Lenovo ThinkCentre A57, Hardware Maintenance Manual

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Chapter 12. Additional Service Information
This chapter provides additional information that the service representative might find helpful.
Security features
Security features in this section include the following:
• Passwords
• Vital Product Data
• Management Information Format (MIF)
Hardware controlled Passwords
Hardware controlled passwords are set using the Setup Utility program. For more information about
passwords, see “Using passwords” on page 41.
Operating system password
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. The computer is unusable until the password is
entered and recognized by the computer.
Vital product data
Each computer has a unique Vital Product Data (VPD) code stored in the nonvolatile memory on the system
board. After you replace the system board, the VPD must be updated. To update the VPD, see “Updating
(flashing) BIOS from a CD-ROM or diskette” on page 775.
BIOS levels
An incorrect level of BIOS can cause false errors and unnecessary FRU replacement. Use the following
information to determine the current level of BIOS installed in the computer, the latest BIOS available for the
computer, and where to obtain the latest level of BIOS.
• To determine the current Level of BIOS:
– Start the Setup Utility.
– Select Standard CMOS Features.
• Sources for obtaining the latest level BIOS available
1. Lenovo support web site:
http://www.lenovo.com/support/
2. Lenovo Customer Support Center
3. Levels 1 and 2 Support
To update (flash) the BIOS, see “Updating (flashing) BIOS from a CD-ROM or diskette” on page 775.
Updating (flashing) BIOS from a CD-ROM or diskette
This section describes how to update (flash) the BIOS using a CD-ROM or diskette. system program updates
are available athttp://www.lenovo.com/support on the World Wide Web.
1. To update (flash) the BIOS:
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