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Lenovo ThinkPad T520 (English) User Guide - Page 245

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 227 • "Troubleshooting" on page 228 Diagnosing problems If you experience problems with your computer, use diagnostic solutions as a starting point for solving them. Depending on the preinstalled operating system and the date when your computer was manufactured, Lenovo provides one of the following diagnostic solutions: • Lenovo Solution Center: See "Using the Lenovo Solution Center program" on page 227. • Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox: See "Using the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program" on page 227. • Web-based diagnostic solutions: See "Using the Lenovo Support Web site" on page 228. 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/diagnose. 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 111. To run the Lenovo Solution Center program, see "Accessing applications in Windows 7" on page 23. 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 the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program 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. If the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program is available on your computer, do either of the following to run the program: • For Window 7: Click Start ➙ Control Panel ➙ System and Security ➙ Lenovo - System Healthy and Diagnostics. • For Windows XP and Windows Vista: Click Start ➙ All programs ➙ ThinkVantage ➙ Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox. © Copyright Lenovo 2012 227

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, and indicators	19
Front view	20
Right-side view	24
Left-side view	26
Bottom view	28
Rear view	30
Status indicators	32
Locating important product information	35
Machine type and model label	35
FCC ID and IC Certification number label	36
Certificate of Authenticity label	37
Features	38
Specifications	39
Operating environment	40
ThinkVantage Technologies and software	40
Accessing applications in Windows 7	41
Access Connections	42
Active Protection System	42
Client Security Solution	43
Color Sensor Utility	43
Fingerprint Software	43
Lenovo Solution Center	43
Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools	44
Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox	44
Message Center Plus	44
Password Manager	45
Power Manager	45
Recovery Media	45
Presentation Director	45
Rescue and Recovery	45
SimpleTap	46
System Update	46
ThinkVantage GPS	46
ThinkVantage Productivity Center	46
Chapter 2. Using your computer	47
Register your computer	47
Frequently asked questions	47
Special keys and buttons	49
ThinkVantage button	49
Numeric keypad	50
Function key combinations	51
Volume and mute buttons	54
Windows key and Application key	56
Using the UltraNav pointing device	57
Using the TrackPoint pointing device	58
Using the touch pad	59
Behavior of the UltraNav and an external mouse	60
Adding the UltraNav icon to the system tray	60
Touch panel	61
Power management	62
Checking battery status	62
Using the ac power adapter	62
Charging the battery	63
Maximizing battery life	63
Managing your battery power	63
Power-saving modes	63
Handling the battery	65
Connecting to the network	67
Ethernet connections	67
Wireless connections	67
Using the built-in modem	75
Presentations and multimedia	95
Changing display settings	95
Connecting a projector or external display	96
Setting up a presentation	100
Using dual displays	101
Using the NVIDIA Optimus Graphics feature	102
Using a color profile	103
Using audio features	103
Using an integrated camera	104
Using the ThinkLight feature	105
Using the optical drive	105
Using the media card reader	105
Inserting an ExpressCard, a flash media card, or a smart card	106
Removing an ExpressCard, a flash media card, or a smart card	107
Chapter 3. You and your computer	109
Accessibility and comfort	109
Ergonomic information	109
Adjusting your computer to fit you	110
Accessibility information	111
FullScreen Magnifier function	111
Traveling with your computer	112
Travel tips	112
Travel accessories	112
Chapter 4. Security	115
Attaching a mechanical lock	115
Using passwords	115
Passwords and sleep (standby) mode	116
Typing passwords	116
Power-on password	116
Hard disk passwords	117
Supervisor password	119
Hard disk security	121
Setting the security chip	122
Using a fingerprint reader	123
Notice on deleting data from your hard disk drive or solid state	127
Using and understanding firewalls	127
Protecting data against viruses	127
Chapter 5. Recovery overview	129
Creating and using recovery media	129
Creating recovery media	130
Using recovery media	130
Performing backup and recovery operations	131
Performing a backup operation	131
Performing a recovery operation	131
Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace	132
Creating and using a rescue medium	133
Creating a rescue medium	133
Using a rescue medium	134
Reinstalling preinstalled applications and device drivers	134
Solving recovery problems	135
Chapter 6. Replacing devices	137
Static electricity prevention	137
Replacing the battery	137
Replacing the backup battery	142
Replacing the hard disk drive	144
Replacing the keyboard	148
Replacing memory	153
Replacing memory (T520 and T520i)	153
