Lenovo N 500 Service Manual

							Supervisor password 
A supervisor password (SVP) protects the system information stored in the BIOS 
Setup Utility. The user must enter the SVP in order to get access to the BIOS Setup 
Utility and change the system configuration. 
Attention:   If the SVP has been forgotten and cannot be made available to the 
servicer, there is no service procedure to reset the password. The system board 
must be replaced for a scheduled fee. 
How to remove the hard-disk password 
Attention: 
 If User only mode is selected and the user HDP has been forgotten 
and cannot be made available to the servicer, neither Lenovo nor Lenovo 
authorized servicers provide any services to reset the user HDPs or to recover data 
from the hard disk drive. The hard disk drive can be replaced for a scheduled fee. 
To remove a user HDP that has been forgotten, when the SVP and the master HDP 
are known, do the following: 
 
1.   
 Turn on the computer; then, while the initial screen is displayed, press the 
Lenovo Care button. The Rescue and Recovery screen opens. 
 
2.   
 Click Access BIOS. The System Restart Required window is displayed. 
 
3.   
 Click Ye s. The computer restarts, and the BIOS Setup Utility screen opens. 
 
4.   
 Select Security, using the cursor directional keys to move down the menu. 
 
5.   
 Select Password. 
 
6.   
 Select Hard-disk x password, where x is the letter of the hard disk drive. A 
pop-up window opens. 
 
7.   
 Select Master HDP. 
 
8.   
 Type the current master HDP in the Enter Current Password field. then leave 
the Enter New Password field blank, and press Enter twice. 
 
9.   
 Press F10. 
10. 
 
 Select Ye s in the Setup Configuration window. 
Both user HDP and master HDP will have been removed.
 
 
Related service information 33 
						

							Power management 
Note: Power management modes are not supported for APM operating system. 
To reduce power consumption, the computer has three power management modes: 
screen blank, sleep (standby), and hibernation. 
Screen blank mode 
If the time set on the “Turn off monitor” timer in the operating system expires, the 
LCD backlight turns off. 
To put the computer into screen blank mode, press the Lenovo Care button and 
use the ThinkVantage® Productivity Center. 
To end screen blank mode and resume normal operation, press any key. 
Sleep (standby) mode 
When the computer enters sleep (standby) mode, the following events occur in 
addition to what occurs in screen blank mode: 
v   
 The LCD is powered off. 
v 
 
 The hard disk drive is powered off. 
v 
 
 The CPU stops.
To
 enter sleep (standby) mode, press Fn+F4. 
In certain circumstances, the computer goes into sleep (standby) mode 
automatically: 
v   
 If a “suspend time” has been set on the timer, and the user does not do any 
operation with the keyboard, the hard disk, the parallel connector, or the 
diskette drive within that time. 
v 
 
 If the battery indicator blinks orange, indicating that the battery power is low. 
(Alternatively, if Hibernate when battery becomes low has been selected in the 
“Power Management Properties” window, the computer goes into hibernation 
mode.)
To
 cause the computer to return from sleep (standby) mode and resume operation, 
do one of the following: 
v   
 Press the Fn key. 
v 
 
 Open the LCD cover. 
v 
 
 Turn on the power switch.
Also,
 in the following event, the computer automatically returns from sleep 
(standby) mode and resumes operation: 
v   
 The time set on the resume timer elapses. 
Note: The computer does not accept any input immediately after it enters sleep 
(standby) mode. Wait a few seconds before taking any action to reenter 
operation mode.
 
34 Lenovo 3000 N500 Hardware Maintenance Manual 
						

							Hibernation mode 
In hibernation mode, the following occurs: 
v   
 The system status, RAM, VRAM, and setup data are stored on the hard disk. 
v 
 
 The system is powered off.
To
 cause the computer to enter hibernation mode, do any of the following: 
v   
 Press the Fn+F12 keys. 
v 
 
 If you are using the ACPI operating system and have defined one of the 
following actions as the event that causes the system to go into hibernation 
mode, perform that action. 
– 
 
 Closing the lid. 
– 
 
 Pressing the power button.
Also,
 the computer goes into hibernation mode automatically in either of the 
following conditions: 
v   
 If a “hibernation time” has been set on the timer, and if the user does not do 
any operation with the keyboard, the hard disk drive, the parallel connector, or 
the diskette drive within that time. 
v 
 
 If the timer conditions are satisfied in suspend mode.
When
 the power is turned on, the computer returns from hibernation mode and 
resumes operation. The hibernation file in the boot record on the hard disk drive is 
read, and system status is restored from the hard disk drive. 
 
