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Lenovo ThinkPad L420 (English) User Guide - Page 175

Troubleshooting computer problems, Diagnosing problems

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Chapter 10. Troubleshooting computer problems This section tells what to do if you have a computer problem. • "Diagnosing problems" on page 157 • "Troubleshooting" on page 158 Diagnosing problems Using the Lenovo Solution Center program Note: The Lenovo Solution Center program is available only on some models that are preinstalled with the Windows 7 operating system. If your Windows 7 model is not preinstalled with the program, you can download it from http://www.lenovo.com/support. The Lenovo Solution Center program enables you to troubleshoot and resolve computer problems. It combines diagnostic tests, system information collection, security status, and support information, along with hints and tips for maximum system performance. When you are setting up your computer, the Lenovo Solution Center program prompts you to create recovery media, which you can use to restore the hard disk drive to the factory default state. For more information, see "Creating and using recovery media" on page 81. To run the Lenovo Solution Center program, click Start ➙ All Programs ➙ Lenovo Solution Center. Then follow the instructions on the screen. For additional information, refer to the Lenovo Solution Center help system. Note: If you are unable to isolate and repair the problem yourself after running the program, save and print the log files created by the program. You will need the log files when you speak to a Lenovo technical support representative. Using Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox The Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program enables you to view symptoms of computer problems and find solutions for them. It also includes automatic notification when action is required, computing assistance, advanced diagnostics, and diagnostic history. To start this program, do as follows: For Windows 7: Click Start ➙ Control Panel ➙ System and Security ➙ Lenovo - System Health and Diagnostics. For Windows Vista and XP: Click Start ➙ All Programs ➙ ThinkVantage ➙ Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox. When the application is launched, select a diagnostic test to run. If there is any problem, besides the error messages, a guidance also will be displayed to guide you to fix the problem. For additional information, refer to the ThinkVantage Toolbox help system. Note: If you are unable to isolate and repair the problem yourself after running the program, save and print the log files created by the program. You will need the log files when you speak to a Lenovo technical support representative. © Copyright Lenovo 2012 157

Section	Page
Read this first	7
Important safety information	8
Conditions that require immediate action	9
Safety guidelines	9
Chapter 1. Product Overview	19
Locating computer controls, connectors, features, and indicators	19
Front view	20
Right-side view	22
Left-side view	23
Bottom view	25
Rear view	26
Status indicators	27
Locating important product information	29
Machine type and model label	29
FCC ID and IC Certification number label	29
Certificate of Authenticity label	31
Features	31
Specifications	32
Operating environment	33
ThinkVantage Technologies and software	34
Accessing applications in Windows 7	34
Access Connections	35
Active Protection System	36
Fingerprint Software	36
Lenovo Solution Center	36
Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools	36
Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox	37
Message Center Plus	37
Password Manager	37
Power Manager	37
Product Recovery	37
Presentation Director	38
Rescue and Recovery	38
SimpleTap	38
System Update	38
ThinkVantage GPS	38
ThinkVantage Productivity Center	39
Chapter 2. Using your computer	41
Register your computer	41
Frequently asked questions	41
Special keys and buttons	43
ThinkVantage button	43
Numeric keypad	43
Function key combinations	45
Volume and mute buttons	48
Windows key and Application key	49
Using the UltraNav pointing device	50
Using the TrackPoint pointing device	51
Using the touch pad	52
Behavior of the UltraNav and an external mouse	53
Adding the UltraNav icon to the system tray	53
Power management	54
Checking battery status	54
Using the ac power adapter	54
Charging the battery	55
Maximizing battery life	55
Managing your battery power	55
Power-saving modes	55
Handling the battery	57
Connecting to the network	58
Ethernet connections	58
Wireless connections	58
Using a projector or external display	66
Changing display settings	66
Connecting a projector or external display	67
Setting up a presentation	71
Using dual displays	72
Using a color profile	73
Using audio features	74
Using an integrated camera	74
Using optical drive	75
Using the media card reader	75
Inserting an ExpressCard, a Smart card, or a Flash Media Card	76
Removing an ExpressCard, a Smart card, or a Flash Media Card	77
Chapter 3. You and your computer	79
Accessibility and comfort	79
Ergonomic information	79
Adjusting your computer to fit you	80
Accessibility information	81
FullScreen Magnifier function	81
Traveling with your computer	82
Travel tips	82
Travel accessories	82
Chapter 4. Security	85
Attaching a mechanical lock	85
Using passwords	85
Passwords and sleep (standby) mode	86
Using Passphrase	86
Power-on password	88
Hard disk passwords	89
Supervisor password	91
Hard disk security	93
Setting the security chip	93
Using a fingerprint reader	94
Notice on deleting data from your hard disk drive or solid state	96
Using and understanding firewalls	97
Protecting data against viruses	97
Chapter 5. Recovery overview	99
Creating and using recovery media	99
Creating recovery media	100
Using recovery media	100
Performing backup and recovery operations	101
Performing a backup operation	101
Performing a recovery operation	101
Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace	102
Creating and using a rescue medium	103
Creating a rescue medium	103
Using a rescue medium	104
Reinstalling preinstalled applications and device drivers	104
Solving recovery problems	105
Chapter 6. Replacing devices	107
Static electricity prevention	107
Replacing the battery	107
Replacing the memory	109
Replacing the hard disk drive	111
Replacing the solid state drive	115
Installing and replacing the mSATA solid state drive	119
Replacing the optical drive	121
Replacing the SIM card	122
Replacing the palm rest	124
Replacing the PCI Express Mini Card for wireless LAN/WiMAX conne	128
Installing and replacing the PCI Express Mini Card for wireless	129
Replacing the integrated camera	132
Chapter 7. Enhancing your computer	137
Finding ThinkPad options	137
ThinkPad port replicator and docking station	137
Front view	138
Rear view	140
Attaching a ThinkPad port replicator or docking station	143
Detaching a ThinkPad port replicator or docking station	145
Security feature	146
Using the system lock key	147
Chapter 8. Advanced configuration	149
Installing a new operating system	149
Before you begin	149
Installing Windows 7	150
Installing Windows Vista	150
Installing Windows XP	151
Installing device drivers	153
Installing driver for the 4-in-1 Media card reader	153
Installing ThinkPad Monitor File for Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7	154
Installing Intel Chipset Support for Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7	155
Installing other device drivers	155
BIOS Setup Utility	156
Config menu	157
Date and time menu	157
Security menu	157
Startup menu	158
Restart menu	160
BIOS Setup Utility items	161
Updating your system BIOS	166
Using system management	167
System management	167
Setting management features	168
Chapter 9. Preventing problems	169
General tips for preventing problems	169
Making sure device drivers are current	170
Getting the latest drivers from the Web site	170
Getting the latest drivers using ThinkVantage System Update	170
Taking care of your computer	171
Cleaning the cover of your computer	172
Chapter 10. Troubleshooting computer problems	175
Diagnosing problems	175
Using the Lenovo Solution Center program	175
Using Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox	175
Using the Lenovo Support Web site	176
Troubleshooting	176
Computer stops responding	176
Spills on the keyboard	177
Error messages and beep errors	177
Errors without messages	179
Memory problems	180
Networking	181
Keyboard and other pointing devices	185
Display and multimedia devices	186
Fingerprint reader problems	196
Battery and power	196
Drives and other storage devices	200
Software problems	202
Ports and connectors	202
Chapter 11. Getting support	205
Before you contact Lenovo	205
Register your computer	205
Download system updates	205
Record information	205
Getting help and service	206
Using diagnostic programs	206
Lenovo Support Web site	206
Calling Lenovo	206
Purchasing additional services	207
Appendix A. Regulatory information	209
Wireless related information	209
Location of the UltraConnect wireless antennas	210
Locating wireless regulatory notices	211
Export classification notice	211
Electronic emission notices	211
Federal Communications Commission Declaration of Conformity	211
Industry Canada Class B emission compliance statement	212
European Union - Compliance to the Electromagnetic Compatibility	212
German Class B compliance statement	212
Korea Class B compliance statement	213
Japan VCCI Class B compliance statement	213
Japan compliance statement for products which connect to the pow	213
Lenovo product service information for Taiwan	213
Additional regulatory information	213
Appendix B. WEEE and recycling statements	215
Important WEEE Information	215
Japan recycling statements	215
Recycling information for Brazil	216
Battery recycling information for the United States and Canada	216
Battery recycling information for the European Union	217
Battery recycling information for Taiwan	217
Appendix C. Notices	219
Trademarks	220
Appendix D. Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)	221
China RoHS	221
Turkish RoHS	221
Ukraine RoHS	221