Increasing or replacing memory (W520)	157
Installing and replacing the mSATA solid state drive	166
Installing and replacing the PCI Express Mini Card for wireless	169
Installing and replacing the PCI Express Mini Card for wireless	178
Replacing the SIM card	182
Replacing the solid state drive	184
Replacing the Ultrabay device	188
Chapter 7. Enhancing your computer	189
Finding ThinkPad options	189
Using the serial Ultrabay enhanced	189
Performing a hot swap	189
Performing a warm swap	190
Inserting the hard disk drive into the adapter	192
Inserting the hard disk drive adapter into the bay	194
ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3,	195
Front view	196
Rear view	199
Attaching a ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, ThinkPad Mini Doc	203
Detaching a ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, ThinkPad Mini Doc	206
Security feature	208
Using the system lock key	210
Chapter 8. Advanced configuration	211
Installing a new operating system	211
Before you begin	211
Installing Windows 7	212
Installing Windows Vista	213
Installing Windows XP	214
Installing device drivers	217
Installing the driver for 4-in-1 media card reader	217
Installing the driver for USB 3.0	217
Installing ThinkPad Monitor File for Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7	217
ThinkPad Setup	219
Config menu	220
Date and time menu	221
Security menu	221
Startup menu	222
Restart menu	224
ThinkPad Setup items	224
Updating your system UEFI BIOS	234
Using system management	235
System management	235
Setting management features	236
Chapter 9. Preventing problems	239
General tips for preventing problems	239
Making sure device drivers are current	240
Getting the latest drivers from the Web site	240
Getting the latest drivers using System Update	240
Taking care of your computer	240
Cleaning the cover of your computer	243
Chapter 10. Troubleshooting computer problems	245
Diagnosing problems	245
Troubleshooting	246
Computer stops responding	246
Spills on the keyboard	247
Error messages	247
Errors without messages	249
Beep errors	250
Memory problems	251
Modem and networking	251
Keyboard and other pointing devices	258
Display and multimedia devices	259
Fingerprint reader problems	269
Battery and power	269
Drives and other storage devices	273
Software problems	275
Ports and connectors	275
Chapter 11. Getting support	277
Before you contact Lenovo	277
Register your computer	277
Download system updates	277
Record information	277
Getting help and service	278
Using diagnostic programs	278
Lenovo Support Web site	278
Calling Lenovo	278
Purchasing additional services	279
Appendix A. Regulatory information	281
Wireless related information	281
Location of the UltraConnect wireless antennas	282
Locating wireless regulatory notices	283
Export classification notice	283
Electronic emission notices	283
Federal Communications Commission Declaration of Conformity	284
Industry Canada Class B emission compliance statement	284
European Union - Compliance to the Electromagnetic Compatibility	284
German Class B compliance statement	285
Korea Class B compliance statement	285
Japan VCCI Class B compliance statement	285
Japan compliance statement for products which connect to the pow	285
Lenovo product service information for Taiwan	286
Appendix B. WEEE and recycling statements	287
Important WEEE Information	287
Battery recycling information for Japan	287
Battery recycling information for Brazil	288
Battery recycling information for Taiwan	288
Battery recycling information for European Union	289
Battery recycling information for United States and Canada	289
Appendix C. Notices	291
Trademarks	292
Appendix D. Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)	293
China RoHS	293
Turkish RoHS	293
Ukraine RoHS	293

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 227

•

“Troubleshooting” on page 228

Diagnosing problems

If you experience problems with your computer, use diagnostic solutions as a starting point for solving them.

Depending on the preinstalled operating system and the date when your computer was manufactured,

Lenovo provides one of the following diagnostic solutions:

•

Lenovo Solution Center: See “Using the Lenovo Solution Center program” on page 227.

•

Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox: See “Using the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program” on page 227.

•

Web-based diagnostic solutions: See “Using the Lenovo Support Web site” on page 228.

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/diagnose.

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 111.

To run the Lenovo Solution Center program, see “Accessing applications in Windows 7” on page 23.

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 the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program

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.

If the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program is available on your computer, do either of the following to

run the program:

•

For Window 7: Click

Start

➙

Control Panel

➙

System and Security

➙

Lenovo - System Healthy

and Diagnostics

•

For Windows XP and Windows Vista: Click

Start

➙

All programs

➙

ThinkVantage

➙

Lenovo

ThinkVantage Toolbox

227