Related service information 35 
						

							Symptom-to-FRU index 
This section contains following information: 
v   
 “Numeric error codes” 
v 
 
 “Error messages” on page 38 
v 
 
 “No-beep symptoms” on page 39 
v 
 
 “LCD-related symptoms” on page 40 
v 
 
 “Intermittent problems” on page 41 
v 
 
 “Undetermined problems” on page 41
The
 symptom-to-FRU index in this section lists symptoms and errors and their 
possible causes. The most likely cause is listed first, in boldface type. 
Note: Do the FRU replacement or other actions in the sequence shown in the 
column headed “FRU or action, in sequence.” If replacing a FRU does not solve 
the problem, put the original part back in the computer. Do not replace a 
nondefective FRU. 
This index can also help you determine, during regular servicing, what FRUs are 
likely to need to be replaced next. 
A numeric error is displayed for each error detected in POST or system operation. 
In the displays, n can be any number. 
If no numeric code is displayed, check the narrative descriptions of symptoms. If 
the symptom is not described there, go to “Intermittent problems” on page 41. 
   
 
Numeric error codes 
 Table 1. Numeric error codes 
Symptom or error FRU or action, in sequence 
0200
Hard
 disk error—The hard disk is not 
working. 
1.   
 Reseat the hard disk drive. 
2. 
 
 Load Setup Defaults in BIOS Setup 
Utility. 
3. 
 
 Hard disk drive. 
4. 
 
 System board. 
021x
Keyboard
 error. 
Run interactive tests of the keyboard and 
the auxiliary input device. 
0220
Monitor
 type error—Monitor type does not 
match the one specified in CMOS. 
Load Setup Defaults in BIOS Setup Utility. 
0230
Shadow
 RAM error—Shadow RAM fails at 
offset nnnn. 
System board. 
0231
System
 RAM error—System RAM fails at 
offset nnnn. 
1.   
 DIMM. 
2. 
 
 System board.   
Note:
For
 a device not supported by diagnostic codes in the Lenovo 3000 computers, 
see the manual for that device. 
 
36 Lenovo 3000 N500 Hardware Maintenance Manual 
						

							Table 1. Numeric error codes (continued) 
Symptom or error FRU or action, in sequence 
0232
Extended
 RAM error— Extended RAM fails 
at offset nnnn. 
1.   
 DIMM. 
2. 
 
 System board. 
0250
System
 battery error—System battery is 
dead. 
1.   
 Charge the backup battery for more 
than 8 hours by connecting the ac 
adapter. 
2. 
 
 Replace the backup battery and run BIOS 
Setup Utility to reset the time and date. 
0251
System
 CMOS checksum bad— Default 
configuration used. 
1.   
 Charge the backup battery for more 
than 8 hours by connecting the ac 
adapter. 
2. 
 
 Replace the backup battery and run BIOS 
Setup Utility to reset the time and date. 
0260
System
 timer error. 
1.   
 Charge the backup battery for more 
than 8 hours by connecting the ac 
adapter. 
2. 
 
 Replace the backup battery and run BIOS 
Setup Utility to reset the time and date. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
0270
Real-time
 clock error. 
1.   
 Charge the backup battery for more 
than 8 hours by connecting the ac 
adapter. 
2. 
 
 Replace the backup battery and run BIOS 
Setup Utility to reset the time and date. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
0280
Previous
 boot incomplete— Default 
configuration used. 
1.   
 Load “Setup Default” in BIOS Setup 
Utility. 
2. 
 
 DIMM. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
02F4
EISA
 CMOS not writable. 
1.   
 Load Setup Defaults in BIOS Setup 
Utility. 
2. 
 
 Replace the backup battery. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
02F5
DMA
 test failed. 
1.   
 DIMM. 
2. 
 
 System board. 
02F6
Software
 NMI failed 
1.   
 DIMM. 
2. 
 
 System board. 
02F7
Fail-safe
 timer NMI failed 
1.   
 DIMM. 
2. 
 
 System board. 
 
 
Related service information 37 
						

							Error messages 
 Table 2. Error messages 
Symptom or error FRU or action, in sequence 
Unsupported memory. DIMM. Make sure to use supported 
memory. 
Device address conflict. 1.   
 Load “Setup Defaults” in the BIOS 
Setup Utility. 
2. 
 
 Backup battery. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
Allocation error for device. 1. 
 
 Load “Setup Defaults” in the BIOS 
Setup Utility. 
2. 
 
 Backup battery. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
Failing bits: nnnn. 1. 
 
 DIMM. 
2. 
 
 System board. 
Invalid system configuration data. 1. 
 
 DIMM. 
2. 
 
 System board. 
I/O device IRQ conflict. 1. 
 
 Load “Setup Defaults” in the BIOS 
Setup Utility. 
2. 
 
 Backup battery. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
Hibernation error. 1. 
 
 Restore the system configuration to 
what it was before the computer 
entered hibernation mode. 
2. 
 
 If memory size has been changed, 
re-create the hibernation file. 
Fan error. 1. 
 
 Fan. 
2. 
 
 Thermal grease. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
Thermal sensing error. System board. 
Authentication of system services failed. 
Press  to resume. 
The Predesktop Area in the HDD is 
corrupted. Restore it from a recovery disc. 
Cannot boot from any device. Check the status of device which you want 
to boot from. 
Device not found. 
1. 
 
 The device you want to boot from. 
2. 
 
 System board.
Device
 Error. 
1.   
 The device you want to boot from. 
2. 
 
 System board.
No
 valid operating system. 
1.   
 Check that the operating system has no 
failure and is installed correctly. 
2. 
 
