Lenovo ThinkStation 2551, Hardware Maintenance Manual, Page: 175 / 188

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 55.
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 “Flash
update procedures” on page 169.
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 “Flash update procedures” on page 169.
Note: BIOS settings vary by operating system. Change the BIOS settings before installing a new operating
system. See “Changing the BIOS settings before installing a new operating system” on page 60.
Flash update procedures
This section details how to flash (update) the BIOS.
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