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Preventing problems, General tips for preventing problems

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Chapter 9. Preventing problems An important part of owning a ThinkPad notebook is maintenance. With proper care, you can avoid common problems. The following sections provide information that can help you to keep your computer running smoothly. • "General tips for preventing problems" on page 175 • "Making sure device drivers are current" on page 176 • "Taking care of your computer" on page 177 General tips for preventing problems 1. Check the capacity of your hard disk drive from time to time. If the hard disk drive gets too full, Windows will slow down and might produce errors. Note: In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, click Start ➙ Computer. In Windows XP, click Start ➙ My Computer. 2. Empty your recycle bin on a regular basis. 3. Use disk defragment tool regularly on your hard disk drive to improve data seek and read times. 4. To free up disk space, uninstall unused application programs. Note: You might also want to look for application program duplication or overlapping versions. 5. Clean out your Inbox, Sent, and Trash folders from your e-mail client program. 6. At least once a week, make a point to back up your data. If critical data is present, it is a good idea to perform a daily backup. Lenovo has many backup options available for your computer. Rewritable optical drives are available for most machines and are easily installed. 7. Use or schedule System Restore to take a system snapshot periodically. For more information about System Restore see Chapter 5 "Recovery overview" on page 85. 8. Update device drivers and UEFI BIOS when needed. 9. Profile your machine at http://www.lenovo.com/support to keep up to date with current drivers and revisions. 10. Keep up to date for device drivers on other non-Lenovo hardware. You might want to read the device driver information release notes prior to updating for compatibility or known issues. 11. Keep a log book. Entries might include major hardware or software changes, driver updates, minor issues you have experienced and how you resolved them. 12. If you ever need to run a recovery on your computer to return the preload onto the machine, the following tips might help along the way: • Remove all external devices such as the printer, keyboard, etc. • Make sure that your battery is charged and that you have the ac power connected. • Boot into the ThinkPad Setup and load the default settings. • Restart the machine and start the recovery. • If your machine uses discs as the recovery media, DO NOT remove the disc from the drive until prompted to do so. 13. For suspected hard disk drive issues, refer to "Diagnosing problems" on page 181 and run diagnostic test of the drive prior to calling the Customer Support Center. If your computer does not start up, download the files to create a bootable self-test media from the following Web site at http://www.lenovo.com/hddtest. Run the test and record any messages or error codes. If the test returns any failing error codes or messages, call the Customer Support Center with the codes or messages and the computer in front of you. A technician will assist you further. © Copyright Lenovo 2012 175