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Chapter 10.

Troubleshooting computer problems

This section tells what to do if you have a computer problem.

•

“Diagnosing problems” on page 157

•

“Troubleshooting” on page 158

Diagnosing problems

Using the Lenovo Solution Center program

Note:

The Lenovo Solution Center program is available only on some models that are preinstalled with the

Windows 7 operating system. If your Windows 7 model is not preinstalled with the program, you can

download it from http://www.lenovo.com/support.

The Lenovo Solution Center program enables you to troubleshoot and resolve computer problems. It

combines diagnostic tests, system information collection, security status, and support information, along

with hints and tips for maximum system performance.

When you are setting up your computer, the Lenovo Solution Center program prompts you to create recovery

media, which you can use to restore the hard disk drive to the factory default state. For more information,

see “Creating and using recovery media” on page 81.

To run the Lenovo Solution Center program, click

Start

➙

All Programs

➙

Lenovo Solution Center

. Then

follow the instructions on the screen.

For additional information, refer to the Lenovo Solution Center help system.

Note:

If you are unable to isolate and repair the problem yourself after running the program, save and print

the log ﬁles created by the program. You will need the log ﬁles when you speak to a Lenovo technical

support representative.

Using Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox

The Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program enables you to view symptoms of computer problems and ﬁnd

solutions for them. It also includes automatic notiﬁcation when action is required, computing assistance,

advanced diagnostics, and diagnostic history.

To start this program, do as follows:

For Windows 7: Click

Start

➙

Control Panel

➙

System and Security

➙

Lenovo - System Health and

Diagnostics

For Windows Vista and XP: Click

Start

➙

All Programs

➙

ThinkVantage

➙

Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox

When the application is launched, select a diagnostic test to run. If there is any problem, besides the error

messages, a guidance also will be displayed to guide you to ﬁx the problem.

For additional information, refer to the ThinkVantage Toolbox help system.

Note:

If you are unable to isolate and repair the problem yourself after running the program, save and print

the log ﬁles created by the program. You will need the log ﬁles when you speak to a Lenovo technical

support representative.

157