Lenovo ThinkCentre M73 10AX User Manual

ThinkCentreM73
UserGuide
MachineTypes:10AX,10AY,10DK,10DL,10DM,and10DN

Lenovo ThinkCentre M73 10AX Specifications

General

RAM	Up to 16GB DDR3 1600MHz
Networking	Gigabit Ethernet
Processor	Intel Core i3/i5/i7
Storage	Up to 1TB HDD or 256GB SSD
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics
Operating System	Windows 7/8/10
Form Factor	Small Form Factor (SFF)
Ports	DisplayPort, VGA, audio jacks, serial port
Chipset	Intel H81
Expansion Slots	PCIe x16
Dimensions (W x D x H)	179 x 182 x 34 mm (7.0 x 7.2 x 1.3 in)
Weight	1.3 kg (2.9 lb)
USB Ports	6 USB ports (4x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0)

Summary

Important safety information

Service and Upgrades

Information on servicing your product and customer-replaceable units (CRUs).

Static Electricity Prevention

Precautions to avoid damage from static electricity when handling computer components.

Power Cords and Power Adapters

Guidelines for using and maintaining power cords and adapters safely.

General Battery Notice

Important safety information regarding batteries in Lenovo computers.

Rechargeable Battery Notice

Safety warnings and precautions for rechargeable battery packs.

Heat and Product Ventilation

Precautions for ensuring proper airflow and preventing overheating.

Product Overview

Using Your Computer

Security

Security Features

Overview of built-in security features like Computrace and cover presence switch.

Preventing Unauthorized Access to Your Computer

Methods for preventing unauthorized access using BIOS and Windows accounts.

Protecting Data Against Viruses

Information on the preinstalled antivirus program and virus protection.

Installing or Replacing Hardware

Handling Static-Sensitive Devices

Precautions to prevent damage to components from static electricity.

Installing or Replacing Hardware

General instructions for installing or replacing computer hardware.

Installing or Removing the AC Power Adapter

Step-by-step guide for installing/removing the AC power adapter.

Replacing the Secondary Hard Disk Drive

Instructions for replacing the secondary hard disk drive.

Installing or Replacing a Memory Module

Guide for installing or replacing DDR3 SODIMM memory modules.

Replacing the Battery

Instructions for replacing the system's backup battery.

Replacing the Microprocessor

Procedure for replacing the microprocessor.

Completing the Parts Replacement

Final steps after replacing parts, including reassembly and cable connections.

Recovery Information

Recovery Information for the Windows 7 Operating System

Details on creating, using, and solving issues with recovery media for Windows 7.

Creating and Using Recovery Media

Steps to create and use recovery media for system restoration.

Performing Backup and Recovery Operations

Using Rescue and Recovery to back up and restore system data.

Using the Rescue and Recovery Workspace

Accessing the workspace for recovery operations independent of OS.

Creating and Using a Rescue Medium

Creating and using bootable media for system recovery.

Reinstalling Preinstalled Applications and Device Drivers

Procedures for reinstalling factory-installed applications and drivers.

Solving Recovery Problems

Troubleshooting steps for recovery issues.

Recovery Information for the Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Operating System

Recovery solutions for Windows 8 and 8.1, including refresh and reset.

Resetting Your Computer to the Factory Default Settings

Steps to reset the computer to factory defaults, erasing all data.

Recovering Your Operating System If Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Fails to Start

Procedures for recovering the OS when it fails to start.

Recovery Information for the Windows 10 Operating System

Recovery solutions for Windows 10, including recovery settings and System Restore.

Using the Setup Utility Program

Starting the Setup Utility Program

Steps to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

Viewing and Changing Settings

How to navigate and modify system configuration settings.

Using BIOS Passwords

Setting passwords to protect computer access and data.

Power-On Password

Setting a password required at system startup.

Administrator Password

Setting a password to control configuration changes.

Hard Disk Password

Setting a password to protect data on the hard disk drive.

Setting, Changing, and Deleting a Password

Procedures for managing BIOS passwords.

Erasing Lost or Forgotten Passwords (Clearing CMOS)

How to reset BIOS passwords by clearing CMOS settings.

Enabling or Disabling a Device

Configuring BIOS settings to enable/disable devices like USB or SATA.

Selecting a Startup Device

Choosing the boot order for devices.

Selecting or Changing the Startup Device Sequence

Permanently configuring the boot device sequence.

Exiting the Setup Utility Program

Saving or discarding changes and exiting the BIOS Setup Utility.

Updating System Programs

Updating the BIOS

Instructions for updating the computer's BIOS.

Recovering from a POST/BIOS Update Failure

Procedure to recover from failed POST or BIOS updates.

Preventing Problems

Keeping Your Computer Current

Ensuring software, drivers, and OS are up-to-date.

Getting the Latest Device Drivers for Your Computer

Methods for obtaining the latest device drivers.

Getting the Latest System Updates

Procedures for updating the operating system and software.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Guidelines for maintaining computer cleanliness and performance.

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Basic Troubleshooting

Common computer problems and their verification steps.

Troubleshooting Procedure

A step-by-step approach to diagnosing computer problems.

Audio Problems

Troubleshooting steps for audio issues, including no sound in Windows.

No Audio in Windows

Actions to take when there is no audio output in Windows.

Keyboard, Mouse, or Pointing Device Problems

Troubleshooting common issues with input devices.

All or Some Keys on the Keyboard Do Not Work

Steps to resolve issues with unresponsive keyboard keys.

The Mouse or Pointing Device Does Not Work

Troubleshooting steps if the mouse or pointing device is not functioning.

Monitor Problems

Troubleshooting common monitor display issues.

Networking Problems

Common networking issues and their solutions.

Ethernet Problems

Troubleshooting specific Ethernet connection issues.

Your Computer Cannot Connect to the Network

Steps to resolve network connectivity problems.

A Wireless LAN Problem

Troubleshooting issues with the built-in wireless LAN card.

An Option That Was Just Installed Does Not Work

Troubleshooting newly installed hardware options.

An Option That Previously Worked Does Not Work Now

Resolving issues with previously functional hardware options.

Performance and Lockup Problems

Addressing issues related to poor performance and system lockups.

Insufficient Free Hard Disk Drive Space

Steps to free up disk space to improve performance.

Insufficient Memory

Guidance on adding memory to improve system performance.

Printer Problems

Troubleshooting steps when a printer is not working.

Software Problems

Troubleshooting common software issues.

Software Does Not Work as Expected

Troubleshooting software that is not functioning correctly.

USB Problems

Troubleshooting issues with USB connectors and devices.

Getting Information, Help, and Service

Calling for Service

How to contact the Customer Support Center during the warranty period.