Section	Page
Read this first	7
Important safety information	8
Conditions that require immediate action	9
Safety guidelines	9
Chapter 1. Product overview	17
Locating computer controls, connectors, and indicators	17
Front view	18
Right-side view	21
Left-side view	22
Bottom view	23
Rear View	25
Status indicators	26
Locating important product information	29
Machine type and model label	29
FCC ID and IC Certification number label	30
Certificate of Authenticity label	31
Features	31
Specifications	33
Operating environment	33
ThinkVantage Technologies and software	34
Accessing applications in Windows 7	34
Access Connections	36
Active Protection System	36
Client Security Solution	36
Fingerprint Software	37
Lenovo Solution Center	37
Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools	37
Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox	37
Message Center Plus	38
Password Manager	38
Power Manager	38
Presentation Director	38
Product Recovery	39
Rescue and Recovery	39
SimpleTap	39
System Update	39
ThinkVantage GPS	39
ThinkVantage Productivity Center	40
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	44
Volume and mute buttons	48
Windows key and Application key	49
Using the UltraNav pointing device	50
Using the TrackPoint pointing device	50
Using the touch pad	52
Behavior of the UltraNav and an external mouse	53
Adding the UltraNav icon to the system tray	53
Touch panel	54
Power management	54
Checking battery status	55
Using the ac power adapter	55
Charging the battery	56
Maximizing battery life	56
Managing your battery power	56
Power-saving modes	56
Handling the battery	58
Connecting to the network	59
Ethernet connections	59
Wireless connections	59
Using a projector or external display	67
Changing display settings	67
Connecting a projector or external display	68
Setting up a presentation	72
Using dual displays	73
Using the NVIDIA Optimus Graphics feature	75
Using audio features	75
Using an integrated camera	76
Using the ThinkLight feature	77
Using the optical drive	77
Using the media card reader	77
Inserting an ExpressCard, a flash media card, or a smart card	78
Removing an ExpressCard, a flash media card or a smart card	78
Chapter 3. You and your computer	81
Accessibility and comfort	81
Ergonomic information	81
Adjusting your computer to fit you	82
Accessibility information	83
FullScreen Magnifier function	83
Traveling with your computer	84
Travel tips	84
Travel accessories	84
Chapter 4. Security	87
Attaching a mechanical lock	87
Using passwords	87
Passwords and sleep (standby) mode	88
Typing passwords	88
Power-on password	88
Hard disk passwords	89
Supervisor password	91
Hard disk security	93
Setting the security chip	94
Using a fingerprint reader	95
Notice on deleting data from your hard disk drive or solid state	98
Using and understanding firewalls	98
Protecting data against viruses	99
Chapter 5. Recovery overview	101
Creating and using recovery media	101
Creating recovery media	102
Using recovery media	102
Performing backup and recovery operations	103
Performing a backup operation	103
Performing a recovery operation	103
Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace	104
Creating and using a rescue medium	105
Creating a rescue medium	105
Using a rescue medium	105
Reinstalling preinstalled applications and device drivers	106
Solving recovery problems	107
Chapter 6. Replacing devices	109
Static electricity prevention	109
Replacing memory	109
Replacing the backup battery	112
Replacing the battery	113
Replacing the hard disk drive	115
Replacing the keyboard	118
Replacing the mSATA solid state drive	123
Replacing the PCI Express Mini Card for wireless LAN/WiMAX conne	126
Replacing the PCI Express Mini Card for Wireless WAN	135
Replacing the SIM card	139
Replacing the solid state drive	140
Chapter 7. Enhancing your computer	145
Finding ThinkPad options	145
Using the Serial Ultrabay Slim	145
Replacing the device	145
Performing a hot swap	146
Performing a warm swap	147
Inserting the hard disk drive into the adapter	149
Inserting the hard disk drive adapter into the bay	151
ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3,	152
Front view	152
Rear view	155
Attaching a ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, ThinkPad Mini Doc	158
Detaching a ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, ThinkPad Mini Doc	160
Security feature	162
Using the system lock key	164
Chapter 8. Advanced configuration	165
Installing a new operating system	165
Before you begin	165
Installing Windows 7	166
Installing Windows Vista	167
Installing Windows XP	168
Installing device drivers	171
Installing the driver for the 4-in-1 Media Card Reader	171
Installing the driver for USB 3.0	171
Installing ThinkPad Monitor File for Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7	171
ThinkPad Setup	173
Config menu	174
Date and time menu	175
Security menu	175
Startup menu	176
Restart menu	178
ThinkPad Setup items	178
Updating your system UEFI BIOS	188
Using system management	188
System management	188
Setting management features	189
Chapter 9. Preventing problems	191
General tips for preventing problems	191
Making sure device drivers are current	192
Getting the latest drivers from the Web site	192
Getting the latest drivers using System Update	192
Taking care of your computer	193
Cleaning the cover of your computer	194
Chapter 10. Troubleshooting computer problems	197
Diagnosing problems	197
Troubleshooting	198
Computer stops responding	198
Spills on the keyboard	199
Error messages	199
Errors without messages	201
Beep errors	202
Memory problems	203
Networking	203
Keyboard and other pointing devices	207
Display and multimedia devices	209
Fingerprint reader problems	218
Battery and power	219
Drives and other storage devices	222
Software problems	224
Ports and connectors	225
Universal Serial Bus problems	225
A docking station or port replicator problem	225
Chapter 11. Getting support	227
Before you contact Lenovo	227
Register your computer	227
Download system updates	227
Record information	227
Getting help and service	228
Using diagnostic programs	228
Lenovo Support Web site	228
Calling Lenovo	228
Purchasing additional services	229
Appendix A. Regulatory information	231
Wireless related information	231
Location of the UltraConnect wireless antennas	232
Locating wireless regulatory notices	233
Export classification notice	234
Electronic emission notices	234
Federal Communications Commission Declaration of Conformity	234
Industry Canada Class B emission compliance statement	234
European Union - Compliance to the Electromagnetic Compatibility	234
German Class B compliance statement	235
Korea Class B compliance statement	235
Japanese VCCI Class B statement	236
Japan compliance statement for products which connect to the pow	236
Lenovo product service information for Taiwan	236
Appendix B. WEEE and recycling statements	237
Important WEEE Information	237
Japan recycling statements	237
Battery recycling information for Brazil	238
Battery recycling information for Taiwan	238
Battery recycling information for European Union	239
Battery recycling information for United States and Canada	239
Appendix C. Notices	241
Trademarks	242
Appendix D. Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)	243
China RoHS	243
Turkish RoHS	243
Ukraine RoHS	243

