Lenovo ThinkStation 4215, Hardware Maintenance Manual, Page: 173 / 180

Chapter 11. 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:
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Passwords
v
Vital Product Data
v
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 49.
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) the BIOS.”
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.
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To determine the current Level of BIOS:
– Start the Setup Utility program.
– Select Standard CMOS Features.
v
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) the BIOS.”
Updating (flashing) the BIOS
This section provides instructions on how to update the BIOS for your computer.
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