprocessor retainer and lock it into position with the small handle to secure the new microprocessor in the socket. 12. Reinstall the heat sink and fan assembly. See “Replacing the heat sink and fan assembly” on page 151. 13. Reconnect all cables that were disconnected from the system board. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. • To complete the replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 174. Replacing the system board Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information” on page 1.
Page 164
16. To complete the replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 174. The failing system board must be returned with a microprocessor socket cover to protect the pins during shipping and handling. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
To install the microprocessor socket cover, do the following: 1. After you have removed the microprocessor from the failing system board, close the microprocessor retainer and then put the lever to the locked position to secure the retainer in place. 2.
Page 166
Figure 106. Removing the system fan assembly ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
9. Install the new system fan assembly by aligning the new rubber mounts that came with the new system fan assembly with the corresponding holes in the chassis, and then push the rubber mounts through the holes. Then, carefully pull on the tips of the rubber mounts from the bottom until the new system fan assembly is secured in place.
Page 168
13. Reinstall the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 127. What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. • To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 174. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Replacing the Wi-Fi units Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” on page 1. This section provides instructions on how to replace the Wi-Fi units. The Wi-Fi units include a Wi-Fi adapter card, a Wi-Fi card module, and a rear Wi-Fi antenna cable.
Page 170
To remove the Wi-Fi card module, do the following: 1. Remove the Wi-Fi adapter card from the computer, and then disconnect the front and rear Wi-Fi antenna cables from the Wi-Fi card module. Figure 111. Removing the Wi-Fi antenna cables ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Page 171
2. Remove the two screws that secure the Wi-Fi card module to the Wi-Fi adapter card. Figure 112. Removing the screws that secure the Wi-Fi card module 3. Pull the Wi-Fi card module out of the mini PCI Express slot to remove it from the Wi-Fi adapter card. Figure 113.
Page 172
Wi-Fi card module to the Wi-Fi adapter card. Figure 114. Installing the Wi-Fi card module 2. Connect the front antenna cable and rear antenna cable to the Wi-Fi card module. Figure 115. Connecting the Wi-Fi antenna cables ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
3. Locate the two PCI Express x1 slots on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 79. 4. Install the Wi-Fi adapter card into one of the two PCI Express x1 slots. Then install the screw to secure the Wi-Fi adapter card in place.
Page 174
3. Hold the thicker end of the rear WiFi antenna and unscrew the WiFi antenna from the rear of the computer. Figure 118. Removing the rear WiFi antenna What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
• To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 174. Installing or removing the front Wi-Fi antenna Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” on page 1.
Page 176
2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 126. 3. Remove the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 127. 4. Disconnect the front antenna cable from the Wi-Fi card module. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
5. Remove the front antenna and cable from the front of the computer. Figure 121. Removing the front WiFi antenna What to do next: • To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section. • To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 174. Replacing the keyboard or mouse Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding “Important safety information”...
9. To update your configuration, refer to Chapter 6 “Using the Setup Utility program” on page 55. Note: In most areas of the world, Lenovo requires the return of the defective Field Replaceable Units (FRUs). Information about this will come with the new FRUs or will come a few days after you receive the new FRUs.
Page 179
Obtaining device drivers You can obtain device drivers for operating systems that are not preinstalled at http://www.lenovo.com/support. Installation instructions are provided in readme files with the device-driver files. Chapter 10 Replacing FRUs (machine types: 10AU, 10AW, 10BF, and 10BG)
“Using passwords” on page 55. Operating system password Note: This section applies only to computer models that have an operating system preinstalled from Lenovo. An operating system password is very similar to a power-on password and denies access to the computer by an unauthorized user when the password is activated.
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 on the Windows 8 (64-bit) operating system, do the following: 1.
Updating (flashing) the BIOS from your operating system Note: Because Lenovo makes constant improvements to its Web sites, the Web page contents are subject to change without notice, including the contents referenced in the following procedure. To update (flash) the BIOS from your operating system, do the following: 1.
3. In the left panel, click Choose what the power buttons do. 4. In the Shutdown setting section, clear Turn on fast startup. Note: If the settings are unavailable, click Change settings that are currently unavailable. 5. Click Save changes. ThinkCentre E73 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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.
Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. European conformance CE mark Trademarks The following terms are trademarks of Lenovo in the United States, other countries, or both: Lenovo The Lenovo logo Rescue and Recovery...