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Chapter 9.

Preventing problems

An important part of owning a ThinkPad notebook is maintenance. With proper care, you can avoid

common problems. The following sections provide information that can help you to keep your computer

running smoothly.

•

“General tips for preventing problems” on page 175

•

“Making sure device drivers are current” on page 176

•

“Taking care of your computer” on page 177

General tips for preventing problems

1. Check the capacity of your hard disk drive from time to time. If the hard disk drive gets too full, Windows

will slow down and might produce errors.

Note:

In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, click

Start

➙

Computer

. In Windows XP, click

Start

➙

My Computer

2. Empty your recycle bin on a regular basis.

3. Use disk defragment tool regularly on your hard disk drive to improve data seek and read times.

4. To free up disk space, uninstall unused application programs.

Note:

You might also want to look for application program duplication or overlapping versions.

5. Clean out your Inbox, Sent, and Trash folders from your e-mail client program.

6. At least once a week, make a point to back up your data. If critical data is present, it is a good idea

to perform a daily backup. Lenovo has many backup options available for your computer. Rewritable

optical drives are available for most machines and are easily installed.

7. Use or schedule System Restore to take a system snapshot periodically. For more information about

System Restore see Chapter 5 “Recovery overview” on page 85.

8. Update device drivers and UEFI BIOS when needed.

9. Proﬁle your machine at http://www.lenovo.com/support to keep up to date with current drivers and

revisions.

10. Keep up to date for device drivers on other non-Lenovo hardware. You might want to read the device

driver information release notes prior to updating for compatibility or known issues.

11. Keep a log book. Entries might include major hardware or software changes, driver updates, minor

issues you have experienced and how you resolved them.

12. If you ever need to run a recovery on your computer to return the preload onto the machine, the

following tips might help along the way:

•

Remove all external devices such as the printer, keyboard, etc.

•

Make sure that your battery is charged and that you have the ac power connected.

•

Boot into the ThinkPad Setup and load the default settings.

•

Restart the machine and start the recovery.

•

If your machine uses discs as the recovery media, DO NOT remove the disc from the drive until

prompted to do so.

13. For suspected hard disk drive issues, refer to “Diagnosing problems” on page 181 and run

diagnostic test of the drive prior to calling the Customer Support Center. If your computer does

not start up, download the ﬁles to create a bootable self-test media from the following Web site at

http://www.lenovo.com/hddtest. Run the test and record any messages or error codes. If the test

returns any failing error codes or messages, call the Customer Support Center with the codes or

messages and the computer in front of you. A technician will assist you further.

175