 Reinstall the operation system.
Excluded
 from boot order. 
v   
 Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and add the 
device in boot order.
 
 
38 Lenovo 3000 N500 Hardware Maintenance Manual 
						

							No-beep symptoms 
 Table 3. No-beep symptoms 
Symptom or error FRU or action, in sequence 
No beep, power-on indicator on, LCD blank, 
and no POST. 
1.   
 Make sure that every connector is 
connected tightly and correctly. 
2. 
 
 DIMM. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
No beep, power-on indicator on, and LCD 
blank during POST. 1. 
 
 Reseat DIMM. 
2. 
 
 System board. 
The power-on password prompt appears. A power-on password or a supervisor 
password is set. Type the password and 
press Enter. 
The hard-disk password prompt appears. A hard-disk password is set. Type the 
password and press Enter. 
 
 
Related service information 39 
						

							LCD-related symptoms 
 
 Table 4. Minimum quantity of defective pixels required for LCD replacement on June 2006 
or later manufactured Lenovo 3000 
LCD resolution Bright dots Dark dots Bright and dark dots 
XGA, WXGA 5 6 6 
WXGA+, SXGA+, 
WSXGA+ 
5 8 10 
UXGA, WUXGA, 
QXGA 
5 13 13
   
Notes: 
v 
 
 Lenovo will not provide replacement if the LCD is within specification as we 
cannot guarantee that any replacement LCD will have zero pixel defects. 
v 
 
 A bright dot means a pixel is always on (white or color.) 
v 
 
 A dark dot means a pixel is always off (black color.) 
v 
 
 One pixel consists of R, G, B sub-pixels.
 Table 5. LCD-related symptoms 
Symptom or error FRU or action, in sequence 
No beep, power-on indicator on, and a 
blank LCD during POST. 
System board. 
v 
 
 LCD backlight not working. 
v 
 
 LCD too dark. 
v 
 
 LCD brightness cannot be adjusted. 
v 
 
 LCD contrast cannot be adjusted. 
1. 
 
 Reseat the LCD connectors. 
2. 
 
 LCD assembly. 
3. 
 
 System board. 
v 
 
 LCD screen unreadable. 
v 
 
 Characters missing pixels. 
v 
 
 Screen abnormal. 
v 
 
 Wrong color displayed. 
1. 
 
 See important note for “LCD-related 
symptoms.” 
2. 
 
 Reseat all LCD connectors. 
3. 
 
 LCD assembly. 
4. 
 
 System board. 
Horizontal or vertical lines displayed on 
LCD. 
LCD assembly. 
  
Important: The TFT LCD for the notebook computer contains many thin-film 
transistors (TFTs). The presence of a small number of dots that are missing, 
discolored, or always lighted is characteristic of TFT LCD technology, but 
excessive pixel problems can cause viewing concerns. The LCD should be 
replaced if the number of missing, discolored, or lighted dots in any background 
is as follows: 
 
40 Lenovo 3000 N500 Hardware Maintenance Manual 
						

							Intermittent problems 
Intermittent system hang problems can be due to a variety of causes that have 
nothing to do with a hardware defect, such as cosmic radiation, electrostatic 
discharge, or software errors. FRU replacement should be considered only when a 
problem recurs. 
When analyzing an intermittent problem, do the following: 
1.   
 Run the diagnostic test for the system board in loop mode at least 10 times. 
2. 
 
 If no error is detected, do not replace any FRUs. 
3. 
 
 If any error is detected, replace the FRU shown by the FRU code. Rerun the 
test to verify that no more errors exist.
Undetermined problems 
If the diagnostic tests did not identify the adapter or device that has failed, if 
wrong devices are installed, or if the system simply is not operating, follow these 
procedures to isolate the failing FRU (do not isolate FRUs that have no defects). 
Verify that all attached devices are supported by the computer. 
Verify that the power supply being used at the time of the failure is operating 
correctly. (See “Power system checkout” on page 29.) 
1. 
 
 Turn off the computer. 
2. 
 
 Visually check each FRU for damage. Replace any damaged FRU. 
3. 
 
 Remove or disconnect all of the following devices: 
a. 
 
 Non-Lenovo 3000 devices 
b. 
 
 Devices attached to the docking station or the port replicator 
c. 
 
 Printer, mouse, and other external devices 
d. 
 
 Battery pack 
e. 
 
 Hard disk drive 
f. 
 
 External diskette drive or optical drive 
g. 
 
 DIMM 
h. 
 
 Optical disk or diskette in the internal drive 
i. 
 
 PC Cards
4.
   
 Turn on the computer. 
5. 
 
 Determine whether the problem has been solved. 
6. 
 
 If the problem does not recur, reconnect the removed devices one at a time 
until you find the failing FRU. 
7. 
 
 If the problem remains, replace the following FRUs one at a time (do not 
replace a nondefective FRU): 
a. 
 
 System board 
b. 
 
 LCD assembly
 
Related service information 41 
						

							42 Lenovo 3000 N500 Hardware Maintenance Manual